My Beauty Routine Looks Nothing Like It Did Before COVID-19, All Thanks to Maskne

The Tatcha The Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser ($35) is a new launch, and it's made a welcome addition to my morning skin-care routine. With all of the acne-fighting ingredients I started incorporating into my routine, I needed something that was gentle.

After I apply my eye cream (which hasn't changed because of COVID-19), I reach for the Elizabeth Arden Superstart Skin Renewal Booster ($67) to restore my skin's barrier. It's a pre-serum treatment that gives your skin an extra boost of moisture and for me, it works to counteract the drying acne-fighting ingredients I use at night.

In the summer I always switch my moisturiser from a rich cream to a gel formula, but this year it was especially important. The Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel ($44) is an oil-free moisturiser that's great for blemishes and oiliness, while also giving your skin a boost of lightweight hydrating.

Even with a face mask, sunscreen is important so I apply the Hydra Lipid UV Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40+ ($36) all over my face. It's a lightweight mineral sunscreen that's infused with hyaluronic acid. It goes on smooth and doesn't feel greasy, which is a must for wearing a face masks.

While I still wasn't keen on using foundation in my makeup routine everyday, I needed something with a bit more coverage than just the tinted sunscreen I was using pre-COVID-19. That's where the Erborian BB Cream Tinted Moisturiser Broad Spectrum SPF20 ($39) came in. It's lightweight but it adds a bit of coverage to my "problem" areas.

I've sworn by the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer ($34) for months, but the way I apply it has changed. When I'm going to be putting on a face mask immediately after, I don't apply the concealer to the lower half of my face in an effort to allow my skin to breathe as much as possible.

Face powder is something I ditch in the winter but always add back into my routine in the summer to keep shine away. I use the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($39) to set the makeup around my nose, under my eyes, and on my chin, paying extra attention to the area under my mask.

Bronzer is always a must for warming up my complexion, and wearing a face mask is no exception. While most people probably can't see my sculpted cheekbones, I apply this one for me. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer ($55) is my favourite for a natural glow.

Using a fluffy eyeshadow brush, I use the same bronzer shade as eyeshadow to warm up my eyes. This time-saving and multi-use hack is a staple in my makeup routine.

You've heard it a million times this year, but right now it's all about the eyes. Where I used to run out of the house without mascara if it was just for a quick errand, now I wouldn't even think of skipping it. I'm not a big eyeliner person so my mascara really carries the weight of my entire eye makeup look and the Urban Decay Lash Freak Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara ($25) makes my eyes pop with just two quick coats.

Eyebrows have always been important to me but I've been letting them grow out while social distancing which has eliminated the need to fill in the ends with a pencil. (If there's one good thing to come out of this time at home, this is it.) The Thrive Causemetics Instant Brow Fix Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Gel ($24) helps me brush them up and keep them in place with minimal effort. And there you have it, I'm done and ready to take on my day, mask in tow.