The best smudge-proof makeup
Since we’ve been at home for almost six months, we’re probably not wearing as much makeup as we did before, and some of us have ditched makeup altogether now that half of the face is occupied by a mask.
But when you want to add a pop of color to your lips, or a shimmer to your face for meeting up with friends for a socially distanced activity, how can you ensure your makeup won’t transfer onto your mask? We talked with veteran Chicago makeup artist Cammy Kelly about the best transfer-proof products that will stay on your face even while wearing a mask.
Kelly said that products that sit on top of the skin, like a powder, easily rub off, so when looking for smudge-proof makeup, search for a stain or something that has a matte finish. “Stains won’t come off easily because they seep into your skin,” says Kelly. “Matte means there is no shimmer and don’t give you moisture, and moisture is what transfers.”
Here are seven smudgeproof makeup products to try:
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer
$32, fentybeauty.com
Primers are designed to prep and smooth out your skin before applying makeup, but can also be used on their own to minimize your pores. Kelly likes Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer because it hydrates your skin and hides your pores while soaking up excess oil on your face.
Glossier Futuredew Oil Serum Hybrid
$24, glossier.com
For a dewy look, Kelly recommends Glossier’s Futuredew primer, which is long-lasting and will help make your skin look brighter. The nongreasy and nourishing oils will give your face a hydrated look that will last up to 12 hours. Use this product as the last step in your skin care or makeup routine before heading out the door.
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain
$30, benefitcosmetics.com
A great way to add some smudge-proof color to your skin is with Benefit’s cheek and lip stain. “You can’t go wrong with this,” says
Kelly, whose favorite colors are Rose and Poppy Pink. “It looks like nail polish; you just brush a little on your cheeks and dab with your fingers. It adds just the right pop of color.”
Bare Minerals Barepro Glow Bronzer
$29, nordstrom.com
This liquid bronzer provides a sheer, naturallooking color, all while lasting up to 16 hours. Apply this bronzer in little dots with your finger in a C-shape from your cheekbones to your brow. Then blend in with a brush to create a sun-kissed, nomakeup look with a pop of shimmer that’s perfect for summer.
NARS Cosmetics Powermatte Lip Pigment $26, nordstrom.com
“NARS’ Powermatte Lip Pigment dries down instantly and is totally smudge-proof,” says Kelly. Powermatte comes in 26 shades, ranging from a barely-there pink (Call Me) to a deep, rich red-brown (Spin Me). But Kelly is a fan of the vivid orange-red shade Light My Fire.
Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
$9.49, maybelline.com
Maybelline’s Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick will stay on your lips for up to 16 hours and you don’t have to worry about it transferring onto your mask. Reviewers say this lipstick won’t budge in the heat or while eating and is perfect for any outdoor, socially distant dinner parties.
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
$33, sephora.com
For some extra assurance that your makeup will stay on your face and not on your mask, apply this cult-favorite setting spray from Urban Decay. All Nighter will not only lock in your look, it’ll also reduce shine and absorb oils. “Even if your makeup says it will last — and you’re worried that it won’t — this is a great way to make sure it will stay and hold everything together,” Kelly says.
Cammy Kelly is represented by Distinct Artists, Chicago.