Beat the heat

SINGAPORE — The heat and humidity can feel rather unbearable, especially to the perfectly made-up face. The last few weeks, in particular, have been especially sweltering.

So how can you keep looking fresh in spite of the heat?

TODAY spoke with a few makeup artists and beauty professionals for some tips on how to look your best in the Singapore weather.

USE a primer

A primer is a good investment for every woman, according to makeup artist and stylist Yuan Sng. Sng, who has 20 years of experience, said that for women who regularly apply a full face of makeup, a primer works well as it is a “base to hold your makeup”.

Celebrity makeup artist and beauty consultant Zennie Casann agrees. A face full of makeup in hot weather can result in oily skin, so “using a matte primer prevents the skin from oxidising easily, (and) will not cause too much shine”, she said.

Invest in Base protection

It is always good to have base protection. For women who prefer the au naturel look, makeup artists advise using at least a BB cream (which provides coverage with added skincare benefits such as antioxidants) or a CC cream (a colour-correcting product meant to address issues such as sallowness or redness).

“CC cream is tinted to look like foundation, but it’s not,” said makeup artist Marjorie Teo. Invest in a CC cream with SPF 30++ so it also functions as a sunblock and protects your face from harmful UV rays.

Go for oil-free products

“You tend to sweat in this (weather), so always stay oil-free. Use products that are more hydrating, and this applies to moisturisers and eye creams as well,” said Sng.

When it comes to the battle against the heat, it is worth the time, effort and cost looking for suitable water- or hydro-based skincare products.

Especially for women with “young and non-mature skin”, Teo recommended going with a light lotion moisturiser, gel or serum to keep the face looking young. “The lesser the content of oil (in your makeup), the better.”

Waterproof makeup is key

If you are out and about in the sun, it will not be long before you start sweating and your face starts “melting”, leaving you with smudged makeup. Opt for waterproof makeup to avoid that unglamorous look.

“Eyelids tend to get oily because they perspire, so waterproof mascara helps to hold (the) lashes and prevent them from smudging. Similarly for eyeliners as well,” said Sng.

Facial washes and natural skincare products

Before slathering on any beauty product, the basic step recommended by Teo is to clean your face with a mild cleansing milk or gel wash.

A misconception (and old wives’ tale) many people with oily skin have, according to Teo, is to “use a harsh soap or facial wash that can make your skin feel tight”. “They would think their skin is clean,” she said.

It is natural for the face to feel oily in Singapore’s climate, Teo said, adding that the best way to wash your face without excessively removing facial oil is to use a product with a low alcohol content.

Casann agreed, adding that natural skincare products containing ingredients like stem cells are good options.

“These days, stem cells are the in thing, and they help women renew and repair their skin.”

Moreover, too much exposure to the sun can be harmful to the skin. The use of a serum can help guard against sun damage, she added.

Facial sprays are handy

A useful skincare product to carry around is a facial spray or face mist such as the Evian Mineral Water Spray. Casann revealed that such sprays can be used any time of the day, and they keep the skin moist and helps to refresh the skin.

If all this seems too overwhelming, the beauty professionals agree that less is best otherwise. “At least go with a facial wash and basic skincare, then primer and foundation,” said Teo. And, most importantly, Casann added: “Hydrate your skin by drinking lots of water.”