Multifunction makeup just got smarter. They come as sticks – the most hassle-free form – have super-creamy or powderymatte textures that enable them to be applied on various parts of the face, and feature uncommon or unique usage combinations. CARINA KOH checks out these new hybrids.
Multifunction makeup just got smarter. They come as sticks – the most hassle-free form – have super-creamy or powderymatte textures that enable them to be applied on various parts of the face, and feature uncommon or unique usage combinations. CARINA KOH checks out these new hybrids.
Bronzer, highlighter and eyeshadow Dior Diorblush Light & Contour, $72.
This boasts a contouring shade at one end and a highlighter at the other. The former has a semi-matte finish that sidesteps a heavy, flat look, plus a hint of sheen to lend your skin a postexercise glow. Both the contouring shade and highlighter have a creamy consistency, so they blend into skin seamlessly for a naturallooking glow that doesn’t look dusted on.
Brow pencil, highlighter and eyeliner NYX Sculpt & Highlight Brow Contour, $20.
Use the pencil end to define and the highlighting end directly beneath the brows to “lift” them so you look more awake. The castor seed oil in this creamy formula helps it to glide on smoothly – there’s no patchiness even if you don’t use a brow brush after to distribute the product. The brown brow pencil doubles as an eyeliner, while the pearly highlighter can be applied on the inner corners of the eyes to brighten them.
Lip colour, blusher and eyeshadow L’Oreal Paris Blossom Tint Caresse, $23.90.
After cushion foundations and blushers, there’s now a cushion tint for the eyes, lips and cheeks. Though it has a powdery texture and a matte finish, the powder pigments are so fine, they blend easily – ideal for shaping and smudging over the eyes and cheeks. The pillowy tip allows for a neater, more precise application on the lips when needed (you can even use it to create ombre lips by dabbing the tip on the inner part of your mouth and blending the colour outwards). A mix of hydrating flower oils keeps your skin (and especially the lips) from drying out.
Concealer, highlighter and skin perfector Bobbi Brown Retouching Face Pencil, $55.
Its colour is designed to look as natural as possible on the skin. This means no caking or patchiness, or obvious spots. It goes on creamy to blend in with your makeup (even powder foundation) with just a few pats of your finger, but dries matte and won’t budge after. The pointed tip makes it easy to use on any part of the face – the cheekbones, the inner corners of the eyes, the nose bridge, the brow bones – to conceal blemishes and redness.
Lip pencil, lip colour, sculpting pencil, highlighter, eyeshadow, eyeliner and blusher Etude House Play 101 Blending Pencil, $16.90.
The new range of 25 pencils has nude, coral, pink and red shades in four finishes – creamy, velvet (powdery), shimmery and jelly (for a glistening effect). All can be used as colour makeup on the lips, cheeks and eyes, with the nudes having the extra functions of sculpting, highlighting and concealing. The formula spreads easily and is transferproof. Sebumabsorbing ingredients prevent the colour from melting and smudging. If you’re using the pencil on both the eyes and lips, keep it clean between uses by wiping the tip with a cotton pad and a spritz of alcohol.
Concealer and highlighter Laura Mercier Candleglow Concealer and Highlighter, $55.
You know how skin always looks more radiant and flaws, less obvious, under candlelight? This hybrid product aims to mimic that effect by creating a soft glow that accentuates your features while covering up imperfections. The lightweight, nonshimmery formula helps tone down the colour of dark circles and blemishes. And because of its sheer finish and skin-brightening effect, it also serves to highlight the nose bridge and cheekbones.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN A MULTI-USE PRODUCT
1 It has to be blendable.
If you want to use it on different features, it has to have a creamy consistency that spreads easily, especially over a large area like the cheeks.
2 It can’t be drying on skin.
Your lips will flake if you apply your usual eyeshadow on them, but multi-purpose makeup should address such situations. To prevent caking or flaking on any part of your face – not just the lips – go for a product with hydrating ingredients such as oils and botanical extracts.
3 It must be transfer-proof.
The last thing you want is for your makeup to smudge all over your face, especially if it’s on your eyes, cheeks and lips all at once. Even if it has a creamy finish, it shouldn’t budge. Or, look out for products that dry to a matte finish.
