How to Create an Eye-Catching Makeup Look While Wearing a Mask

Wearing a face mask in public has become the new normal, and this new daily addition is seriously messing with our beauty routines. (Anyone else end up with lipstick all over their face lately?) However, just because we wear a face mask doesn't mean we need to give up on makeup altogether. 

“We can keep ourselves and others safe by wearing masks and we can still wear makeup on our faces, especially if it’s going to make you feel better and cheer you up,” Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen lead makeup artist Caroline Blanchard said. (You may also recognize her work on Sonja Morgan for the The Real Housewives of New York City Season 12 reunion.) In fact, this can be the perfect time to try new things and “really showcase your eyes," she said.

Below, Caroline shares some of her favorite tips and tricks to create eye-catching makeup looks while still wearing a mask. 

"I would stay away from heavy full-coverage face foundation — between the mask, heat, and a heavy foundation, all I can imagine are clogged pores and you don’t want your face to break out," she says. Instead, Caroline suggests trying light to medium coverage products like Thrive Causmetics Buildable Blur CC Cream or It Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+. To set your foundation, Caroline recommends a loose powder like Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder.
 
“Face powder is also a great substitute for liquid foundation (depending on your skin type), and that’s something you can easily reapply when you remove your mask for outdoor dining,” she explains. Caroline's favorite: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Powder.

For those who just want something to blur the appearance of pores and help control shine without any additional color, Caroline suggests It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Setting Powder.

"Your concealer will take center stage when it comes to mask-friendly makeup,” Caroline says. But before adding it on, you’ll want to add an appropriate color corrector to neutralize dark circles she shares. "If you’re dealing with brown darkness, you will want a light peachy to orange color corrector. If you have purplish dark circles, you will want to add a light-yellow based corrector. If you have redness around your eyes, green is the best corrector," she explains. Her go-to brand: L.A. Girl. "They have a great variety of color correctors."
 
Pro tip: "You can also use a dry matte lip color to color correct. I turn to my Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Palette to create the best color corrector for my clients and even myself. The matte formula helps prevent the corrector from moving around as you add your concealer on top."

"We can all have some fun with our eyes for any occasion during these crazy times — if even just to post a picture on Instagram," Caroline says.
 
Try switching out your classic black eyeliner for a colorful eye pencil. “Use it on your top lash line and wing it out or use it on your lower lash line as a tight line of color. You can also add it beneath the lash line and smoke it out with a small buff makeup brush.” Her top picks: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil, Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil, and Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayons. "They are smear-proof after you let them set and all these brands have a wonderful assortment of bold to subtle colors — whatever intrigues your palette."

Pro tip: "If you have a colorful mask you can get inspired by the shades on your mask." (Looking for a vibrant mask? Caroline suggests checking out Milda Bublys Designs and BhavanaBoutique for bold and bright designs in various sizing.)

Photo: Caroline Blanchard

(Mask: BhavanaBoutique)

"Adding some false eyelashes can and will take your eyes to the next level. Whether you choose to wear eyeshadow or not, a faux lash will always stand out.” For dramatic and playful options Caroline suggests Lashed Forever, Lashaholics, Huda Beauty Lashes, or Lilly Lashes. For something a bit more minimal, Caroline recommends Ardell Lashes. "They have super natural lash options you can use for more prominence without feeling over-dramatic — for the days you don’t want to sport your Real Housewife glam look."
 
Pro tip: "Add loose setting powder onto your lashes to help mascara latch on for a fuller lash look.”

“Lips are the trickiest in the masked world we are living in,” says Caroline. If you must wear lipstick, she suggests opting for an "all day-wear matte" formula. "Be sure to check on your lip lines throughout the day — moisture can smear your lip lines."

Another option is to wait until you get to your destination and apply your lipstick or gloss once you are able to remove your masks.

Last, if you’ve fallen victim to lipstick getting all over your face and mask one too many times, a simple lip balm may be the way to go. "I suggest Laneige: They have an amazing line of lip balm products with delicious flavors and scents that are all natural and won't stain your mask."