People struggle with putting on makeup at the best of times, with a large number watching online tutorials for help. 

But now, with COVID-19 and the wearing of face masks becoming the norm across the world, the challenge has got harder.

Smudging and smearing has become a regular problem for many, especially in countries where the wearing of a mask in public spaces is mandatory.

CGTN spoke to Julia Snowdon, a professional makeup artist based in the UK, who gave us her top tips on how to keep your makeup on when you have to wear a face mask.

Step 1 - Apply setting spray 

Julia's first tip is to apply setting spray to your bare skin.

This will mean your makeup will stick to your face better and it will be harder for it to come off during the day.

"Be generous with it all over," she says, to make sure you have enough to avoid the makeup potentially coming off. 

Step 2 - Apply foundation and bronzer as normal

"Then you can start to apply your makeup," says Snowdon. 

The key is not to use a light layer of foundation, buffing it into your skin and then building it up in areas if you need to, as you don't want lots coming off onto your mask. 

After the foundation has been applied, move on to the bronzer. "Once I've done that, that's my base," Snowdon says. 

Step 3 - Apply setting spray for a second time

Again being very generous with it, apply the spray for a second time. 

Snowdon adds: "This way, you're basically sandwiching your makeup between two layers of setting spray. And it's not going to budge."

Step 4 - Experiment with your eye makeup

Lip makeup has been a big thing for a long time, according to Snowdon, but now she thinks it's the eyes that have taken over because when you're wearing a face mask, that's all others can see.

One tip she gives is to experiment with your eyeliner: "It's an easy way to switch up your makeup and also be effective. It's a really nice way to enhance your eyes and be fun and playful."
 

Step 5 - Use waterproof eyebrow makeup 

The waterproof brow fix is essential as you can do it before you go out and then won't have to do it again for the remainder of the day. 

You won't have to take the product out with you because you definitely won't be needing to touch it up. "Keep it simple and brush it through," Snowdon says.

It will keep your eyebrows in place and also fills them in as well. 

Step 6 - Use your lipstick as a blusher, too

People are going for less colorful lipsticks because now you have to wear a mask, the lipstick is much more likely to be smearing all over your face and then you'd have to clear it up when you are out. 

A top tip Snowdon gives is to use your lipstick as a blusher, too. After you have finished your lipstick, use the remainder of the product on your finger to blend across your cheekbones.

"It's really pretty and really simple," she adds. 

Step 7 - Take three items out with you for touch-ups

The final tip is to take as few items as possible out with you for touch-ups. 

By using your lipstick as a blusher as well means you only need to take one of those with you. 

Julia suggests taking your lipstick, setting spray and concealer with you and then you won't need anything else as you've used waterproof products for everything else. 

"Three products, super easy and easy to put in your handbag as well." 
 

So, now it is your turn, let us know on our social media accounts if it worked for you and if you have any other tips you could share with us.

Video editing: Natalia Luz