Learning how to create a long-lasting makeup base is a skill that’ll forever come in handy.
And with mask-wearing a pretty regular occurrence for most of us right now, the struggle of foundation that slips, slides and disappears is real. Not to mention the threat of our new friend ‘maskne’ is always looming, meaning the ingredients in our makeup products are more important than ever to ensure the skin stays happy.
So if your current routine isn’t cutting it, here are a few adjustments and key tips that’ll help you nail a natural and glowing complexion that’s comfortable and long-lasting.
Prep and prime for your skin type
Primers are made to aid the longevity of your base makeup and they’re only going to do a better job if you choose a formula that’s best suited to your skin type.
One of our favourite primers of all time is the Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer Smooth and Nourish. And now, there are three new formulas in the range that tackle different skin concerns to provide a finish that’s catered to your complexion: Perfecting Primer Blur And Mattify, Hydrate And Illuminate, and Correct And Even.
Even better news? They’re all silicone-free so you don’t have to worry about debris becoming trapped in your pores and causing congestion – a real concern if you’re wearing a mask all day.
Pair your primer with a flattering foundation
With your primer putting in the hard work to provide a smooth canvas, choosing the right foundation to follow is also key. Below you’ll find some of the perfect partners in crime for the finish and coverage you desire.
For a matte finish:Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer Blur and Mattify
Ideal for: Oily and combination skin
Pair it with: Nude by Nature Flawless Liquid Foundation
Apply it: With your fingers or brush, focus the application of the primer on areas prone to shine (like the forehead, chin and nose AKA the T-zone) and blend outwards. The soft focus finish will help to absorb excess oil and diffuse the appearance of pores. Allow it to dry down before following with foundation. The Flawless Liquid Foundation is best applied with a dense buffing brush, using quick circular motions.
For a luminous finish: Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer Hydrate and Illuminate
Ideal for: Normal to dry skin
Pair it with:Luminous Sheer Liquid Foundation
Apply it: Apply the primer all over the face, paying attention to massage into any particularly dry patches, such as around the corners of the nose. The all-natural formula contains hyaluronic acid and olive oil to help hydrate, while the light-reflecting pearls provide a luminous glow. The Luminous Sheer Liquid Foundation can be layered straight over the top, for a dewy and healthy-looking finish.
For an even, semi-matte finish: Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer Correct and Even
Ideal for: Skin prone to redness or uneven tone
Pair it with:Natural Mineral Cover Radiant Loose Powder Foundation
Apply it: Sweep and blend the primer from the centre of the face outwards, focusing application where any discolouration occurs. The tinted green colour will help to neutralise redness and counteract the appearance of dark spots, while vitamin E and olive oil soothe stressed skin. Allow it to dry down for a few seconds before following with the Loose Powder Foundation, which is best buffed into skin using gentle circular motions. The formula covers redness and pigmentation while feeling weightless on the skin.
Seal everything with a spritz
Once your base is in place, you can really amp up its longevity by finishing with an all-over mist of setting spray.
Nude by Nature’s Natural Setting Spray is made from 100 per cent natural ingredients and contains zero alcohol, so you can extend the wear of your makeup minus any drying effects.
In fact, it’s so lightweight and moisturising, we highly recommend carrying it with you for a post-mask refresh. Simply spritz and pat your foundation back into place – though if you follow our other tips above, you should be sorted for hours.
I’m using now some serum that mattifies my skin, and on top I pop on bb cream, love it for fast and great finish blurred out effect.
The Blur & Mattify would be something I’d love to try when I’m using a liquid foundation. Love that there’s no silicons – mwah!
I really want to try Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer Hydrate and Illuminate. Otherwise, I have been trying to give my skin a break from makeup when I am wearing a mask.
NBN Flawless Liquid Foundation is a mainstay that I like to use with the new NBN primer I got in the natural beauty box – hydrate and illuminate (thanks BH and NBN).
I just use a BB Cream when I go to work and have to wear a mask. I dont really have any issues with it.
Love this brand
Since wearing a mask for most of the day including at work I haven’t been wearing any makeup. My skin just can’t breathe and I think wearing make up will just make my skin worse.
Absolutely love Nude by Nature 🙂 Such an awesome brand.
I haven’t worn makeup when I’ve worn a mask.
I think the makeup rubs off onto the mask, doesn’t it?
