5 questions with celebrity make-up artist Kai Chang

SINGAPORE — Eight hours. That’s how long make-up maestro Kai Chang once spent on one look for Taiwanese host Pauline Lan when she hosted the Golden Horse Awards.

The duo also work together on Lan’s variety lifestyle show, Lady First, where Chang is better known as Hsiao-Kai, the resident beauty guru.

The 34-year-old was in town for a workshop with cosmetics brand Make Up For Ever at Sephora in Ngee Ann City. Chang thinks that girls should work hard to make themselves look good but also to love who they are.

“No one will like or take care of girls who can’t love who they are. That’s the motivation a woman should possess. It’s not about whether you have double eyelids or V-shaped face,” he said. VINCENT LEE

Q: What are some make-up trends for Fall?

A: I think that make-up nowadays isn’t really limited by seasons. For instance, what’s popular in Korea and Japan are those that make you look like a celebrity. But in terms of colours, you’ll see a lot of earthy colours next season. Products with a shine that give consumers a more contoured look will also be popular.

Q: How can we create this ‘glowing skin’ look?

A: It’s important to have that shine and glow for your base. Before applying any make-up, girls should use a primer, such as the Make Up For Ever HD Primer, because it helps to correct your skin tone and lessen the appearance of wrinkles and pores. It’s really important but a lot of girls tend to skip this step. Girls have the misconception that they can remove dull skin by applying a heavier foundation or blusher. However, you’ll realise that your skin looks better just by using a primer and the products that you apply after can be really light. It gives a very natural look.

Q: Any tips for perfecting the eyes or lips?

A: For eyes, it’s important to have good curly eyelashes. Celebrities tend to use very light and natural eye shadow, but every bit of their eyelashes is curled to perfection. You can also wear false eyelashes. However, girls tend to pick the false eyelashes that are really dramatic because they think that’s what celebrities go for. Girls should opt for those that are more natural-looking.

Peachy is really popular due to the Korean wave. Those lips applied with a gradient are also great and makes your lips more define. Why not try a shade lighter or darker? Or try the Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Palette for personalised lip colours.

Q: How can we ensure that our make-up stays on in this tropical heat?

A: It’s important to use products with hydrating and breathable properties to help keep a fresh look. For instance, the Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner is waterproof and resists humidity. Products should combat and reduce oil production or even be waterproof. It’s also important to wear light make-up, because lighter make-up is more likely to survive the heat as your skin can breathe. It’s also not that noticeable when your make-up wears off.

Q: What about tackling enlarged pores that are a common problem for those living in tropical countries?

A: Daily cleansing and using pore-reducing products only temporarily reduce the visibility. Your pores don’t actually disappear or reduce in size. One can use pore-reducing products, such as a primer, to give you a smooth complexion. However, the enlarged pores are still there after you take off your make-up. Opt for laser treatments for a permanent solution.

Make Up For Ever products can be found at their stores and at all Sephora counters. www.makeupforever.com.sg.