I don’t know about you, but in the last 10ish months I’ve worn hardly any makeup. Not just because I’ve only been at home and lazy (okay, maybe more so the latter), but also because it’s really hard to find makeup that won’t budge when wearing a face mask. (Red lipstick and a piece of cloth over my lips just don’t mix well.)
However, the new year gives me the perfect excuse to get back in the makeup game, but not without the help of five beauty-loving experts. From makeup artists and content creators to beauty editors and YouTubers, these ladies are sharing their most-loved, smudge-proof makeup picks that’ll stay fresh all day—whether you’re wearing a face mask or not. The best part? You can scoop everything up at Walmart. Keep scrolling to see their long-lasting beauty must-haves.
“I love this foundation because the shade range is good, coverage is buildable, and the wear is reliable. When it comes to foundations, I hate feeling like I’m wearing a layer on my skin, but this gives the coverage without feeling cakey.”
“This is my favorite drugstore concealer for a long-lasting, medium-to-full coverage beat! It dries down beautifully and once it’s set, it doesn’t transfer. It’s also matte but not drying, so it works great even with dry skin, doesn’t break up, and comes pretty close to some of my luxury favorites.”
“This is one of the first eyeliners I ever used, and it was difficult to branch out! The fine tip makes for easy application, but what I really love about this is how black and matte the finish is, which is exactly what I look for in my liners. Even though a face mask won’t impact its staying power, I couldn’t not include it because it does last all day, doesn’t smudge, and is great for any occasion.”
“If your budget is limited, and you’re looking for the one makeup item that will give you the most bang for your buck, make sure it’s Almay’s Length & Lift Mascara. As someone whose eyes are sensitive to most mascara formulas irritating, Almay’s plant-based formula mascara is a godsend. Not only will it keep the itches at bay, but it will also give each lash inches, making your eyes pop. Plus, as we continue to wear more masks, having a good mascara to accentuate your features is a bonus.”
“Since our Zoom days aren’t anywhere near done, having a neutral lipstick that you can rely on to keep you looking polished and professional on-screen is a must. I personally swear by Maybelline’s cocoa-colored matte liquid lipstick. The great thing about this color is that it will look good with just about every possible skin tone. And even though it’s a matte lipstick, it’s going to be a bit shinier than a traditional formula, so your lips will really pop on-screen, which is the whole point of even putting on a lip if you ask me.”
“Confessionally, my skin has gone through some of the worst and best times throughout the pandemic. But the one thing that’s kept me sane and my skin looking stable through it all is concealer. For anyone searching for an affordable concealer that’s going to match darker skin tones but also won’t leave your skin drier than a dessert, I highly recommend this. It’s great for covering everything from pesky pimple scars to undereye bags.”
“I’m notoriously snobbish when it comes to foundation, and many of my all-time favorite formulas are definitely up there in the investment department. That said, there are a few affordable options I’ve found at the drugstore that are dead ringers for their more expensive counterparts in terms of finish and wear, and this one from L’Oréal is probably my favorite. (FYI: Professional makeup artists always agree with me!) Even though it’s waterproof and transfer- and sweat-resistant, it’s noncomedogenic, so it blessedly doesn’t clog my acne-prone pores. I also appreciate how customizable the coverage is. On days when I just want a hint of a base, I’ll add a drop or two to my daily moisturizer (it also has a helpful dose of SPF!), but on days when I want full coverage or am going to be in front of the camera, I can layer it on with zero cake or maskiness.”
“Although I’ve been trying to up my experimentation with colorful eye shadow, lots of mascara and a sleek flick of black liquid liner will forever be my signature (and favorite) beauty look. This one is perfectly black and the tip is the perfect size to maneuver for spot-on precision.”
“Blush is such a game changer if you’re looking for a subtle way to look more refreshed and awake, but the formula is super important. I always prioritize options that are sheerer (like this fave from Cargo!) and can be layered and built upon to get the perfect dose of color that actually looks like a natural and believable flush. I try to choose a shade that looks like my actual cheek color after I’ve finished a workout or blush IRL, so the color Bali is my go-to. The powder itself is breathable and light, and unlike a lot of blushes, it plays smoothly with any other products you’re wearing with zero streaking to be found.”
“This setting spray is perfect if you want little-to-no transfer of makeup to your mask. Not only does it smell really good, but it’s also a very quick and easy step to do after you finish applying your makeup.”
This intense lipstick applies like a gloss and dries to a matte finish that can last up to 12 hours. “I absolutely love the finish and know I have nothing to worry about when I wear it with my mask. If you don’t want your lipstick to move or smudge, I’m telling you, this is for you.”
“I love how light, natural, and flawless my face looks when I use this foundation. I think it’s a great product to try, especially if you’re looking for a long-lasting foundation. Plus, you do not have to worry about having any stains on your mask!”
“Being a business owner and a pro makeup artist, I work long days and need my makeup to stay put. Blush is always the first to wear off, but this one will stay through anything.”
“I’m a dry skin gal, so I need hydration but sometimes that means the product can wear off during the day. This concealer gives me hydration and staying power.”
“After applying makeup, spritz some of this micro-fine setting mist on your face. This will help melt all products together and create a seal so your makeup won’t budge.”
This pigment-packed lipstick offers major color payoff with a matte finish that—you guessed it—won’t budge after application.
This weightless powder foundation will give you full coverage with a natural, matte finish that will actually look fresh all day long.
Not only will this setting powder keep your makeup in place, but it’ll also give your skin a soft glow that’ll last from day to night.
This long-wearing formula is made with green tea, centella, asiatica, and peptides to care for the delicate skin around the eye area. So expect it to help conceal imperfections without settling and leaving your skin looking and feeling fresh for hours on end.
Here’s another great long-lasting makeup setting spray to consider. It’s formulated with antioxidants and peptides that’ll help keep your skin looking fresh and radiant throughout the day.
This hyaluronic-acid-packed skin perfector not only provides a satin finish but also has a buildable formula made with SPF 15, meaning you can expect protection, hydration, and radiant coverage.
This natural bronzer that’s formulated with antiaging vitamins, antioxidants, and skin-nourishing ingredients will give you a lit-from-within glow that won’t budge under your mask.
Before applying makeup, prime your skin with this gel-like formula. It’ll help cover pores and uneven skin and keep skin from getting too oily while offering long-lasting protection.
Give your skin a filter-like finish with this setting powder that’s suitable for all skin types. The lavender shade will help brighten a dull complexion; the green works to neutralize redness; yellow camouflages under-eye circles; peach color-corrects dark spots. Swirl as much as your heart desires over your makeup for a seriously glowy look.
This three-in-one complexion palette is everything you could want: It has both powders and creams to contour, color-correct, and highlight. If you really want to ensure it won’t budge under your face mask, layer the powder and cream formulas for seriously long-lasting coverage.
