THE GLOW UP GUIDE

Makeup artist and beauty content creator Sahur tested a bunch of the most extra highlighters. Here are her top tips to achieving every level of glow.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
Sahur Saleim (@sahursart)


 FOR A HEALTHY GLOW. . . 

Mix a liquid highlighter with your foundation and apply only to the highest points of your face. This will ensure a natural, radiant look.

 FOR A SHIMMERY GLOW. . . 

Using your fingers, apply a liquid highlighter onto the highest points of your face.

 FOR A REALLY EXTRA GLOW. . . 

Apply a powder highlighter, spritz on a setting spray so the skin is wet and then reapply the powder highlighter for a contoured look. 

My Reading Room

#PROTIP

When picking lipsticks, don’t apply them to the back of your hand as the skin tone of your hand is nothing like that of your lips. Try them on your lips instead.

- Smita 




BLUSH UP YOUR MAKEUP

When it comes to adding colour, blush is the best way to go. Here’s how to do it right. 

 PICK THE RIGHT SHADE 

For a natural look, pick a colour that’s closest to your natural flush—like after a workout (or sex!).

 GET THE TEXTURE RIGHT 

Cream and gel blushes will work better on dry skin and won’t slide off, even in this heat. Powder blushes work best on oily and combination skin types.

 BLEND, BLEND, BLEND 

Using a light hand, blend your blush till there are no lines that show where the blush begins and ends. 

My Reading Room

GET IN LINE...

... with beauty influencer Mong Chin’s guide to acing your eyeliner. Every. Single. Time. 

My Reading Room

Mong Chin Yeoh (@mongabong)


1 Choosing the right type of eyeliner is key. Work with what you’re most familiar with, whether it’s a felt-tip, pencil, brush, liquid or gel.

2 The trick is to draw your eyeliner looking straight into the mirror with your eyes open. This gives you the most accurate representation of how your eyeliner will look—especially for people with inner eyelids or monolids.

3 The ends of the wings of your eyeliner will determine the shape and feel of the eyes. Angling the wing upwards will result in a fierce, sexy look. Take it down a notch for a cute, innocent look. 


#PROTIP

You’re never fully dressed without perfume. Make yours last the day by layering it over a body lotion in the same fragrance.

- Smita 

My Reading Room



SUN'S OUT

Our beauty editor Smita doesn’t leave the house without sunscreen. She shares her tips for layering it under your makeup for ultimate protection.

Sun damage is not always immediate. Dullness, rough skin and spots will show up later in life if you’re not diligent with your sun care, so it’s important to layer sunscreen under your foundation. Here’s how to do it right: 

Choose the right texture. Lightweight watery and gel sunscreens work well under most bases without piling.

Ensure it doesn’t leave a white cast. This could change how your foundation looks.

Give it time to settle. Sip your coffee or put on your clothes before applying your foundation, preferably with a sponge. 

My Reading Room



5 CUSHION HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Mong Chin tried a bunch of cushion makeup and here are her tips on getting the most from them. 

#1 As cushions usually have a light consistency, people with oilier skin types might find them tougher to work with. In such cases, choose a cushion that has a matte or semi-matte finish for easier application.

#2 Before tapping the puff on your skin, use the plastic that separates the puff from the cushion to dab off excess product. This allows you to build light, even layers.

#3 Have at least two fingers strapped onto the cushion puff at any one time (three, if you can fit them), for the right amount of pressure and even coverage.

#4 Wash your cushion puff at least once a month to prevent contamination and build-up of bacteria. This is crucial to keep your skin clear and touch-ups easy!

#5 Always use a tissue to dab off excess 

My Reading Room