As we get ready to celebrate National Day at the Padang for the first time since the pandemic, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your best face forward for the celebrations. There’s little shade at the Padang and the celebrations start early evening, running into nightfall with a dazzling fireworks celebration to cap off the day. As a result, you will want to make sure you’re well protected from the elements and ready to look your best throughout.
So whether you’ve got tickets or are just camping out at one of the prime spots to watch the fireworks, make sure you pack these beauty products designed for long-lasting wear as well as better protection.
You’ll want to prepare your face and make sure your skin is in the best condition to be wearing makeup for a while. Try Make Up For Ever’s UV Protector Step 1 Primer ($62) designed to give you a radiant base with SPF 50 and PA+++ sun protection as well as 8-hour hydration. It also contains four carefully selected pearls including blue to help illuminate and correct your complexion. Or go local with beauty entrepreneur Kim Lim’s new All 1n One UV Base (50ml, $59) which is a light, sweet-scented sunscreen that also functions as a primer while giving you SPF50+ PA+++ protection.
You can either go the foundation route or CC cream for this step. If you’re choosing a foundation, you’ll want something lightweight but with good coverage to last through the parade, Gucci Beauty’s Eternite De Beaute Foundation SPF15 ($105) gives you high coverage without drying out the skin. Another option is IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream ($70) which offers full-coverage in a hydrating, natural finish.
Keep things simple but effective for eyes and cheeks with some multi-tasking products that will get the job done and last. A set like Nudestix’s Beachy Nudes kit comes with three of the brand’s bestselling colours — including Picante, a great glowy blush, and Bubbly Bebe, a shade that goes great on the eyes.
The Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper, $36, has amazing staying power (take this from a girl who was in the emergency room for eight hours with her cat eyeliner still intact) and will last you all the way till the fireworks have ended. The brush tip makes it easy to line your eyes, varying the thickness of the lines as you please.
For something long-lasting that pops,try Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter ($42). A favourite amongst beauty editors and enthusiasts alike, this long-wearing glowy highlighter is transfer-proof, smudge-proof and water-resistant, and will have you glowing through the parade from the parachutes to the fireworks.
With the heat and the humidity, you’ll want nothing more than a good waterproof mascara. Nothing beats Heroine Make Long Up Mascara Super Waterproof ($22.50) for the job. For best results, use Heroine Make Curl Keep Mascara Base Waterproof Clear Black 01 as a primer for long-lasting curls as well as nourishing ingredients to help with long-lasting wear. Then apply the mascara that resists tears, sweat, rain and sebum.
Keep your lips hydrated and healthy throughout the day and evening with the Hourglass Unlocked Satin Creme Lipstick ($66). This creamy formulation uses vegan waxes for a nourishing and ultra-hydrating feel and is infused with mango seed butter, avocado oil and argan oil. Bring it with you for touch-ups — the custom bullet shape allows for quick and precise application.
Although the spray format will also be great for touching up your sunscreen, the Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder ($58) is ideal for those who want to take away the shine as well. Blot away excess sebum and then dust on this powder sunscreen for a matte, fresh-looking complexion.
Made with thermal spring water, the Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water ($8.15) will give skin a much-needed relief from hot weather whenever needed. It’s suitable for sensitive skin, and can help soothe redness too.