metalandcharm

Okay, I am forever hearing girls say “I just don’t wear makeup in the summer” – well, I would love to be that lucky. However, going to the local shop without makeup sounds traumatic to me (I am scouse after all), and even worse, the thought of going out all day with no makeup on gives me shivers. Of course around the pool on holiday is an exception even I make … but that’s where big sunnies come into play. Anyway I’m babbling. When moving to Hong Kong I was faced with the task of; keeping make up on my face, whilst living in the sweatiest place alive. I HATE, HATE, HATE the humidity in Hong Kong; it makes keeping make up on seem like an impossible task! This is where my tried and tested products come in, even helping those ladies just looking for some summer makeup tips.

I am a sucker for anything waterproof, or anything that claims to have longevity. As a result I have come across some disappointments (lets not go there), but also some real gems, let’s chat about the latter. Before listing though, I should state that my skin type is combination to dry.  Also (and sorry for the over share), I’ve rarely been someone who heavily perspires.  Worth remembering as these products may not be suitable for all skin types.  Anyway, let’s move onto the products:

EYES

Before moving to Hong Kong I wore eyeshadow on a daily basis and that hasn’t changed living here.

Make Up Forever Aqua Shadow stick is something I use as either an all over colour for a quick and easy look, or for a base under eyeshadow.

Speaking of eyeshadow bases Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in the colour painterly is my everyday eyeshadow base, it helps my eyeshadow to stay in place without creasing all day, I am now on my third pot so it is definitely a staple!

Mascara is a difficult one as I have never been a fan of waterproof mascara, I have never enjoyed the formulas or the difficulty in removing it, however, it is a must living over here (believe me I have tried normal). When it comes to mascara I always tend to try a new one each time, at the moment I am using Maxfactor 2000 Calorie Waterproof Volume , it works well, but not going to change the industry.

The current pencil eyeliner favourite is Urban Decay 24/7  Glide-on Pencil, however I am very eager to try Make Up Forever Aqua XL Eye Pencil which claims to be an extra long lasting waterproof eyeliner.

Face

Since moving here I have only ever repurchased two foundations, this is after trying others that failed to have the longevity of my favourites. I’m sure it is no surprise that these two popular ones are my staples; Estee Lauder Double Wear and Revlon Colour Stay, they have now become the only two I feel safe leaving the house in, knowing they will stay in place. My concealer favourite has stayed Mac Prolong Wear Concealer since arriving in Hong Kong.

A huge part of making my make up stay all day is the prep and finishing stages, for these I vary in my primer choices, but for setting I have stuck with Mac Studio Fix Powder Foundation for months now. None the less the most essential part and I know this because I have tried going out without it on  (it was not a good day let me tell you) is the setting spray and for this I use Make Up Forever Mist & Fix.

By following the above, you will have more freedom when picking; lipsticks, lip liners, bronzers, blushers etc. as I use different ones each day. The products above are my make up essentials for the heat and humidity! They may even help a lady looking for some simple summer makeup tips, or seasonal product swaps.