Hands Off: How To Apply Makeup Without Touching Your Face

It’s time to let the tools do the talking.

The unfolding coronavirus (COVID-19) situation means that we are all dealing with a lot of uncertainty and change to our day-to-day routine. At Gritty Pretty, we want to help you navigate through this time. We’ll be sharing self care advice and tips on how to look after your body and mental health. If there are any topics you want Gritty Pretty to cover, please send us a DM on Instagram.

If you’re anything like us, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted two things: that WFH isn’t exactly all it’s cracked up to be and that we touch our faces, a lot. We’ve been told time and time again to not pick or touch our faces as it can cause breakouts and spread germs but none of that seemed to really sink in until touching our faces was a health risk.

Now, more than ever, it’s important that we wash out hands regularly and keep them away from out face. This small habit has powerful implications: it can help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Do you use your hands to melt makeup into the skin? It is possible to transfer to a zero-contact routine; however, it will require will power. Breaking a bad habit is always challenging – so, to make it a little easier, we have put together a list of all the products and tools you can incorporate into your makeup routine to ensure those mitts stay as far away from your face as possible. 

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Base

Let’s go back to base(ics). This is the part of our routines where we use our hands the most. Whether it’s patting concealer under our eyes (to hide the evidence of four hours of sleep) or blending in cream blush (to make us look a little more alive), our hands were the easiest way to create a natural-looking base. But in 2020, this is not a great idea.

Our biggest tip? If you’re in the market for any new makeup products, look for ones that do not require you to squeeze, pump or scoop them out of the container. Instead, opt for a spray, aerosol or stick – this will make application a whole lot easier. We love the Smashbox Photo Finish Priming Water ($51) to provide a burst of hydration to the skin pre-makeup; in terms of foundation, the Dior Airflash Spray Foundation ($94) is a luxurious (and hands-free) option. Our favourite bronzer stick, the Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour ($42), has an easy-to-blend formula that means you can draw it on your skin and buff out with your favourite blending brush. Easy as!

Speaking of brushes… If you usually use your hands or a sponge, you probably don’t even know where to start when it comes to makeup brushes. We don’t blame you – there are a lot out there. We recommend starting with a set of the basics. We love the Rae Morris Signature Kabuki Set ($555) – if you’re looking to invest, these are the best brushes money can buy. For something on the more affordable side, try the Morphe Perfect Angle Brush Collection ($36). These packs contain the necessities: a buffing brush (for cream products and foundation), a powder brush (for, you know, powder) and a sculpting or blush brush. 

Eyes

When it comes to the eyes, it’s easy to avoid using your hands. Most of us have eyeshadow brushes aplenty to make sure we have an even, blended look. However, take note of how much your hand rests on your face while you’re applying eyeshadows, mascara and eyeliner. 

Think about it – when we apply eyeliner we rest our hand on our face to keep it steady and often hold our eye straight for the perfect line. When we apply mascara and brow products, the same story applies. So while we are usually using tools for this part of our makeup routines, the accidental touching is still putting us at risk. The best way to avoid this is by using a small makeup puff on the side of your finger to prevent the skin to skin contact. These Dior sponges ($13) come in a pack of two and are great for maintaining the necessary barrier between your hands and your face. 

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Lips

Finally, lips. We touch our lips more than we even notice. Particularly when it comes to lip balms or anything in a pot. We are all used to dipping our finger in and slathering on a thick layer throughout the day. Well, we’re sorry to break it to you, but that behaviour will have to stop.

Instead, opt for your favourite lip balm in tube version. Cult-favourites like the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask now come in slightly lighter tube-versions (aka the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm). We also love the Hourglass No.28 Lip Treatment Oil ($78) for its cooling applicator that delivers the perfect amount of oil and is ideal for even product distribution. Additionally, if you’re in the market for a lip brush to create a perfectly lined pout, our favourite hails from Zoeva – and it’s only $16. 

As we adapt our makeup routine to the changing times, it’s important that it makes you feel good. Whether that’s no makeup at all or an elaborate smokey-eye, do it for you (just don’t touch your face!).

Have another tip for not touching your face during your makeup routine? Leave it in the comments down below!

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