Between Tom Ford’s stunning, crystal-clear Soleil Lip Blush and Youthforia’s TikTok-famous BYO Blush, pH make-up is having a moment—and we’re here for it. Now, this isn’t a new category of make-up by any stretch. These colour-changing tools make waves on social media every now and then, and we all know how trends come and go. So is it worth the shot?
What is pH make-up?
Perhaps the most obvious statement to make about these is that: your mileage will vary. The term ‘pH make-up’ refers to a group of cosmetics that, when applied, reacts with our skin’s pH levels to produce a true-to-us result. Most, if not all, pH make-up products use a class of colours called bromo acid dyes that allows it to sit colourless in its stable state. When exposed to our skin, the air and/or moisture, the dye is “activated”. The concept is similar to that of a litmus paper test—our skin reacts to the dye that the colour-changing product is formulated with.
What does pH have to do with our skin?
For the uninitiated, our skin sits on the acidic side (around 4.5 to 5.5 pH), and this level can be affected by what we put on our skin, our environment and other factors. The exact level varies from person to person. This begs the question: how do we know the resulting shade will suit us? These pH make-up typically shift to pinks or reds due to the aforementioned bromo acid dye ingredients, but their finish is often sheer. Most of the time, it’s our actual skin’s flush doing the magic. If you like pink make-up products, then pH makeup might be your next find.
Ready to try your hands on some cosmetic magic? Below, Vogue Singapore’s curation of pH makeup to try, from a pot of transparent clear blush to shade-shifting lippies.
1 / 5
Tom Ford Soleil Lip Blush
Golden, opulent and sleek are only some words to describe the Soleil Lip Blush. Twist up the bullet, and you’ll see a crystal-clear balm that’s gorgeously flecked with flakes of gold. The lipstick leaves you with a personalised my lips but better rosy stain that feels hydrating and glossy without that unnecessary stickiness.
Tom Ford Soleil Lip Blush, $90, available at Sephora
2 / 5
Youthforia BYO Blush
It’s not a round-up of pH make-up must-tries if there isn’t the BYO Blush on the list. This blush oil has taken TikTok by storm this past year, promising a “universal flattering” shade that is fit for all. It turns pink on the skin and is packed with 20 plant-based antioxidant-dense oils—including avocado and rosehip oil—to lend a dewy glow to your skin.
Youthforia BYO Blush, $53.75, available at Amazon
3 / 5
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Shift
These shade-shifting lippies will lend you the juiciest pout thanks to its bevy of moisturising ingredients. The list includes some plumping hyaluronic acid, maracuja and grapeseed oils, watermelon extract, goji and acai, among others. While it comes in multiple shades, they mostly melt into your lips for a natural flush of bright pink that you can’t help but keep reaching for time and again.
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Shift, $42, available at Sephora
4 / 5
Espressoh Glassy Blush By The Glass
One minute you’ve got a transparent clear gloss, the next you’ve got a dewy, creamy blush. While the intensity depends on your skin pH, the Glassy Blush By The Glass spots a bright pink base that might not be for coral blush lovers. It also contains a dose of caffeine for that extra boost and hydration for your skin, delivering a blusher and a highlighter all in one. The result is a glowy finish worthy of any ‘clean girl’.
Espressoh Glassy Blush By The Glass, $43, available at Sephora
5 / 5
Anna Sui Black Cream Blush
You can always count on Anna Sui for some escapism, fantasy, and a generous dose of black—even when it comes to blush shades. Her Sui Black Cream Blush is the most daunting blush shade ever, but go ahead, take the leap and blend it out, and you’ll be rewarded with the most natural yet punchiest pop of deep red. The blush is also packed with moisturising ingredients and soothing emollients to add both magic and moisture to your complexion.
Anna Sui Black Cream Blush, $42, available at Anna Sui
