The age-old question is as follows, “if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” It is a notion the beauty cognoscenti often find themselves grappling with; a struggle exclusive to individuals residing within tropical climates. It goes: should a make-up look be acknowledged and recognised when it has fully melted off by noon? The mask mandate might have put said enquiry to rest over the last year or two—but with Singaporeans allowed to shed their face coverings in outdoor settings as of 29 March, has re-emerged at the forefront of our minds. Conventional solutions include the use of setting sprays and powders, though one can’t help but wonder if there is more to be done to ensure the longevity of your beauty products. Enter: the best of long-wear make-up across several categories, as dictated by Singaporean make-up artists.
From foundations developed to adhere to one’s mien for over 12 hours to transfer-resistant lipsticks, we’ve garnered a curation of stellar long-wear make-up to add to your arsenal. And as if that wasn’t promising enough, we’ve also picked the brains of said professionals to get a better idea as to the techniques used to extend the staying power of your face paint. See it all, below—and brace your credit cards for the influx of purchases sure to come through.
Primer: Gucci Beauty Silk Priming Serum
“I adore the finish and texture of this primer,” states professional Singaporean make-up artist, Sha Shamsi. “It’s a powerhouse of a product because it doesn’t just ensure optimal coverage and long-wear results up to eight hours, but also helps fix skin imperfections. Think minimising the appearance of pores, while casting a ‘blurring’ filter over dark spots and zits.”
Foundation: Shiseido Synchro-Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation
Make-up artist to Hollywood heavyweights, Emily Cheng, swears by the Shiseido Synchro-Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation. Beyond a diverse range of shades—thirty, to be exact—it is also said to suit a wide variety of complexion tones while providing a seamless, satin finish that lasts for up to 24 hours. To witness optimal effects, Cheng recommends applying it with a BeautyBlender using gentle, pressing motions to pat it all in.
Concealer: Shu Uemura Unlimited Stretchable Lasting Concealer
Its lightweight liquid texture and radiant finish serves as a major plus point for Sha. “Not only is it tailor-made for Asian skin tones, I like that it blends easily while also harbouring a “stretchable” technology that allows for pigments to cling into place despite movement and humidity,” she says. What’s more, it is designed to pair well with other base make-up, sinking into skin without caking or flaking—a true testament to its abilities as one of the best long-wear make-up products within the sphere.
Mascara: Benefit They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara
“Benefit’s mascara builds a really good fill and gives a long-lasting look. The ball at the end is great for building more product at the base,” says Pati Dubroff, who has worked on the likes of Kristen Stewart, Dakota Johnson, and Dove Cameron. Its specialized wand tip also ensures no clumps, allowing for users to glide on multiple layers without delicate strands feeling weighed down.
Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Talk about an eyeliner that lives up to its name. Stila’s waterproof liner formula comes highly recommended by Australian-based make-up artist, Tobi Henney, whose diverse clientele includes top models such as Barbara Palvin and Shanina Shaik as well as actress Megan Fox. She ascertains that the product doesn’t budge once applied, with its micro-tip allowing for the creation of a super-sharp winged liner look in a matter of seconds. Those with sensitive peepers will also be pleased to know that the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is paraben-, sulphate- and phalate-free, too, making it an optimal pick for tightlining.
Eyeshadow: Pat McGrath Labs Mothership VII Eyeshadow Palette in Divine Rose
You might have seen Alex Babsky’s work on the likes of mega stars such as Simone Ashley, Jodie Comer and Sarah Jessica Parker. A common thread between his creations? The consistent utilisation of Pat McGrath Labs eyeshadow palettes, which contain formulas crafted to deliver on serious saturation and staying power.
Blush: Buxom Wanderlust Primer-Infused Blush
While there is the option of layering a powder blush over cream blush for extended staying power, global make-up artist and educator Ash K Holm guarantees that users can achieve the same effect with just the Buxom Wanderlust Primer-Infused Blush. “It lasts up to 14 hours and has beautiful pearlized pigments to grant an all-over glow,” she states in a series of Instagram stories, deeming it one of the best long-wear make-up products out there.
Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Singaporean-based make-up artist, Marc Teng, would go to bat for the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. “The trick to long-lasting make-up is to ensure all the products used on the face are oil-free,” he ascertains. In this regard, Laura Mercier’s offering makes the cut, with Marc emphasising that regular touch-ups with this bad boy throughout the day is the key to scoring a mattified, glowing complexion.
Setting spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Make-up Spray
“My go-to product for extending the longevity of a full face of make-up is the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Make-up Spray,” states Sha. “How I use it is that I spray the mist before any make-up goes on, before layering on skincare such as serum and moisturiser. Next, I apply foundation, leaving it on for as long as possible for it to set before adding a dusting of loose powder. The last step is to spritz this on once more so everything stays firmly in place.”
