Tips from a make-up maestro

Still on the topic of natural-looking beauty, Laura Mercier is now available in Sephora Singapore. Previously, it was only available at one small make-up boutique, so few knew of its existence. The prominent displays at two Sephora stores I've passed by - Ion Orchard and Takashimaya - are already giving the brand much greater visibility here.

Laura Mercier, the founder of the 12-year-old brand, is credited as the pioneer in creating make-up primers, which is basically a product you apply all over your face after skincare and before foundation. A primer helps to create a smooth surface on the skin so that make-up applies more smoothly, stays on longer and looks fresh for a longer length of time.

Before: Getting my skin prepped for make-up

To mark Laura Mercier's grand re-introduction into the beauty scene, its director of international artistry & promotions, Tayaba Jafri, was in town to run a series of workshops. I was asked to be the demo model for one of the sessions and happily took up the offer so that I could get firsthand information on how to get the brand's signature "flawless face" look -rubs hands with glee-

Pretty easy pretty skin

One of the biggest beauty trends these days is having a flawless complexion that does not look like there's anything on it at all. But I can assure you that achieving an effortless airbrushed look is a lot easier said than done, especially since many people tend to go overboard with products and over apply thick layers of foundation and powder.

So, I was chuffed to find out that make-up brand Becca is now available at Escentials, a real treasure trove of cult beauty labels. This Aussie brand, which is created by make-up artist Rebecca Williams, is known for its natural beauty aesthetic, which appeals to my regular fuss-free approach to daily make-up.

I remember Becca launching at Sephora a few years ago, but before I knew it, the line was discontinued. Now, it is back at a cosier location, which I think will better suit the brand because its understated products probably got a bit lost in the huge array of brands at Sephora, especially since it is not necessarily as well known as some of the other brands there.

Pucker up

 

If I had to choose one make-up product that I can't live without, my vote would definitely go to lipstick. It really is the most no-brainer way to look at least a tad made-up. Just slick on some lippie and ta-daa, insta-glam!

I've been obsessed with bright orange for quite a while because this cheery hue is really quite amazing at brightening up my complexion. There are days when I appreciate a subtle nude or a sweet pink, but more often than not, I gravitate towards a statement colour so that I don't really have to do much else to my face to look made up.

But even though lipstick has experienced a revival in popularity over the last two years or so, after years of lipgloss dominating the market, nobody has been able to create an orange lipstick that is both bold and glossy (most tangerine lippies have a matte texture).

Well, the lipstick gods must have heard my plea.