
Prevent your makeup from budging and smudging in Singapore’s hot and humid weather with these best waterproof and sweatproof beauty essentials
As much as we love living in Singapore, it isn’t exactly the right environment for makeup junkies – think smeared mascara, creased eyeshadow and grease face (the horror!). But we’d like to think we’ve mastered the art of smudgeproof makeup. What do you need in your arsenal of budgeproof beauty essentials? Setting sprays, lightweight foundations, and waterproof mascaras and eyeliners. Let’s get started.
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++
As someone with oily skin, I research the heck out of sunscreens, as plenty in the market still have a greasy residue, and leave my skin even shinier than before. This Kiehl’s bestseller is extremely lightweight, and feels like you’re wearing nothing even after you’ve got all your skincare on. It’s also great for sensitive skin as it’s fragrance-free, non-comodogenic and contains Rosa Gallica to soothe skin.
Cover FX Blurring Primer
Never underestimate the power of a makeup primer – a good one creates the perfect base for makeup, and keeps it from sliding off even in the worst of Singapore’s heat. Cover FX’s Blurring Primer does all that, and more. The lightweight balm applies transparently and leaves a smooth finish that blurs imperfections, reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines, and gives skin a soft-focus finish.
CoverFx Mattifying Setting Spray
Got perpetually oily skin? Keep your makeup from melting with the Mattifying Setting Spray from CoverFx. Made without alcohol, the lightweight mist gives instant mattification while minimising the look of pores. And best of all, it sets and secures makeup for a long day of wear – yup, even in the hottest of weather (tried and tested by yours truly).
Murad MattEffect Blotting Perfector
Are you always worried about looking oily halfway through the day? If your answer is yes, then you need to try the new Murad MattEffect Blotting Perfector. This isn’t your average compact cushion; the sheer pink liquid formula contains marshmallow powder to absorb excess sebum while the nutrient-rich French Green clay extract soaks up excess oil. We also love that the antimicrobial applicator doesn’t smudge your makeup application and lowers your skin temperature so it has a refreshing effect.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup
This foundation makes a heck of a claim: it’s said to last for 24 hours. It’s a claim that’s not unfounded – both beauty bloggers and makeup artists swear by its long-lasting effects even on the most sweltering of days. Bonus points for its lightweight feel despite its medium to full coverage formula.
Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF50
One thing we love about Clinique: The brand’s focus on combating the degenerative effects of city life. This cushion compact contains high-level SPF and antioxidants to fight environmental aggressors. It’s also got a winning lightweight, breathable, and buildable formula.
3INA Cream eyeshadow
I have 3INA’s cream eyeshadows (in iridescent pearl, gold and bronze) on heavy rotation. One swipe is all you need for a magnetic sheen – no layering needed for lazy days.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Nothing comes close to this best-selling primer potion. As an eyeshadow diehard, I need a longwear primer, and this has never failed me in my past five years of faithful use. It applies smoothly and cleanly, and makes eyeshadows stand out – it doesn’t even crease in the hardest of conditions (tried and tested at the gym and even the beach!).
Maybelline Volume Express Magnum Waterproof
This mascara’s been a cult beauty product for eons for good reason. Pumped with a collagen-enriched formula and equipped with a mega brush, it gives you gorgeous, dramatic lashes with a single sweep and lasts all day, rain or shine.
Faux Fayc Fauxlash Mascara Duo
Meet my Holy Grail mascara. My eyelashes are thin and short, and take nothing short of a miracle to exaggerate. Got lashes like mine? Give Faux Fayc’s long-lasting mascara a go (and your fake lashes a boot). While it’s recommended to use your everyday mascara as a base, I simply skip that step and immediately protect and prep lashes with the Transplanting Gel, then follow up with generous coatings of the Natural Fibres on the tips.
Pixi Beauty Endless Silky Eye Pen
No need for retouching with this waterproof and smudge proof eyeliner. It glides on effortlessly, and almost instantly dries after application, so be sure to blend quickly if you’re going for a smokier finish.
Chanel Ombre Premier Longwear Cream Eyeshadow
If you’re skipping primer, Chanel’s longwear cream eyeshadows are the to go. Satiny, luminous and easy-to-blend, these shadows are made for long wear. Apply with fingertips to gently blend on your lids, or layer with powder eyeshadow for added intensity.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush
This long-wearing blush impresses like no other. Made with clay from the banks of the Amazon River, it minimises oil around pores to keep the product in place. It gives skin a fade-free flawless finish, and can last a whopping 12 hours.
Mmerci Encore Glow Elixir
So it’s not makeup, but this powerful roll-on perfume sure does stick in Singapore’s weather. Formulated without parabens and synthetics, the all-natural elixir contains blood orange, bergamot and radiant rose geranium to keep anxiety and nerves at bay, and have you smelling divine all day long.