Cover Singapore make-up artist Kat Zhang shares her best tips on how to keep your make-up fresh in heat and humidity (Photo: Suburb Studios)
Singapore make-up artist Kat Zhang shares her best tips on how to keep your make-up fresh in heat and humidity (Photo: Suburb Studios)
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Here’s how to keep your make-up in tact no matter how humid it gets on our tropical, sunny island
The heat and humidity in Singapore are part of our everyday lives. Most of us have adapted to the weather and have found ways to keep cool. But things get a little tricky (and uncomfortable) for those of us who apply make-up regularly. Ever experienced your base make-up separating as the day goes by? We’ve been there. The combination of perspiration and foundation is, safe to say, never a good look.
However, there are ways to combat such make-up woes when battling uncompromising weather. While there are innovative make-up and skincare solutions in the market that target consumers living in tropical climates, the techniques behind keeping your full beat in place are far more important.
To find out how, we speak to the founder of creative management agency Suburbs Studio and veteran make-up artist Kat Zhang for her expert tips on wearing long-lasting make-up in the heat.
“One common mistake is thinking that Singapore is too humid so [make-up users] skip skin prep,” says Zhang, who was the make-up artist for Charlie Puth and hairstylist for Gracie Abrams during the Singapore stop of their world tours. “But your skin still needs hydration whether or not you're wearing makeup. Always prep with moisture, and never forget your sunblock.”
Below, read on for more advice as you say goodbye to smudged mascara and patchy skin.
Above Veteran make-up artist and founder of Suburbs Studio, Kat Zhang
Veteran make-up artist and founder of Suburbs Studio, Kat Zhang
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You work with clients under hot lights and packed event schedules. How do you ensure their makeup lasts through the heat, sweat, and flash photography?
I keep the layers light and set them gently with loose powder, especially if we’re outdoors. I also allow the humidity and the skin’s natural oils to work in my favour as they help the makeup melt in slightly and give a natural glow over time.
What’s your go-to skin prep routine to make sure makeup adheres well and stays fresh?
I start with a watery toner and a lightweight moisturiser. If the skin feels very dry, I’ll add a cream, then finish with sunblock. Some go-to products I use include Jung Beauty Hydra-Barrier Toner with Probiotics, Panthenol, and Ginseng, Jungsaemmool Essential Mool Cream Light, or a thin layer of Bobbi Brown’s Enriched Face Base.
Are there any skincare ingredients or product types you avoid when creating a heat/humidity-proof base?
I usually skip oil-based products or anything that feels too rich, as they can make the base slide off faster in humid weather.
How do you approach foundation and concealer application for long wear in humid weather?
I apply a super thin layer of foundation and use a brush to apply concealer very sparingly. Then I dab away the excess with a sponge to make everything melt into the skin. The key is minimal product and precise placement.
Above Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
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Do you prefer creams, powders, or stains? Why?
It depends on the finish I’m going for. I usually start with creams and layer powders on top. The key to long-lasting makeup is layering textures well, light layers that build durability without looking heavy.
What’s your strategy for setting makeup without making it look cakey or overly matte?
You’ll notice a repeated technique here: thin layers of everything. I set the makeup with a puff, then lock everything in with a setting spray. My go-to is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. It helps diffuse the look and keep it fresh.
What are your top tips for refreshing make-up on the go, especially when someone’s going from day to night in the heat?
Use tissues to gently blot excess oil, but don’t rub your skin. Mist your face to rehydrate, and use a cotton bud to clean up any creasing, like around the nose or corners of the eyes. Then use a sponge to lightly touch up concealer where needed. Top up with lipstick, powder blush, and a bit of loose powder. This method refreshes your look so it feels almost brand new by
evening.
Above Nars Soft Matte Advanced Perfecting Setting Powder
Nars Soft Matte Advanced Perfecting Setting Powder
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What’s one underrated product or technique that truly makes a difference in keeping makeup intact during hot weather?
Setting your make-up with a tinted pressed powder (using a sponge or brush) makes a big difference. I like the Nars Soft Matte Powder and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish. If I know I’ve got a long day ahead, I always set my T-zone. I use my own brush, the Suburbs Beauty A02 Buffing Makeup Brush, to press the powder into areas that tend to get oily.
What are the products you personally reach for in tropical climates, whether you’re working or travelling?
Setting spray, a natural-finish cushion, and easy-to-use products. In humid weather, I don’t like to wear too much. I avoid full glam if I’m going to be moving around a lot. I prefer a fresh, natural look with a bit of blush or bronzer and a lip tint as it gives more of an “island girl” vibe and is much easier to maintain than high-maintenance glam.
Is there a local or regional beauty product that performs particularly well in humid conditions that you think deserves more attention among Singaporean beauty enthusiasts?
Yes! For lightweight skin tints, I love Romi Beauty. I spray their Oasis Serum Mist onto the Cloud Puff before applying the tint. It makes the skin look super fresh and natural. I finish off with their Lip Treat Oil for a dewy glow. Also, mascara and eyeliner are crucial in this weather. My go-tos are KissMe Heroine Make Mascara and Clio Kill Lash Superproof. And I love the eyeliner from Teviant Beauty, an amazing brand from Indonesia. It holds up really well in the heat.
Andrea Saadan is the Senior Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She oversees all digital content for the website and currently leads the Beauty and Lifestyle verticals. As a child, she had always enjoyed reading and writing but it was only after she joined her college newspaper, The Spectrum, in Buffalo, New York, that she considered a career in journalism. Her love for all things beauty started from the age of two—when she was caught playing with (and damaging) her mother’s YSL lipstick. On top of her day job, she is also an unpaid beauty consultant for friends and family. Besides make-up, her obsessions include the wizarding world of Harry Potter, podcasts, ice-cream, her walking pad and watching endless re-runs of The Office (US).
