If you’ve had enough of streaking your mask with a nasty flush of makeup residue, these transfer-proof makeup are your heroes.
Raise your hand if you’ve neglected your makeup in 2020. We know we have! *stares sheepishly at our makeup stash* Now that wearing face masks is the new normal, we’ve got to find a way to reintroduce some colour to our faces. We also miss our makeup routine! To get to the bottom of this, we’ve culled transfer-proof makeup that’ll stay put under our face masks – keeping Singapore’s humidity and a nasty mix of oil and sweat in mind. Plus, some crucial steps that minimise the transfer of makeup.
Best transfer-proof makeup in Singapore
Primers and setting sprays: The killer duo
You can pile on many things on your face but skip these two crucial steps and it’ll all go to shambles. A good primer and setting spray can lock in all skincare and makeup, as well as extend the lifespan of makeup.
Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Fix+
There’s a reason why this is a holy grail for many. Once you spritz on this cult favourite setting spray, you don’t have to worry about touch-ups – unless you’re taking care of that oily t-zone. In fact, we recommend carrying this around for a midday refresh.
Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Fix+, $37, available online and at various Mac counters
Becca Cosmetics First Light Priming Filter
Go in with this lightweight primer for a flattering fresh canvas that also evens out your complexion and hydrates the skin. We all love a glowy look around here and boy, does this deliver for all skin types!
Becca Cosmetics First Light Priming Filter, $59, available online and at Sephora
Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Oh, how much we love this miracle bottle… it has saved us from embarrassing melting, fading and cracking makeup countless times. The lightweight mist is a winner in Singapore’s weather. Formulated with Temperature Control Technology, it lowers the temperature of your makeup to keep it in place regardless of the surrounding heat. Yes, that includes the little oven under our face mask.
Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, $48 for 118ml, available online and at various Urban Decay counters
Something for the face
Take notes – to minimise the transfer of makeup the ‘less is more’ mantra works like magic. We found a handful of transfer-proof makeup that’ll not only add some life to your face but stay put.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup SPF 10 Foundation
This transfer-proof foundation makes one heck of a claim: It’s said to last 24 hours. It’s a claim that’s not unfounded – both beauty bloggers and makeup artists swear by its long-lasting effects even on hot days. Bonus points for its lightweight feel despite its medium to full coverage formula.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup SPF 10 Foundation, $71, available online and at various Estee Lauder counters
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 PA+++
Creams and dewy products aren’t really the first choice for a smudge-proof canvas but hear us out. This multi-tasker is a tinted moisturiser and sunscreen with a powerful blend of hydrating heroes and vitamins. Just remember to apply a good primer and setting powder so it stays put under that mask.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 PA+++, $77, available online, Sephora and Tangs
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
This is one heavy-duty foundation that doesn’t transfer so there’s no need to worry about a patchy result under your mask. TBH, we’ve sometimes had the trouble of blending it in but it’s nothing a sturdy foundation brush won’t fix! A little goes a long way with this highly-pigmented formula. Just build up to the coverage you need.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, $76, available online and at Sephora
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain
No need to think about Chris Hemsworth or Shawn Mendes – this rose-tinted lip and cheek stain gives a soft flush of red that’ll last almost all day. For lips, we suggest applying it over a long-lasting lipstick for a glossy finish.
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain, $31, available online and at Sephora
Fenty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth
Fake that post-vacay tan with this transfer-resistant bronzer. It’s got a buildable formula with a natural, soft matte finish so you won’t look like you just left the tanning studio. Don’t worry about ruining it with your face mask – this baby sticks around all day.
Fenty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth, $46, available online and at Sephora
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
To set all that makeup, this translucent loose powder is the way to go. The no-nonsense formula keeps the shine at bay while locking in all your makeup so you can expect no stains on your face mask.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $70, available online and at Sephora
Lock it with lips
Dior Addict Lip Tattoo
Proven to stay on for 12 hours, this lip tint’s got the big guns. Once the formula is set on your lips, it locks in the colour like a tattoo – hence its moniker. Mask or not, this kissable product should be a staple in your makeup pouch.
Dior Addict Lip Tattoo, $50, available online and at various Dior counters
Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment Lipstick
Want to swap out your daily lip balm for something that dials up the drama? This highly-pigmented lipstick has a quick-dry formula that’ll withstand all day. No wonder it’s a staple for many bridal makeup artists! It also comes in 19 alluring shades to suit all skin tones.
Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment Lipstick, $40, available online and at Sephora
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain
A non-drying velvety texture, smudge-resistant formula and high-payoff colour – these words are music to our ears. The creamy lip stain doesn’t slide around under your mask and it means it. Just remember to prep the lips with a moisturising lip balm.
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain, $20, available online and at Sephora
L’Oréal Rouge Signature Matte Lip Color Liquid Lipstick
This lip stain is transfer-proof, sweat-proof and heat-proof – and we’ve got our clean face masks to prove it. The natural matte finish doesn’t sacrifice on payoff and sinks right onto your lips without drying them out.
L’Oréal Rouge Signature Matte Lip Color Liquid Lipstick, $21.90, available at Watsons outlets and via Lazada and Shopee
Patchy makeup and smudged masks are a thing of the past, thanks to these transfer-proof makeup!