Who doesn’t want flawless-looking skin? We pick the brains of makeup artists Larry Yeo, Clarence Lee and Jyue Huey for makeup tips that will help you achieve smoother and more even skin tone.
Text: Annie Tan / Simply Her Additional Reporting: Arissa Ha
“If you have open pores, keep your skin hydrated so it looks smoother,” says Larry Yeo. However, you shouldn’t overdo skincare. Too many lotions and creams can cause foundation or primer to pool in your pores as the day wears on.
“Choose a base like Shiseido Maquillage Peach Change Base CC, $55 (30g). It is sebum- and sweat-resistant, and allows foundation as well as concealer to effortlessly adhere.”
If your skin is dehydrated, Jyue Huey of The Make Up Room, suggests “masking, moisturising and misting before makeup”.
A good facial mist, like Shu Uemura Deepsea Water Rose Mist, $39 (150ml), can quench parched skin, reduce fine lines and prevent a dry, patchy makeup finish.
For a fade-proof finish, tailor your base to the different zones of your face. “If you have an extremely oily T-zone, but dry cheeks, apply a mattifying primer only on the T-zone to tame the shine,” says Larry.
Try Laura Mercier Primer – Blemish-less, $69, a water-based gel that regulates sebum, and minimises the appearance of pores and blemishes. It also expertly holds foundation all day for long-lasting perfection.
Resist the urge to layer on too much foundation. “The thicker it is, the heavier it will look. This just gives you a rough finish,” explains Clarence Lee.
“If the foundation you like is too thick, add a drop of serum (oilier skin) or facial oil (drier skin) to thin it out for a sheerer, smoother finish.”
Try mixing in The Face Shop The Therapy First Serum, $47.90 (130ml), which hydrates and enlivens skin with handpicked marigold petal, laurel leaf and olive extracts.
If you need more coverage over areas with blemishes or pigmentation, Clarence suggests using a dome-shaped applicator such as the M.A.C Pro Performance Sponge, $36, for seamless coverage. “Apply your foundation or concealer in a dabbing motion, and blend off any excess for a more even finish.”
Match your loose powder to your skin’s needs. “If you have dull skin, an illuminating loose powder such as Dior Capture Totale Loose Powder, $107, can enhance smoothness and radiance. If you have scars or uneven skin, go for a soft-matte loose powder, like Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder, $38, which won’t accentuate flaws,” says Jyue Huey.
“Avoid heavy powders that offer too much coverage as these can draw attention to imperfections and even worsen the appearance of your skin. Makeup products today are not formulated for heavy application, so choose wisely to match your need.”
Need to touch-up your makeup during the day? Don’t simply apply more foundation. “This will just cause your makeup to look blotchy,” says Larry.
Instead, he says to apply a medium-coverage concealer where you need additional coverage. “Finish off with sheer pressed powder to stop the foundation fading.”
Try MKUP Perfect 3 Essence Concealer, $21.90. The Brightening Colour illuminates dark circles, the Natural conceals imperfections, and the Wheat contours and corrects beautifully.