BEAUTY

Hong Kong, a testing city for makeup wearers

Makeup artist Leticia Bishop shares her beauty tips for humid weather

Hong Kong summers are notorious for humidity, making it difficult for any makeup wearer to maintain a full face. Follow these eight tips to keep your makeup looking fresh whatever the weather.

1. Take a less is more approach

If you apply less makeup, there’s less to try and keep on your skin, so think light layers of products (except SPF, but that’s another article, I’m a sun protection fanatic).

2. Skincare is another area where light layers will help

Maybe you’re using the same style of moisturiser in winter and summer; for the summer it’s best to opt for a light gel type moisturiser that absorbs into the skin quickly but still offers the hydration needed.

3. Wait longer between steps

I call it a sandwich: skincare, SPF and makeup. If you’re doing these with no time in between, then the products can’t absorb nicely. Try doing something in between each layer like brushing your teeth or doing your hair.

4. Skip the foundation

Learn how to do a makeup look with just concealer placed only where you need it and blended out. Most people don’t need a whole layer of foundation, which is in line with tip number one, less is more.

5. Invest in a good primer

Primer goes on after your skincare and SPF has been absorbed into the skin and just before your foundation. Pick ones with words like matte, oil-control, humidity or sweatproof. If you have dry skin, a less is more approach is best with primer. Begin with a small amount in the centre of the face and blend outwards.

6. If you prefer wearing foundation, pick one that is long-lasting

Apply a light layer over your primer and set with a powder on the T Zone (center of your face). There are lots of long lasting brands, some I enjoy are the M.A.C studio fix fluid, Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation and Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear.

7. Use a setting spray to hold your makeup in place for longer

I’ve not found them to be as helpful as using a primer though, but some I recommend are the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and the Benefit Cosmetics, POREfessional Super Setter.

8. Invest in a waterproof mascara

Another makeup element that gets messy in humid weather is mascara, the constant smudging, is very frustrating. Removing it at night is more of a pain, but it’s a much less embarrassing trade-off.

Leticia Bishop is a beauty writer and make-up artist in Hong Kong. Follow her Instagram @leticiabishop for more tips and tricks