IT'S ALL ABOUT THAT BASE

Alex T (@alextbeauty) 

 PREP 

Base products tend to catch onto dry areas so make sure your skin is well moisturised —even if you have oily or combination skin. This gives your foundation the slip it needs to glide over your face, making blending easier.

 THEN PRIME 

If your skin is not well hydrated, it may overproduce oils and you do not want your foundation melting off when that happens. If you have oily skin, use a primer just on the areas that need extra attention. 

 BUILD A BASE 

Start with one pump for the whole face before adding an extra layer should you need it. You want to avoid your makeup looking cakey.

 KEEP IT FRONT AND CENTRE 

Always start at the centre of your face, blending outwards to create the illusion of naturally flawless skin. You can always use a makeup sponge to blot off any excess foundation. 

 USE YOUR FINGERS 

Fingers are often the best makeup tools. Heat from your hands makes it easier to work the product into the skin. This is the secret to avoid looking like you have a layer of makeup sitting on top of your skin. 

BASE PRODUCTS TEND TO CATCH ONTO DRY AREAS, SO MAKE SURE YOUR SKIN IS WELL MOISTURISED—EVEN IF YOU HAVE OILY OR COMBINATION SKIN. - ALEX T 

#PROTIP

Those with dull skin or pigmentation spots should try a peach-based colour-correcting primer, while those with redness, acne or A sunburn should try a green colour-correcting primer.

- Sahur 

COLOUR CHAMELEON

If you colour your hair frequently, keep these tips from hairstylist Sean Ang in mind. 

#1 It’s important to use a gentle daily shampoo to thoroughly cleanse the scalp and a good conditioner to moisturise hair and smooth out any tangles. If you have very dry or bleached hair, use a hair mask to keep hair hydrated.

#2 Daily use of a colour shampoo could actually lead to greasy hair and scalp issues. Instead, opt for a gentle daily shampoo over clarifying or deep-cleansing shampoos.

#3 Don’t jump into a pool or the sea right after your colour appointment—and in the following weeks. The chlorine/saltwater and sun combination will dry out the hair and cause the colour to bleed. Prolonged exposure will also cause oxidation, leaving your hair with a “brassy” look.

#4 Apply treatment oils after washing. Work one pump into freshly washed semi-dry hair before blow-drying. This helps distribute the oil more evenly.

#5 Don’t wait too long between root touch-ups. Anything more than an inch could result in “banding”, where there is a bright colour at your roots and a darker shade through your ends. If you’re low maintenance, go for muted shades that are close to your original colour, as you won’t have to touch-up as often. 

THE REASON YOUR HAIR IS FRIZZY

Tick more than three off this list, and you have the answer. 

> You skip conditioner. Conditioners help to hydrate hair and seal the cuticles so it looks smooth and glossy.

> You don’t use a heat protectant. Styling your hair with heat sans protection dries out your hair, making it prone to frizz.

> You spend a lot of time in the sun. The sun’s rays dry out your strands, making them dull and rough.

> You get frequent chemical treatments. Whether it’s a colour job or perm, these treatments can dry out your hair if you don’t follow up with deep conditioning treatments.

> You don’t use a hair serum or oil. These help to prevent moisture from entering the hair cuticle, minimising frizz. 

THINK OF THE SCALP AS YOU WOULD YOUR FACE—THE SKIN ON BOTH IS THE SAME. - SEAN 

OILY SCALP? READ THIS

“Spending long hours in air-conditioned rooms can dry out the skin, leading the scalp to overcompensate and produce more oil. Hot and humid weather only worsens the issue. Think of the scalp as you would your face—the skin on both is the same. Oily scalp issues like dandruff, pimples and even hair loss arise due to product residue and a build-up of sebum. The solution is to wash your hair daily. It won’t dry your hair out as long as you use a gentle shampoo and hydrating conditioner.”

THE RIGHT WAY TO LAYER YOUR SKINCARE 

Get the most out of your skincare by applying your products in the right order. 

 1. START WITH A CLEAN FACE 

Your serums and moisturisers won’t be able to sink into your skin with a layer of oil, dirt and dead skin blocking them.

 2. APPLY ACTIVE FIRST 

Serums with vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid and retinol should go on first. Be sure to avoid the eye area when applying.

 3. THE EYE CREAM

Using your ring finger, dab on eye cream all around the eye up to the brow bone. If you’re using an eye serum, that should go on first.

4. GO FROM LIGHTEST TO HEAVIEST TEXTURES

If you don’t include actives in your routine, begin with mists and essences, followed by serums and lotions, and then moisturisers and face oils last. Products with heavier textures like creams and oils are meant to sit at the top to seal everything in.

5. FINISH WITH SPF

Products that offer sun protection aren’t meant to sink into the skin. They need to sit on top and act as a barrier against the sun, so these go on right before your makeup or primer. 

#PROTIP

Squeaky clean skin is no longer the measure of a good cleanser. Pick one that’s gentle, respects the skin’s pH balance and doesn’t strip skin’s natural oils.

- Smita 

ZAP THAT ZIT

Tackle that zit before it turns into an angry red spot. 

Cool it. As soon as you feel a zit coming on, ice it. This should relieve some of the sting.

Put it on the spot. As soon as it’s comfortable to touch, dab on a spot treatment or apply a pimple patch. That should help draw out all the oil and impurities.

Reduce recurrence. Use a mild exfoliator regularly to slough off dead skin to keep it from clogging pores that could get infected and lead to breakouts.

Moisture is key. An oil-free moisturiser is key to keeping the skin healthy. Not moisturising could lead to an overproduction of sebum that makes you prone to breakouts.

Keep skin clean. Cleansing thoroughly every day is key to prevent breakouts. Pick a cleanser with salicylic acid to tackle any skin congestion. 

SOFT, SMOOTH SKIN THIS WAY 

Give your body as much TLC as your face to ensure your skin is smooth and healthy. 

Cleansing is still the first step to good skin. Pick a hydrating body wash to remove dirt and sweat without stripping the skin of natural oils. Bonus points if it has an invigorating scent.

A good body exfoliator will gently slough off dead skin and dry patches so your skin is soft and smooth. Using gentle pressure and small circular movements will give you the results you want.

Slather on a luxurious moisturiser while skin is still damp. This will help to seal in moisture.

Don’t ignore your elbows and heels. Without adequate moisture, they will start to get discoloured and crack, respectively.