Do coronavirus face masks spell the END of lipstick? Experts reveal the new ways to wear make-up while covering up – including dramatic eyes and long-wear foundation
- With more people wearing masks, makeup looks might need to be reconsidered
- Beauty expert Alison Young, of London, says we should ’emphasise our eyes’
- Three key elements to this look are ‘a strong lash, eyeliner and defined brows’
- Vicky King, a professional makeup artist for 17 years and owner of Liverpool based Glamorama Makeup, says using a long-lasting foundation is now essential
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
With many people taking the precaution of covering up with a facek mask as lockdown restrictions ease, it begs the question of how to showcase your make-up when half your face is covered.
While many women in need of a pick-me-up might have previously donned a new shade of lipstick to brighten up their day, it looks like bold eyeshadows and mascaras will now take centre stage.
Although not compulsary, the UK government has advised people in England to wear masks in situations where social distancing is not possible, such as public transport.
Beauty expert Alison Young, from London, says people should now ’emphasise their eyes’ with a ‘strong lash, eyeliner and defined brows’ and insists that ‘you can create a lovely, fresh, and natural look by shading the area with your bronzer and blusher’.
Vicky King, a professional makeup artist for 17 years and owner of Liverpool-based Glamorama Makeup, added that a long-lasting foundation and avoiding adding extra oils to your face is now essential.
Here, Femail speaks to the the beauty experts to find out how to create a glamorous look while wearing a face mask
Beauty enthusiast Shereen Cummings, who works in a hospital, said: ‘Make-up makes me feel fresh and confident, the only way to start the day.’ She finds the best look when wearing a mask involves thick eyeliner and a vibrant colour drawn underneath the eye
Vicky King (pictured), a professional makeup artist for 17 years and owner of Liverpool-based Glamorama Makeup, advises creating a smokey look on the eyes, teamed with defined brows and false lashes for added impact
Will COVID-19 bring the end of the Lipstick index?
Traditionally, in periods of financial insecurity, lipstick sales go up – with the well-known phenomenon suggesting that women buy less-expensive luxury goods in tough economic times.
It’s an idea for which Leonard Lauder, son of Estée and chairman of Estée Lauder Companies, coined the term the ‘Lipstick Index’ in the early 2000s.
But as the coronavirus pandemic sees an increase in mask wearing, the desire for women to comfort themselves by buying lipstick could be far behind us.
Beauty Expert and Broadcaster Alison Young says: ‘Lipstick sales generally take a dip in summer and I think we will see a further decrease due to COVID-19 and the necessity to wear masks.’
However, Alison, of London, insists ‘lipstick will never die’.
‘Lipstick is part of the makeup ritual and despite having to wear masks when we travel and go to work, people will still want to wear lipstick at home during video calls and when restrictions are eased and more socially distanced gatherings can take place.’
Vicky King, a professional makeup artist for 17 years and owner of Liverpool-based Glamorama Makeup added: ‘Women wear lipstick and other makeup to boost their confidence. This is why in times of crisis cosmetic companies historically do well.
‘People will continue to purchase cosmetics because it is an act of self-care. Just because we’re at home or wearing a mask doesn’t mean that we don’t want to look and feel our best every day.
‘Even if we’re wearing masks to work, we will still want to put our best face forward. The simple act of applying makeup can immediately boost confidence and make you feel ready to take on the world.
‘Even during lockdown, I have been regularly doing my makeup. It makes me feel so much better about myself and puts me in the frame of mind to work.’
1. Use a long-wearing foundation
Vicky said a long-wearing foundation with a matte formula is now a must, so that a base stays flawless even when wearing a covering over your face.
‘Dewy, moisturising formulas are more likely to rub off during the day, especially if you are wearing a mask,’ she explained. ‘Matte formulas absorb excess oil so your foundation will not go shiny or have any patchiness break through.
‘After you’ve applied your skincare routine, allow 20 minutes or so for the products to sink in. I then recommend that you prime your skin so your foundation has something to grab on to and so that it goes on smoothly and evenly.
‘Primers not only make your foundation last longer, they make your skin look smoother, younger, and more even toned. Use a brush or damp beauty sponge to apply your foundation. Don’t use your fingers because this will add excess oils and affect the longevity of the product.
‘Full coverage concealers tend to be longer wearing but be careful not to apply with a heavy hand. These high coverage formulas may crease under the eyes or sit in fine lines, so apply with a brush in thin layers.
‘Set your base with powder to make it even longer lasting. I prefer to use loose powders because you can really pack the product on, especially in areas where makeup might disappear or go shiny during the day. You can also use a powder compact or blotting papers to touch up any areas that need it throughout the day.’
2. Use your bronzer to emphasise your eyes
Makeup expert Alison insisted people should now be shifting the focus to their eyes.
Top tips for reinventing your makeup look when wearing face masks
1. Use a long-wearing foundation
2. Use bronzer to emphasise your eyes
3. Opt for bold colours
4. Wear fake lashes for extra emphasis
5. Highlight the tops of cheekbones
6. Choose a long wearing liquid lipstick
7. Setting spray is essential
8. Clean your skin more often
She explained: ‘Masks cover the lower half of your face so shifting the focus of your makeup upwards and emphasising your eyes is the best way to showcase your makeup.
‘A strong lash, eyeliner and defined brows are the three key components for a beautiful eye makeup look, for all ages. For those with more mature and ageing skin, focus on shading rather than shadowing the eyes.
