From radiant skin and glossy hair to a fresh new makeup look, we share tips for a top-to-toe makeover.
From radiant skin and glossy hair to a fresh new makeup look, we share tips for a top-to-toe makeover.
1 EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE
Sleeping in an air-conditioned room can contribute to the skin on your body feeling dry and scaly over time. First, you need to slough off those sluggish skin cells with a good body scrub to remove dullness and reveal fresher looking skin before you apply moisturiser. It’s best to do this in the shower where it won’t be as messy. Grab a generous scoop of scrub in your hand and buff all over your skin.
TRY: Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub, $25 (200 g).
2 SWITCH TO A TINT
High-coverage foundations do an excellent job at covering flaws. However, you would often end up with cakey-looking skin. Swap out the full-coverage matte finish foundation for a sheer wash of foundation, or even a tinted moisturiser which you can build to light coverage with a second application.
TRY: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 PA+++, $77 (50 ml).
3 HIGHLIGHT YOUR CHEEKBONES
You may skip the highlighter, thinking that it’s an unnecessary step, or because you’re concerned that it might leave you looking like a sparkling disco ball. However, well-placed application of highlighter can give dimension to your features and lend it a radiant glow. Start small, with a touch of shimmery (not sparkly) highlighter on the cheekbones. If you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and apply them over your nose bridge and Cupid’s bow as well.
TRY: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, $106.
4 KISS HELLO TO COLOUR
While your makeup palette shouldn't be pinned to any particular look, there’s nothing like a pop of colour to stand out from the usual browns and nudes. If you’re tempted to reach for your go-to nude lippy or nail polish, why not hit ‘refresh’ with a slick of vibrant colour.
TRY: Dior Lip Glow Oil in #015 Cherry, $50.
5 UP YOUR DEFENCES
Living near the equator means you would experience long hours of UV exposure all year round, so always wear sunscreen to protect the skin. While a moisturiser with SPF will give you some protection, it won’t be enough, especially if you’re seated near windows in the office or spend long hours outdoors. For prolonged periods, dermatologists recommend regular reapplications of sunscreen. Thankfully, the new wave of sunscreens is light enough to wear under your foundation without clogging up pores.
TRY: Est.lab Sunshield SPF 50***, $96 (50 ml).
6 LOVE YOUR LIMBS
A body moisturiser does more than moisturise, it maintains the skin’s protective skin barrier from external stressors like heat, cold air and air pollutants. While applying body lotion or cream may seem like a troublesome step as it takes up precious time, and almost always leaves your skin feeling sticky, your skin will lose moisture; become dry, and even flaky, with exposure to air-conditioning, and hot showers. Enlist the help of rich, nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba and macadamia to feed your skin and protect it from drying out. Even better, apply it with a firm massaging motion so you can boost sluggish circulation and give your skin that extra glow.
TRY: Bioderma Atoderm PP Baume Ultra Nourishing Balm, $25.90 (200 ml).
7 BLITZ THOSE ZITS
No one feels confident, exposing more skin when they’re having a breakout on their back or chest. Treat problem areas separately to the rest of your skin with the help of ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid. They will work to unplug pores and prevent a build-up of dead skin cells where acne-loving bacteria will flourish.
TRY: Medicube Red Body Bar, $24 (100 g).
8 DITCH THE FRIZZ
Even on a good hair day, most of us are prone to a bit of fluff and frizz. It’s even more likely to happen when your strands are dehydrated as a result of heat styling. Nursing your locks back to great condition – thanks to revitalising oils designed to boost moisture levels in the hair – will lessen the chances of hair frizzing when the humidity of the warmer weather hits.
TRY: Abyssinian Oil Hair Serum, $53 (60 ml).
9 BEST FOOT FORWARD
If you’re conscious of the appearance of dry skin on your feet, an at-home intensive peel may be able to work its magic to break down layers of dry skin. Within a few days, dry skin will flake and fall away, leaving you with baby-smooth feet. Then it’s just a matter of regularly applying a rich foot cream to keep soles soft and crack-free.
TRY: Starskin Magic Hour Exfoliating Double-Layer Foot Mask Socks, $24.
10 SWITCH YOUR SERUMS
Internal stressors like stress and hormones and external ones like a change in the weather can often trigger an inflammatory response in your skin in the form of redness, dryness or itching. If left unattended, this not only weakens the skin’s natural defences but also accelerates skin ageing. Look for new-generation serums that work to calm skin and make it more resilient to such changes. These can also refine the skin’s clarity and texture at the same time.
TRY: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate, $140 (20 ml).
ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ARISSA HA
PHOTOS: 123RF.COM
