In the know: Your beauty insider report of 2024

“An underrated beauty secret that I believe more people should know about is my two- step lip application. It’s one of the initial steps in my make-up routine. I apply a lip tint that serves as a subtle base. While I complete the rest of my make-up, I allow the tint to set. As a final step, I wipe it off before applying another lipstick. This ensures that even if I eat or drink throughout the day, there remains a wash of colour on my lips.

The initial lip tint prevents my lips from appearing completely bare when I am out for a whole day or eating. It’s a simple yet effective technique that maintains a polished and vibrant lip look, proving to be a game changer in my beauty routine.”

“A grey-toned contouring shade is so underrated, especially for individuals with fair skin tones. I’ve done a bit of colour theory make-up research based on painting and drawing techniques, and grey emerged as the ideal shade for creating the shadows that are needed in contouring. Many Western brands base their contouring products on bronzy tones that contain too much orange and warmth. This isn’t the most suitable colour for fair skin tones. If you have fair skin, consider using a light-medium taupe or grey shade for your contouring. You can thank me later.”

“Not enough people use colour-correcting products. Before using my regular concealer, I apply a salmon-coloured concealer under my eyes to mask the dark circles, and I swear it instantly erases them with just a dab. You end up needing much less product overall, which helps prevent things such as separation and creasing, plus it’s so quick and easy.

“On days when I don’t feel like wearing much make-up, I dab on a little bit of salmon concealer on my dark circles and go on with my day. I use the Integrate Melty Fit Concealer palette, $37, which I really like.”

“I can’t live without the Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Natural Deodorant, $33, right now. The scent and packaging are so beautiful. Not only does it smell good, it looks great in my bathroom cabinet, too.”

“I would consider these products from Urban Decay to be my make-up essentials: the Hydromaniac Dewy Liquid Blush, US$22, and All Nighter Setting Spray, US$36. They help me achieve the ‘point blush’ look that I adore. Skincare- wise, I’m all for the Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad, $25.17. And not forgetting the Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel, $7.50, of course—I use it when I do my Pucca-style ponytail and braids.”

“I don’t think enough people use the MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pots, $49. They’re really gorgeous. They have a pleasant cream texture, wear beautifully and last for ages. I usually define the eye with a deeper shade in the crease before applying powder eyeshadow.”

“I’m a big believer in mixing sunscreens, because I find that your complexion is always changing. I’m currently using several K-Beauty sunscreens interchangeably, but I’ve been reaching out a lot to Goodal Calming Moisture Sun Cream, $20.93, just because it feels super lightweight.”

“It’s crucial for everyone to know that your skin needs to rest. I’m a firm believer in the fact that you need to have skincare rest days. Don’t apply anything to your skin on days where you can help it—just opt for a thin layer of your favourite soothing sleeping mask. My favourite is the Fresh Beauty Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask Seaweed Radiance Facial, $45, which makes my skin look super soft and luminous the next day.”

“A good, intensely hydrating sheet mask is the best make-up primer you can get. My go-to is the Kosé Cosmeport Clear Turn 8Eauty Sheet Mask, $8.50. It’s great when you need your skin to look its best and firmly grab onto make-up beautifully.”

“The Medicube Age-R Booster Pro, $650, is a life-changer. I only recently started using it but it helps to reduce facial bloating, especially in the morning, and makes my skin glow. It pairs great with lymphatic drainage massages, which I find are underrated. The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $15, is a must-have too. I’ve been using it for the past four years and have forgotten what it’s like to have dry lips.

“I’m a huge advocate of the Makeup Forever HD Skin All-In- One Face Palette, $137, because you can easily create a full face with its range of shades. The ease of every shade being in one portable palette makes doing my make-up less time consuming. Concealer? Done. Foundation? Done. Bronzer? Done.”