The spread of COVID-19 has upended nearly every facet of daily life, but perhaps the biggest change has been the introduction of face masks and coverings, now required in more than 40 states across the country. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains, wearing a mask is a crucial step in stopping the virus’ spread, but as we return to some semblance of normal life—and our pre-pandemic beauty routines—face coverings have proven to be less than compatible with foundation.
It seems we can’t wear a mask for longer than five minutes without having our entire face of makeup wear off on it, which also defeats the purpose of wearing makeup in the first place. Knowing that face masks work only if they are sitting completely against your skin, you might think getting foundation on them is all but inevitable—but with these 10 best transfer-resistant foundations, a stain-free covering is indeed a possibility.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation ($35)
This foundation from Rihanna’s beauty line with a smooth, shine-free finish has been a fan favorite since launching in 2017, and it’s easy to see why. The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation comes in an impressive 50 shades and provides full coverage, plus its oil-free formula and climate-adaptive technology make it transfer-proof and resistant to humidity, ensuring that the product stays on your skin and not on your mask.
Kosas Tinted Face Oil ($42)
Touted as “the foundation for people who can’t with foundation,” the Tinted Face Oil boasts a thin, liquid consistency, and unlike traditional alternatives that sit on top, it absorbs into the skin almost instantly. The nontoxic oil is lightweight and gives a pore-blurring but natural effect, its six active botanicals help even skin tone and improve luminosity, and the foundation keeps skin looking great, even at the end of a long, summer day of mask wearing.
UOMA Beauty Say What?! Foundation ($39)
Available in 51 shades, the Say What?! Foundation is available in six custom base formulas that address common skin-care concerns, including oiliness, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. UOMA’s signature foundation is known to match skin tones exactly, and the weightless, long-wear formula will stay on through hours of cloth-induced sweat and humidity.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation ($7.99)
Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, the matte formula provides skin with light, shine-free coverage that lasts all day without clogging pores, looking cakey, or rubbing off.
NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation ($40)
The brand’s newest formula completely covers redness and blemishes while keeping shine and oil away, yet never feels heavy or dry. And when you take your mask off, you won’t notice any annoying smudges around your mouth—no matter how hot out it is.
LORAC PRO Soft Focus Longwear Foundation ($38)
This soft-finish foundation is made for anyone who wants the lightweight feel and hydration of a BB cream with greater transfer-proof coverage that can be easily built upon, without any pilling.
NYX Cosmetics Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation ($15)
This sweatproof formula from NYX offers the same creamy texture and extended coverage as some of the pricier full-coverage foundations on the market, at a fraction of the price. Available in 45 shades, it delivers a matte finish that lasts a full 24 hours—through humidity, sweat, heat, and masks.
Dermablend Flawless Creator Liquid Foundation Drops ($40)
With an easy dropper application, the Flawless Creator Liquid Foundation provides an airbrushed look and complete coverage for up to 16 hours. It comes in 22 shades and is powerful enough to require just a few drops.
Lune+Aster RealGlow Skin Tint ($52)
Transfer-resistant doesn’t have to mean matte. This tint’s light-diffusing formula brings out your skin’s radiance while providing a light veil of coverage wherever you need it. Skin-care ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E help to nourish skin and improve hydration so your complexion looks better even when you take it off.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray ($35)
If you’re unwilling to swap out your favorite pre-pandemic foundation in favor of a more mask-friendly option, a setting spray is a perfect solution for you. The new Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray primes and sets makeup for up to 16 hours, with just a spritz of the alcohol- and oil-free formula. Simply spray on your bare face before applying foundation and immediately afterward, for a no-budge finish.