‘Mature skin tends to be dry which means too much shadow can emphasise fine lines and wrinkles, as well as overpowering the eye area. Plus, eyeshadow works better in the winter light as the bright, summer sunlight can make darker and bolder shadows appear too harsh.’
‘You can create a lovely, fresh, and natural eye look by shading the area with your bronzer and blusher. Use your bronzer to shade along the socket line and then lightly sweep your blusher across the lids for a neutral, youthful shadow that blends with the rest of your makeup and still makes the eyes pop.’
3. Focus on your eyes by wearing bold colours
Vicky (pictured wearing one of the bold looks she suggests. It includes a block colour eyeshadow and a ‘gel-based eyeliner to create a flick which will feel very modern’
4. Try wearing fake lashes for added emphasis on your eyes
Fake lashes are also a great way to make your eyes more attention-grabbing, according to Vicky.
‘Try wearing strip or cluster lashes for added emphasis on your eyes,’ she suggested. ‘I begin with applying mascara to top and bottom lashes. Make sure that it isn’t too thick or clumpy.
‘Apply a thin layer of glue along the band of the lash and leave for 30 seconds or until the glue is nearly dry. Using tweezers, drop the lashes onto the centre of your lash line, and then attach each corner.
‘It takes some practice, but lashes really do finish off a gorgeous eye look. If needed, apply more mascara to blend the false lashes into your natural lashes. You may also need to add more eyeliner to hide the band of the lashes.
‘Cluster lashes are applied with tweezers and take much more time than strip lashes. Dip the end in the glue and pop the cluster on to the lash and not the skin. Go from left to right so that you apply them evenly. Build them up until you are happy with the look. You can gently apply mascara afterwards if necessary.’
Makeup enthusiast Roisin Carr works in A&E and has worn makeup every single day during her job, under all of the PPE. She said: ‘Wearing my makeup gives me confidence and power! It’s like my war paint for the day.’ Roisin (pictured above) also opts for a dark and daring eye look when wearing a mask
5. Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones
Highlighting makes your face look more defined and gives radiance to your skin, Vicky claimed.
She added: ‘You look like you are well lit when it is applied correctly. I suggest applying to the tops of your cheekbones towards your temples and also along your brow bone to lift your face.
‘Pop a little highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes. This instantly brightens up your eyes and makes you look younger and more awake. I would recommend using a powder highlighter, which will have better staying power while you are wearing a mask.
‘Buff on to your skin using a small brush so you can control where the light reflects, make sure to hit high points of the face. Think of where you would like the light to hit your face in a photograph and go for those areas. Choose powders that are more luminous rather than glittery as this will give you a glowing from within effect.’
6. Choose a long wearing liquid lipstick
While lipstick might be off the shopping list for some, Vicky suggested opting for a long-wearing one when buying any.
Vicky said: ‘If you are wearing lipstick, choose a long wearing liquid lipstick that won’t rub off on your mask. Your lips will need to be lovely and smooth before applying this type of lipstick.
‘Exfoliate them with a wet flannel or soft child’s toothbrush to remove any dry flaky skin. Do not apply lip balm immediately before your lip colour as it will not set to a long wearing finish.
‘I always pop some lip balm on my clients at the beginning of their makeup so that it has time to soak in before we get to their lips.
‘As we get older, we lose definition on our lip line, so you may want to use a lip pencil to redefine that shape. Then apply the long wearing liquid lipstick and allow to dry before eating, drinking, or wearing your mask.
‘To remove long wearing lipsticks, I recommend using an oil based makeup remover or good old vaseline. This will get the colour off of your lips and also hydrate them. You will want to apply lip balm afterwards to keep the skin supple.’
Businesswoman and makeup enthusiast Francesca Manca (pictured) opts for bold eyeliner when wearing her floral mask, but insists that lipstick is still a very important part of her routine. She said: ‘It empowers me, and lifts me up on a bad day. Using the mask was just another test for my non-transfer, long lasting lipstick cream’
7. Setting spray will be essential
Vicky explained: ‘When wearing a mask to work you will need your makeup to be bulletproof. Setting spray will be essential to stop your makeup from sweating off beneath your mask.
‘It is my secret weapon for weddings and other events where makeup needs to last 12 hours or longer.
‘There are many types of setting sprays, choose one that best suits your skin type. I sometimes spray a makeup sponge with setting spray and blot over areas of the face where makeup tends to disappear, like the nose and chin. This will give it extra staying power.
‘Whatever you do, do not use hairspray! I cannot even begin to tell you how bad that is for your skin. The chemicals in hairspray will dry your face and cause further irritation. Go for the setting spray instead, they are made to be used on delicate facial skin.’
8. Clean your skin more often
Vicky warned: ‘Be sure to look after your skin as wearing masks can cause breakouts. Double cleanse after you’ve removed your makeup to be sure that your pores have been properly cleansed.
‘Don’t overstrip the skin with alcohol-based toners. Instead, opt for calming formulations containing lavender or rosewater which will soothe and replenish the skin.
‘Using a facial oil such as rosehip seed at night will help the skin to repair and lock in hydration without making the skin greasy. Follow with your favourite cream, and don’t forget to hydrate under your eyes with an eye cream.
‘Many people who wear masks have experienced irritation around their mouth and chin, so be especially gentle with the skin in that area. Being behind a mask creates a damp environment which can cause redness and irritation. Your skin will need some extra TLC.’
Source: Read Full Article
