A health and safety essential, in a post-Covid world, the only way we’re drawing attention to our mouths is with the help of a facial mask. With lips firmly covered, we’re increasingly turning towards the eyes for creative expression.
So, what does this mean for lipstick? Does the rise of the face mask spell the end for lips as a beauty statement? We asked six beauty experts, including L’Oréal Paris global make-up director Val Garland and Chanel make-up artist Kay Montano, for their take on lipstick and masks.
Nikki Wolff celebrity make-up artist Dior
“There’s been a shift in how people choose to wear make-up, focusing more on eyeliners and dramatic eye looks, while keeping skin and lips more natural so that make-up doesn’t rub off inside your mask.
“Lip stains and colour-reviving balms, such as Dior Addict Lip Tattoo or Lip Glow, are perfect for under-mask longevity, while still feeling comfortable and caring for our lips. There’s a current trend for subtly stained lips in natural tones and even when we do see lipstick being worn now, it has softly diffused edges and matte textures.
“When we’re able to go mask free, there’s going to be a desire to dress up our pouts in dramatic and defined glossy tones. We’ll all be so excited to make a statement of our mouths, after our eyes have taken centre stage for so long.”
Val Garland L’Oréal Paris global make-up director
“Long live lippy! The power of a good old-fashioned painted pout is the ultimate instant mood-boosting beauty staple, which should be in everyone’s make-up arsenal.
“I would suggest using a lip stain or a lipstick with a matte finish. This texture means your lip colour will be transfer-resistant and low maintenance.
“When I take off my mask, I want to be dressed to impress. The revealing of a statement, kissable lip versus a bare lip is a powerful and empowering declaration. In these times, more than ever, a power lip is here to stay.”
Inge Grognard make-up artist Balenciaga
“I don’t think this will be the end of lipstick. It will come back and there are still places where you can take off your mask, such as when you eat or have a drink, or on a conference call. It makes me think of [some] women in Arabic countries who are veiled and still wear lipstick every day.
“A tip for fixing your lipstick on under your mask is to kiss a tissue after you put your lipstick on and then brush some powder on top.”
Alexx Mayo make-up artist for Lizzo and Tinashe
“Masks don’t quite mix with the daily beauty routines we once had. We can play up the eyes, sharpen the brows, but what about the perfect pout? Wearing your favourite shade of lipstick is not coming to a halt, just having an adjustment.
“You wear lipstick to feel empowered, to feel complete and even though your mouth has to be covered when out in a public place, it doesn’t change the way wearing lipstick makes you feel. Opt for the long-wearing liquid lipstick or make lipstick transfer-proof by blotting and using translucent powder.
“Applying colour to your lips has a psychological effect and for those work meetings, socially distanced luncheons and the oh-so-important Zoom calls, lipstick remains a staple.”
Lucy Bridge make-up artist for Vivienne Westwood and Charles Jeffrey
“Signature lips shouldn’t be taking a backseat just because we now have to wear masks—lipstick can still be worn for occasions such as when you’re out for dinner and even just at home.
“Lipstick can instantly make you feel more confident. It would be a shame to lose this key element to our make-up routine now, just when we need more confidence in our lives.”
Kay Montano make-up artist for Chanel
“We wear masks in shops, closed spaces and crowds, but we can still eat in restaurants where masks aren’t mandatory when sitting, and we still have our group of family and friends who we can be with, who see our entire faces.
“Masks come on and off in both your public and private life, and I still think ‘putting your face on’ can give you a boost, a little ‘pick me up’, and dressing up can make dinner feel more special.
“I suggest longer-lasting lipsticks, high pigment, or velvety colours that stain the lips, or neutral nude lip colours with lip-liner for a more subtle, yet amplified look.
“I have not allowed Covid to dampen my sense of glamour and I recognise the need to create occasion to enjoy life as much as we can.”
