Sweat-Proof the **** out of your Summer Makeup
Karen Chan
Summer’s here. And while that’s terrific news for your tan, it’s horrible news for your makeup. The combination of high heat and humidity levels of Hong Kong’s summers mean that regular foundation pretty much slip off five minutes you step out the door.
Makeup-holics, don’t despair. Even though weather is determined to melt your face off, a team of dedicated makeup manufactures and artists is equally determined to keep it on. Here is a list of five top tips we’ve found that will keep you from dissolving into a hot mess:
Tip 1: Get your bases covered
The sweat on your face is the main reason your foundation’s sliding off like an oiled otter on a waterslide. To keep your sweat in check and your makeup in place, invest in a good mattifying base or primer. And if you hate layering products during hot days, try mixing in your foundation with your primer for a lighter texture that still won’t budge.
We love:
SOFINA Long Keep Base UV SPF20 PA+++
Made for Asian climates, this lightweight formula really keeps your complexion oil-free for the whole day.
Where to buy:
Sogo, Causeway Bay
Wing On Department Store, Sheung Wan
B Beauty Avenue, Langham Place, MongKok – http://www.beautyavenue.com.hk/en/homepage.html
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer
One of Benefit’s best-selling products, this oil-free primer can be worn alone, under or even over makeup for a silky and pore-free finish.
Where to buy:
Sogo, Causeway Bay
DFS, Hysan Place, Causeway Bay – https://www.dfs.com/en/tgalleria-hong-kong/beauty
Beauty Avenue, Langham Place, MongKok – http://www.beautyavenue.com.hk/en/homepage.html
Tip 2: Ditch the pencil eyeliner and go for gel
For eyeliner that won’t smudge, switch from pencil or liquid eyeliners to waterproof gel eyeliners. Your cat eyes will stay crisp, even during hardcore summer activities like junk trips or barbeques.
We love:
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
A longtime favorite in the beauty community, this gel eyeliner is popular for a reason. With 13 shades and a rich waterproof formula, it will do just as its name promises – wear for a long, long time.
Where to buy:
Sogo, Causeway Bay
DFS, Hysan Place, Causeway Bay – https://www.dfs.com/en/tgalleria-hong-kong/beauty
Lane Crawford, Times Square, Causeway Bay
Tip 3: Set your lipstick with powder
Keep your lipstick matte throughout the day by blotting your lips with baby powder before you apply. Bonus points: it will make the color pop even more!
We love:
Johnson’s Baby Powder
Nothing beats Johnson’s Baby Powder for value and quality. Find it at any supermarket or drugstore in Hong Kong!
Where to buy:
Any Watsons or Mannings store
Tip 4: Make friends with oil-blotting paper
Makeup bloggers and artists disagree about the benefits oil-blotting papers. Some think that blotting your skin constantly will actually encourage it to produce more sebum, while others love the matte feeling they get afterwards. All we can say is: drastic circumstances call for drastic measures. When you’ve been out all day and your face is all dusty and grimy, you’ll use anything that can stop you from feeling like an oil slick.
We love:
STF Hakugen Oil-Blotting Films
Reasonably-priced and small enough to fit in your purse, these oil-blotting films can be found in any Sasa or Bonjour. Plus, they come in refreshing aromas!
Where to buy:
Any SASA or Bonjour store
Tip 5: Switch to a crème blusher
Powder blushers have little staying power in hot weather, so consider switching to a crème blusher or cheek stain in summer instead. They’re also perfect for creating a natural, lit-from-within glow!
We love:
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint
This rosy-colored stain can be used on both lips and cheeks for a sheer flush that lasts for hours!
Where to buy:
Sogo, Causeway Bay
DFS, Hysan Place, Causeway Bay – https://www.dfs.com/en/tgalleria-hong-kong/beauty
Beauty Avenue, Langham Place, MongKok – http://www.beautyavenue.com.hk/en/homepage.html
Online retails:
http://www.lanecrawford.com/landing/beauty.jsp
http://www.harveynichols.com/en-hk/beauty/
Karen Chan is a local English copywriter who churns out social posts and taglines for a living. Inspired by her fellow copywriter, she has discovered the joy of working out, and is currently on a quest to live as healthily as her sweet tooth allows. In her spare time, she also loves trying new cafés and restaurants around the city.