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This classic red carpet make-up trick is the key to wearing lipstick with a mask

Photo credit: Tristan Fewings/BFC
Photo credit: Tristan Fewings/BFC

From Harper's BAZAAR

If you are struggling to keep your favourite lipstick from transferring to your mask, you're certainly not alone. Even the most long-lasting formulas are at risk of smudging or fading when you wear a face covering, especially if you need to do so for long periods of time.

In fact, the aggravation might mean you aren't wearing your signature lip colour at all: according to the market researcher NPD Group, sales of lipstick were down by almost 50 per cent at the end of last year.

Luckily though, there's a classic red carpet make-up trick that could come to the rescue – good news, considering that face masks are unlikely to disappear from our lives anytime soon.

The make-up artist Carl Ray – who counts the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama as a client – shared the clever tip on Instagram, and it is really simple to recreate.

In fact, the most important tool you need (aside from your favourite lipstick, of course) is a tissue.

Step one: prep

"Exfoliate & moisturise those lips. Our lips don't naturally stay soft and smooth, especially during the winter when we suffer from seasonal dryness." said Ray.

Step two: prime and apply

Ray then advises you use a lip primer or a concealer (if you don't have the former) followed by lip liner applied all over your lips. Together these steps – so often forgotten when we are in a rush – will really maximise the staying power of your chosen shade.

After that, it is time to apply your lip colour. Matte finishes tend to have more staying power than their glossy cousins so are probably the safer option. But, if you don't want to break-up with a high-shine shade, ensure the wand isn't loaded with lots of product and apply in thin layers to avoid the stickiness that will rub off on your mask.

Blotting your lip colour to remove excess will help avoid this too. You can always reapply a little more of your chosen shade if you want a more intense payoff.

Step three: the tissue trick

"Place a one-ply tissue on top of your lip colour and dust a loose translucent powder over the tissue," said Ray. The lip colour then won’t transfer to your mask. We love Laura Mercier's Translucent Loose Setting Powder.

Don't forget to keep your mask and face clean to avoid 'maskne' breakouts too. Long-lasting formulas are likely to require a more intense cleanse to remove completely, but you don't want to strip your lips. That's why Ray suggests Albolene's moisturising unscented Cleanser.

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