I avoid wearing makeup when I have to wear a mask as my skin will definitely breakout
When we first had to wear masks I was going into the office still so I wore makeup too, and that totally messed up my skin. Now I work from home and am makeup free and loving it!
I disliked the NbN flawless liquid foundation.
I’ve been wearing makeup to work, but playing with my eye makeup more. I still wear lippy though, as I still need to get through my stash and I need to keep my lips moisturised as I get cracked lips in Winter.
I’ve never tried any of these products. I wear makeup nearly everyday, but I’ve never worn heavy foundation. I usually wear a light tinted moisturiser, and since we’ve had to wear masks I’ve been very light handed with it. If I’m not going out, I don’t even bother to put it on at all.
Went out for some food shopping wearing makeup. Realised when I got home what a waste of time that was.
Yes I know what you are saying cityglenda but I still feel better putting my make-up on.
No make up here. I rarely go out and when I do I don’t stay out any longer than needed.
Not bothering with makeup atm. I have to wear a surgical mask for work and they are very hot and sweaty. I would end up eating the mu
I mix a bit of Nude by Nature tinted BB cream with my suncream and a bit of the La Roche Posay tinted BB cream together. So far works a treat and no maskne!
I usually wear NbN mineral powder, but not since I’ve been wearing masks.
I agree, cityglenda! I’ve just been wearing sunscreen & eye makeup since the pandemic started.
I have just been making sure to keep my skincare in check if anything I’ll wear a tinted spf.
No make up for me under my masks as I change from surgical to N95 for work . Make up would melt off on me
Kate Middleton the Duchess of Cambridge always looks beautiful and Nude by Nature such a good Foundation and Primer is the key. Never wear much makeup under masks other than a little bit of Lip Balm.
I’m just sticking with skincare, sunscreen and mascara. I can’t see the point in wearing anything else because I only go for a walk or to shop for groceries.
Lip balm to nourish is all that is needed (under the mask) these days
I’ve ended up with lipstick on a few masks.
no point wearing makeup under mask unless i want breakouts and congestion, no oe going to see me so who cares
Having to wear masks all day at work, these days it’s just moisturiser, eye cream, a swirl of nude by nature’s mineral powder around the eyes and mascara.
Thankfully I never wear foundation and I refrain from wearing lipstick while wearing a mask as you will end up with it all over the inside of the mask and nobody can see it anyway. I’m actually surprised at how soft my lips have been after not wearing lipstick for over 1 month, well I did wear it once on a Zoom meeting.
Looking forward to buying the correct and even primer for under make-up. I’m using more lip balm than ever before, not only because of the winter weather but also due to the wearing of masks – lipstick smudged on the mask not a good look. Still wear make-up underneath, though!
An interesting idea…. But I can’t see the point of getting made up if no one sees it…
i still put my makeup on when i went to work and wore a mask, it just made me feel good
I’m wearing all the shades I don’t like under my mask. I won’t throw stuff out because of the waste, and this is a great way to use it all up without it being visible.
I like the sound of the hydrating and illuminating primer 🙂
This perfecting primer is fantastic and light weight on the skin.
Interesting article. Will look into setting sprays
Haven’t been wearing makeup at all if I have to wear a mask somewhere. If I’m going out I only do eye makeup, concealer and lip balm. No point wearing thick foundation or lipsticks that are just going to end up on your mask and cause break outs. I love the NBN mineral powder though and can’t live without it
It’s been so long I haven’t worn any make up. Though I really want to.
Make up is of no use with a mask, I just moisturize and apply sun screen, the only make up I use these days is an eye liner.
Nude by Nature primers are really good.
Yeah I love that there’s no silicons!
I quite like Nude by Nature but decided not to wear makeup when masks are compulsory.
Wow, I didn’t realise that, thank you.
I don’t apply any makeup around where my mask is going to be for two reasons:
That’s one of the best things about wearing masks – NOT having to wear foundation!
No probs Diamah! : ) You are very welcome.
I am wearing BB cream and a nude colour eye shadow and mascara and saving myself 15 minutes in the morning beauty routine.
So did I, perthchick – in the early days of the pandemic. I haven’t worn lipstick since then & I really miss it! I can’t wait to wear lippy again!
Yes wearing a mask is awful. One looks a bit like a bank robber. Try putting a hat on as well.