While much of the world has returned to maskless interaction, Hongkongers continue to tuck our mugs securely beneath the protection of masks. While inarguably necessary at this crucial time, masks wreak havoc on a beautifully made-up face. Patchy foundation, smudged lipstick, streaked mascara and smeared blush – and inevitably a stained mask – are revealed every time you peel off your face covering ahead of lunch or a Zoom call.

The mask factor coupled with rising temperatures call for makeup that stays in place, so look for products that won’t blotch, rub or melt into a horrendous disaster no matter the sweat, tears or face-mask friction. Here, we’ve curated a set of top smudge-proof cosmetics that will save your face and leave you with a fresh glow.

Foundation

Starting on a clean, primed face, apply Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation. The British makeup brand formulates its foundation with exclusive ingredients including Replexium – a fusion of two patented peptides – MossCellTec (derived from moss) and AirCool (menthol), which work to even skin tone, reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, and hydrate the epidermis for a refreshing start to your morning routine.

The coverage feels weightless, has all-day staying power and boasts up to 24 hours of moisturising benefits. This sweat-, water- and smudge-proof liquid foundation arrives in 44 shades for a flawless airbrush finish.

Concealer

To cover any imperfections that might hint at flared pores, sleepless nights or signs of ageing, vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand Hourglass proffers the Vanish Airbrush Concealer. Doing just as it says, this liquid concealer makes those unwanted features disappear. Its formula contains innovative microspherical powders, and its lightweight application feels as satisfying as its outcome.

Use a brush, sponge or fingertip to dab on a minimal amount on the targeted area; a little product goes a long way, ensuring buildable coverage, crease-resistant finish and blurring of dark circles and blemishes for up to 16 hours.

Blush

Next, add a modest, natural flush with the help of Watercolour Liquid Cheek Colour by acclaimed UK makeup artist Daniel Sandler. In a range of neutral, pink and orange shades, the oil-free, silicone-based tint of this waterproof blush builds upon each swipe while remaining resistant to smearing. Its liquid form feels comfortable and familiar when applied to the skin, and it imparts a youthful luminosity to your cheeks that lasts throughout the day.

 

Also Read: Spring Skincare: Ultimate tips for the best glow this season

 

There is nothing that calls attention to one’s emotions and demeanour quite like perfectly applied eye makeup. The eyes are indeed the focal points of your whole look in these times of constant mask wearing.

Eyeshadow

First up, invest in a new must-have for the lids from Supergoop!. Known for its SPF-rich sun-care products, the Texas-based brand delivers the first eyeshadow with SPF 30. Shielding the eyelids from harmful UV rays, Shimmershade SPF 30 comes in four glowing hues of increasing intensity, from First Light to Sunset.

Now that most of our face lies hidden behind a mask and out of sight from the sun, this long-wearing creamy shadow provides overdue safeguarding for our eyes. A hybrid mix of mineral and clean chemical active ingredients keeps the peepers protected as well as pretty. Blending is seamless and there’s no creasing, flaking or fading; just swipe with a finger across the lids and pat to set.

Eyeliner

For added definition, take American cosmetic brand Urban Decay’s Perversion Waterproof Fine-Point Eye Pen and trace the lids with a feminine thin line, seductive cat’s eye or edgy open-wing style. Featuring a flexible brush tip for those tricky, ultra-fine flicks, the formula ensures a quick-dry, waterproof and sweat-proof application so you can go from morning in the office to virtual meetings in the afternoon to an evening tête-à-tête with no touch-up required.

Mascara

To round off the eyes with dramatic effect, we recommend French luxury house Givenchy’s Noir Couture Waterproof Mascara, a nifty four-action product that adds volume to, curls, strengthens and lengthens lashes. With the brand’s exclusive Lash Booster Expert Complex, the mascara secures a smudge-free, long-lasting flutter that is not only waterproof but also nourishing, fortifying and protective of those precious little hairs. Brush from base to tip in a single stroke for overall lushness.
Setting Spray and Lipstick

Setting Spray

To make sure the products you have applied stay in place, use a vegan-formula setting spray by the vibrantly youthful NYX Professional Makeup. The Dewy Finish Setting Spray is a good choice that won’t let your makeup run down – there will be no fading, melting, smudging or sweating away, thanks to its light, fresh, all-day glowing and hydrating formula.

Lipstick

Finally, finish with a lipstick that puts a confident smile on the face. Huda Beauty’s Liquid Matte Ultra-Comfort Transfer-Proof Lipstick offers 16 vegan-friendly matte colours that suit any skin tone and outfit. The comfortably light liquid formula boasts the cult brand’s Lip L.O.V.E nutrient- and fatty acid-rich complex that treats the lips with moisturising benefits, as well as protecting them with the effects of antioxidants. Bragging a long-wear staying power, you can whip off your mask to reveal healthy, supple lips when the occasion – and restrictions – allow.

 

Also Read: Five skincare ingredients that will protect the skin from sunburn