After having spent over a year religiously wearing a face mask when stepping out, we (and our skin too) have kind of gotten used to them. And while we’ve tweaked our skincare and makeup routines for the masks, one problem that continues to annoy many of is… you guessed it, lipstick stains on the mask *argh*. Annoying, isn’t it?
But fret not; we have just the solution for you thafor will make this a problem of the past. Scroll down for five simple tips to keep your lipstick from smudging your face mask.
- Tip #1: Allow your lip balm to settle before applying lipstick
- Tip #2: Don’t skip lip liner
- Tip #3: Avoid creamy and glossy formulas
- Tip #4: Apply with your fingers
- Tip #5: Set it with some loose powder
Tip #1: Allow your lip balm to settle before applying lipstick

Want a smooth and flawless lipstick application? Never skip lip balm. They not only moisturise your lips but also deliver the perfect base for the lipstick to go on. But avoid applying lip balm right before the lipstick as that will prevent the lip colour from adhering properly to your lips, thereby increasing the chances of smudging. Instead, allow the lip balm to settle onto your lips for about 10-15 minutes before applying the lipstick.
BB picks: Lakme Lip Love Chapstick SPF 15
Tip #2: Don’t skip lip liner

After your lip balm has settled, line and fill in your lips using a lip liner in a shade similar to the lipstick. Lip liners help fill in the cracks and even out your lips, all the while providing something for the following lipstick to cling onto. This helps in preventing smudging and feathering to a great extent.
BB picks: Lakme Absolute 3D Lip Definer
Tip #3: Avoid creamy and glossy formulas

The lipstick formulation is one of the most important things to consider to prevent smudging. Instead of wearing creamy or glossy lipstick, switch to lightweight, matte liquid lipsticks. Since most liquid lipsticks settle into a really nice powder matte formula, they are less likely to transfer or smudge and end up staying in place all-day long.
BB picks: Lakme Absolute Matte Melt Mini Liquid Lip Color
Tip #4: Apply with your fingers

If you tend to apply your lipstick directly from the tube, then that could be a reason why your lipstick keeps smudging under the mask. Simply take a little bit of the product onto your (clean) ring finger and gently dab it onto your lips. Blot off the excess and repeat and again for a smooth and long-lasting finish.
Tip #5: Set it with some loose powder

If you are using a creamy formula, then don’t forget to set your lipstick. Take a very tiny amount of loose powder and dust it onto your lips for an instantly matte and smudge-proof finish.
BB picks: Lakme 9 to 5 Naturale Finishing Powder
Main image courtesy: @aashnashroff
Written by Urvi Dalal on Apr 10, 2021
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!