Agony Al: Mask Proof Makeup
Make it stand out
I’m a lipstick lesbian, lipgloss afficianado and was born and raised in Liverpool, the most glamorous city in the world. I went from using makeup to hide my identity on a council estate, to using it to help people embrace theirs on set as a professional makeup artist. From scouse brow to high brow, I’ve got makeup knowledge spilling from my chemically exfoliated, primed and powdered pores.
The best thing about makeup is that there are no rules, but that’s also what can make it so daunting. What the hell is colour correcting? Does primer make a difference? Are beauty influencers actually telling the truth? Whether you’re a beauty beginner or have consumed makeup content since the dawn of the internet (people that have a MakeupAlley account and can remember Lauren Luke qualify for veteran’s discount), navigating makeup can be a minefield and we all need a little bit of help sometimes. That’s where I come in…
With my five years in the industry, and as somebody that’s had my very own beauty disasters - most notably on national television, I feel very qualified to answer yours.
Got a burning beauty question? Ask Agony Al!
You Asked: how can I mask proof my makeup?
After a year and a half inside, we’re finally getting a taste of freedom but with the R rate rising, new variants cropping up and even the UK’ s health secretary showing he’d rather get his dick wet than keep the general public safe, it doesn’t seem like masks are going anywhere. Thankfully, with the right application, neither will ya beat.
The most important steps to mask proofing your makeup happens before you’ve applied any at all: PREP. IS. KEY. You’ll need moisturiser, loose setting powder and, most importantly, a setting spray. Transfer proof makeup is powder heavy and matte, so the right prep is essential to prevent you from looking like the crypt keeper.
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Step one: Moisturise!
Start by applying your usual moisturiser. This might seem counterintuitive, as moisture can lead to oil, which leads to transfer and so on -- but actually, keeping moisturised stops the excess oil production associated with dehydrated skin while also preventing your face from wicking foundation’s moisture, which leads to cracking.
I’m using Bioderma Sensibo Light, which is a fast absorbing but uber-hydrating moisturiser, with La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF on top.
Step two: Powder
Once you’re moisturised, take a loose powder and gently pat it on the face, concentrating on areas where your mask hits and you get most oily. Applying powder before any other product feels WRONG, but not only does it eliminate slip and give your makeup something to grip to, it also creates a barrier between your moisturiser, natural oils and foundation.
BIG “trust the process” moment! I used RCMA translucent powder with a large fluffy brush.
Step three: Setting spray
Once the powder is all over, buff it gently in and go in with a liberal spritz of a long lasting setting spray. It’s important to use a spray formulated to extend the longevity of your makeup, such as Urban Decay’s All Nighter, NYX makeup setting spray or, my personal favourite, Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, as opposed to a refreshing, hydrating spray like Mac’s Fix+.
Here’s me drenching myself in CT spray, making sure it’s dry before I move onto the next step.
Even with all that powder on, I’m still glowing. Thanks Ms. Tilbury!
Step four: Foundation
When keeping makeup mask proof, you want to use a foundation that’s at least semi-matte, with full to medium coverage. Dewier base products have a tendency to not set down, and wet products can latch onto your mask’s fibres, making for a big ol’ beige mess.
This image gives me war flashbacks to me thinking I was SERVING in school, pulling up in Dream Matte Mousse foundation with not a lick of any other makeup. Yikes!)
To avoid having to layer lots of product on to build up coverage, I take a full coverage foundation and buff it all over my face, trying to use as little as possible on the parts that will be covered by a mask. I apply the same logic to concealer application, before taking my beauty sponge and tapping it all over my face to absorb any excess product.
Step five: More powder!
Next, you want to set all your hard work in with even more powder. Taking your damp beauty sponge, load up powder on the areas your mask will hit, making sure to push it into the skin. Let that powder sit while you do other steps of your makeup like eyes or brows, then dust away with a fluffy brush and drown yourself in more setting spray.
Even more powder!
I let my powder sit while I was giving myself Charlie from Busted brows and a daytime smokey eye.
Step six: Define the face
The lower half of your face will probably now be flatter than Fergie singing the National Anthem, so bring it back into the third dimension by adding colour and shape with powder products rather than creams.
Lips are the least of your worries when it comes to mask proofing your makeup, as there’s an array of transfer resistant products on the market today. I forgo lip liner, as it can contain oils that may cause your makeup to slip, and instead opt for a matte liquid lipstick.
With blusher and bronzer my face is as interesting as Fergie cartwheeling through a high note. Is this too many Fergie references? I love Fergie!
Step seven: The finishing touches
Once your look is complete, it’s time for a final, light dusting of powder, melted into the skin with setting spray. For extra security, once everything is dry, I spray directly onto my beauty sponge and pat that all over the skin.
Voila! Mask proof makeup!
Hope ya enjoyed my first feature in the Dollhouse covering mask resistant makeup. I’ll be back in two weeks for more!
Got a question? Email us at hello@polyesterzine.com with subject line AGONY AL, or DM Polyester Zine or Lipgloss Lezza.
XOXO, Agony Al
