After years of R&D, Lea Pavel shares her Shabbos makeup protocol

Greetings! ’Tis I, the Product Junkie/Aficionado. You may remember me from a previous article (or two) regarding skin care. Unsurprisingly, I also wear the hat of Makeup Lover.

Cosmetics require devotion; they aren’t simple to navigate on weekdays, never mind when lipstick application is verboten for 25 straight hours. It strikes terror in the heart of every mascara adorer to hear the words “Shabbos bar mitzvah.”

But fear not! It’s hard to defeat determined women — even as slaves in Egypt, we whipped out those mirrors and made it work! We’ve managed to pinpoint not only the products that wear the longest, but also the tried-and-true methods to keep them going for even longer.

My current Friday protocol took years of R&D. Since childhood, I watched, fascinated, as my mother patiently layered on makeup to last the whole Shabbos through. With Internet research and experimentation, I gave her system an upgrade.

To cast my net wider, I asked a group of frum ladies to share their beloved products and methods. Because, disclaimer: I’m not a professional makeup artist. I’ve had no official schooling beyond Ma, online tutorials, and my own dabbling. So I speak for the civilian masses.

Since I currently live in the US, the brands I’m familiar with — and can therefore recommend — are ones carried here. Israelis, however, have an upper hand because their homegrown brands have recognized the need for long wear. Ga-de and Careline have a following as well.

Before we topple down the rabbit hole, I’d like to emphasize that Shabbos Face is not all or nothing. For instance, some prefer to only focus on eye makeup, whether to spare their sensitive skin or to opt out of the stress of keeping the Face on. Some weeks I use only cc cream, mascara, and a touch of lipstick; other times I’m wearing a shellacked mask that can probably be peeled off in one piece.

Before You Apply

Skin must be properly prepped — residue will prevent smooth application and compromise durability. Thoroughly cleanse, maybe mildly exfoliate (with a gentle scrub or a baking soda-cleanser combo) while in the Erev Shabbos shower. Pay special attention to lips; buff off dead, flaky skin with a toothbrush.

Before applying the base products that will help your makeup last, you need to know your skin type. Oily skin may require a mattifier, while dry skin thirsts for moisturizer. My skin is combination, so I’m prone to a shiny T-zone by Shabbos morning. I personally prefer a mattifying moisturizer (Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++) in the summer, while the harsh winter will have me reaching for a basic moisturizer (Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion).

Technique is just as important as product. Between applications, allow a few minutes for the lotion or cosmetic to take hold. Time is limited on Erev Shabbos, but by rotating between zones (face, eyelashes, eye lids, etc.), you can take care of it all.

Fab Foundation

First, prime. Primer will bond foundation to the skin and keep it on for longer than if applied solo. (A trick I learned from an online tutorial: after primer, but before foundation, dust the face with a hint of loose powder.)

Recommended Primers:

• Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer
• NYX Primers (moisturizing, illuminating, mattifying, etc.)