Makeup smudging your mask?! I know you’re looking for foundation hacks for your face mask wearing days – because I definitely am! Having all your makeup transfer onto a mask is simply icky, and I hate it. So I trialled a lot of Internet hacks, racked my brain for possible solutions and here we are. This is how to achieve that second-skin finish with my (non)sticky foundation hacks.
Here’s what we’re looking for: the best skincare and makeup routine to yield the non-stickiest and most non-transferable finish possible for mask-wearing days.
Sticky skincare hacks
If you’re looking for a smooth, silky, dry-touch finish after you’ve done your whole skincare regime, there’s just one thing that really, truly works. (In my experience, and I’ve trialled a lot of things during the last few weeks.) The Internet will tell you invariably to do the following things if you’ve experienced pilling or a build-up of products: exfoliate more (what?! No!), not to mix oil- and water-based products (mhm), and layer products from lightest to heaviest formula.
Pilling is bad and always a sign that your skincare products don’t gel (hah!) with each other. If you’re aiming for a smooth finish, here’s what I found works well:
- Less is more. Go wild on your 10-step routine in the evening, but think a tad more minimalist in the morning.
- Use light formulas, and wait between steps for them to fully absorb.
- Hyaluronic Acid is a problem child. Its larger molecules can form a layer on your skin that plays haywire with everything else you layer on top. (More here.)
- Start with a toner: your damp skin will help absorb products more easily.
- And here’s the product that’ll make or brake your routine: sunscreen. You’ll need one that’ll sink in fully with a dry-touch finish. Our recommendations: Missha Essence Sun Milk, Niod Survival 30, Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid.
Warning: no primer, setting powder or setting spray will transform a sticky layer of skincare sitting on your skin into a silky smooth canvas. NONE. (Trust me, I tried. Oh I tried.)
Foundation not sitting right?! Sticky foundation hacks
Foundation application hacks: how to make foundation less tacky
- Less is more (again): little amount of product = less chances for it to rub off inside a mask. For example: do you have to contour your nose or jaw if you’re wearing a mask anyways? Also: use less foundation in the centre of your face where your mask sits.
- Powder products all the way: lay low on your cream highlighter et al.
- A primer might help: especially if your skin tends to be oilier, a mattifying face primer can help to keep your natural oiliness in check. For combination skin like I have, I’m a bit iffy on it: does it actually help? Some products might. If you’ve got dry skin, don’t: glowy primers never set completely and mostly have that dewy finish we don’t want here.
Warning: Cushion foundations, most BB Creams and foundations with a dewy, glowy finish: just don’t. Again, no amount of primer, setting powder and spray will EVER yield a dry to the touch finish. (And yes, I tried. SO. MANY. TIMES.)
Non-transfer makeup recommendations
Primer
I’m still a bit unsure if primer really helps with keeping my foundation non-sticky and in place. I’ve used Hourglass’ Veil now a few times, and here’s what it helps with: it makes matte foundations look a little bit less lifeless, because it’s brightening like whoa. (It also gives me major ghost-face after applying.)
Foundation
We’re looking for a matte finish that nevertheless doesn’t look dead. Fenty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear is great. Its drugstore dupe, Catrice’s HD Liquid Coverage is the one I’m using right now. Benefit’s Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation is kinda in the same range: matte, with a soft focus effect.
Powder
It’s not really a surprise that I’m reaching for Nars’ Light-Reflecting Loose Setting Powder, the best face powder ever, that manages to set everything in place and still has some kind of shimmer going on that makes your skin look like real skin, and not Marie Antionette-like powdered to ghostly whiteness.
When I’ve done my whole face, my last step is applying a mattifying powder that soaks up especially the moisture under my mask. Innisfree’s no-sebum moisture powder is excellent for that purpose.
Speaking of powders: I also apply Hourglass’ Dim Light in copious amounts because it makes me look alive after I’ve done everything in my power to turn my face into the most matte mask known to men. (And women.)
Setting Spray
I use Urban Decay’s All-Nighter Setting Spray, because I’m a basic bitch, this works and it’s a bestseller for a reason.
Lipstick
Go for transfer-proof and matte. Transfer-proof (or kiss-proof) is the thing you’re looking for: enough matte formulas are not exactly transfer-proof and will rub off. Liquid lipsticks usually work better for me than regular ones. I sometimes will use a lipliner on its own: formulas like Charlotte Tilbury’s and Kiko’s are great for filling in your whole lips because they’re soft and non-dragging but kiss-proof as hell.
Liquid lipstick formulas that work for me are Maybelline’s Superstay Matte Ink and Armani’s Lip Magnets, but honestly? I might often just wear a blotted clear balm under a mask.
Here’s your non-sticky makeup routine
Layer like your life depends on it. It’s the most important sticky foundation hack. I use a small amount of setting powder after applying foundation, and repeat that after applying blush, highlighter, bronzer, what have you. After that use your setting spray. Let it dry. THEN, go in with a finishing powder. Wait a few minutes, revel in your completely non-sticky skin, and don your mask.
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
