Daily Vanity Logo

The humid Singapore climate, commuting, and indulging in (usually rich and oily) Chinese New Year goodies prevent the makeup that we spent time perfecting in the morning from staying.

If you prefer not to constantly excuse yourself to touch up your makeup, and would rather spend most of your time with your family and friends this festive season, take down these notes:

1. Prep your skin

moisturiser to help prep skin

Makeup glides on easier and last longer if you do your prep work properly. This means cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturising your skin thoroughly before you start applying makeup. You’ll find that this makes your skin a better canvas to work on too.

2. Primer’s not redundant

use a primer

It may be seen by a lot of people as a redundant step, but it can be the key to achieving flawless makeup that last a long time. Eyelid primers also help to make your eye makeup look more vivid.

Here are recommendations for primers for oily skin if you need them!

3. Pat, not buff, liquid products

pat liquid makeup on

Apply your liquid makeup using a patting motion to help pack it better onto your skin. We’re talking about products such as liquid foundation, cushion foundation, cream blush, and concealers.

4. Layer is better

layer makeup on

Layering cream and powder makeup help them hold on to each other and last for longer. Here are a few ways you can do that:

  • Apply a cream eyeshadow as a base, and layer a shimmering powder eyeshadow on top of it
  • Apply a cream eyeliner first, before applying some black eyeshadow with a brush along the same line
  • Apply a cream blush, and then top up with highlighting powder

5. Blotting helps

blot with tissues

To make lipstick stay, apply a generous layer of your favourite lipstick directly from the bullet. Then, use a tissue to blot your lips to create a stain. Apply the same lipstick onto your lips again, this time using a lip brush. This will help the lip colour last longer.

Alternatively, you can use the smudging technique by applying the lip colour using your fingertip.

For even longer hold, put a tissue over your lips, and dust finishing powder over the tissue.

6. Set with spray

set makeup with spray

After you’re done with makeup, set it in place with a spray. Hold it about 15cm away from your face and spray it evenly. Let it rest for approximately five to 10 seconds, then gently pat off the excess water with a piece of tissue paper.

Here are makeup setting sprays that will help your makeup stay on all day.