When the CDC first recommended that we start wearing face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19, few people realized what an essential part of our getup they would soon become. And while many of us have met the moment with a resilient optimism and invested in a mask that marries form and function—be it Susan Alexandra’s beaded take or Batsheva’s upcycled floral cottons—even the chicest offerings can’t combat maskne, or return to us the joy of a swipe of lipstick, which is why our skin-care and makeup routines now require some recalibrating. With this in mind, Vogue has turned to the pros to sound off on the changes that we should all be implementing above the neck, from swapping out thick creams with a serum-based moisturizer to embracing a newfound need for creative expression at eye level. Below, their top tips.
Streamline Your Skin-Care Regimen
“These times call for a pared-down routine,” says Brooklyn Face and Eye’s Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton. “Steer clear of harsh scrubs, heavy-duty exfoliants, and thick creams, which have a propensity to exacerbate congestion,” she adds. Instead, reach for just a gentle cleanser, hydrating toner, light serum or gel moisturizer, and sunscreen, and prioritize skin-soothing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, aloe, and niacinamide. Be sure to wait five minutes after application before putting on your mask, in order to allow the products to absorb into the skin, she notes.