We can only blame ourselves for binge watching Korean dramas and having our self-esteem bruised when we can’t seem to achieve that elusive ideal of a flawless, glowing skin. No matter how much water we inhale (2 litres a day, mind you), fruits we gobble up and the countless, countless Google searches of “how to make your skin glow naturally”, we finally found an alternative solution to our dull problem – make up. While we are still furiously trying to improve our complexion, we have compiled a list of steps to take to achieve that glow – even if it’s all just make up. But hey, it’s worth a shot.
1. Primer
Ah yes, the easily forgotten step that lazy people (guilty as charged) can’t be bothered to deal with. But seriously, you shouldn’t sit this one out. A primer essentially smooths and holds the layers of make up together, preventing a cakey mess after you’ve been out for hours. It not only ensures that your make up doesn’t wear off quickly in this terrible heat, it also keeps your face looking fresh and hydrated throughout the day. You can’t really expect to look all natural when you have your foundation melting off your face, can you?
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, $69, available at Sephora.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, $84, available at Sephora.
2. Water-based foundations
The natural-looking alternative that will really give you the “no-makeup” makeup look that we’re all after. A water-based foundation allows your skin to breathe, which is perfect given the sweltering heat these days. Unlike thicker oil-based foundations that will only weigh your skin down, water-based products are hydrating and cooling; leaving you with a soft and illuminating veil over your skin.
MAKE UP FOREVER Face & Body Liquid Make-Up, $72, available at Sephora ION Orchard, Sephora Ngee Ann City, and the MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Loft.
Laneige Water Supreme Foundation SPF 15 PA+, $55, available at LANEIGE boutiques and counters.
Too Faced Born This Way, $61, available at Sephora.
3. Mixing oil with your liquid foundation
As frightening as this sounds, mixing facial oils into your liquid foundations actually does wonders. All you need to do is to add one drop of the facial oil to your make up base, and apply it on your face as per normal. You don’t have to worry about looking too oily though, the oils actually provide plenty of nourishments for your skin and with the added hydration, your skin wouldn’t need to produce any more oil to compensate its dryness. Our best bet would be to use argan oil as it not only hydrates, it contains a high amount of vitamin E and has anti-oxidising effects, leaving your skin looking younger, which is always a plus.
You can get argan oily easily at Watsons or Guardian stores.
4. The right concealer techniques
Before you slap a ton of concealer on your face in a hasty attempt to cover up those imperfections, you have to master the art of applying concealer correctly – or at least attempt to.
1. Dot your concealer on your under eye bags in the shape of a triangle, this will draw attention to your eyes and lift your face.
2. Using a concealer that’s lighter than your skin tone, line the inner corners of your eyes and the space beneath your brow bone for an instant highlight that will bring out your eyes on days you’re feeling exceptionally tired.
3. Apply concealer on the bridge of your nose will also give the illusion of a slender nose and bring light to the center of your face.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $43, available at Sephora.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser, $19.90, available at Watsons and Guardian stores.
5. Get lit
Contouring helps to further enhance and brighten the features on your face. To achieve that natural, all-over-glow, apply a bronzer strategically on your cheekbones and on your nose. An easy way to apply your bronzer is to start from the top of your ears and work downwards, following the direction towards the corners of your mouth.
The crucial step in achieving that glow lies in the careful application of the highlighter. Using a fluffy brush (we recommend a fan brush), apply the highlighter slightly above your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, your brow bone and the center of your forehead.
However, bear this in mind when you’re contouring: a little goes a long way.
Benefit Cosmetics Watt’s Up! Highlighter, $53, available at Sephora.
Sleek Makeup Face Contour Kit, $19, available at Sephora.
