by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

6 Makeup Tips for Looks that Last The Whole Day of Visiting This Chinese New Year

The best thing about Chinese New Year — other than the food and angbaos, of course — is getting to see your family and relatives when you pay them a visit at their homes. While you’re busy snacking on pineapple tarts and chatting with your cousins, you don’t want to worry about whether your lipstick has faded or if your forehead is looking a little shiny. Here’s how to ensure your makeup stays immaculate all day (at least until dessert).

Start with a good base

Before you can proceed with the makeup, you have to understand making your skin look like it’s in tip-top condition doesn’t just involve makeup. It’s important to have a good skincare routine to fall back on. After all, great makeup begins with great skin, so ensuring you cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate is very important.

For a last-minute skin boost, pop on a face mask for 10 to 15 minutes before you apply makeup. This way, you’ll find that your makeup goes on smoothly and leaves a subtle glow from within.

Primer is a must

Since you’ll be out the whole day, a primer is a must-have to ensure your makeup stays on. It’ll help the makeup last and smooth out your skin texture.

Since Singapore’s weather is so hot and humid, it’s generally a good idea to use an oil-free primer (unless you have really dry skin) since it’ll stop your foundation slipping, thus keeping your base smooth and flawless for longer. You can also switch to a waterproof foundation to prevent your foundation from sliding around while wearing a mask all day.

Don’t forget your eyelids

It’s all well and good making sure your complexion is on point, but that’s not going to save you when your eyeshadow is making its way downtown. The oil in your eyelids can dissolve whatever makeup you’re wearing, even waterproof ones. So go in with an eyeshadow primer; it’ll keep your eyeshadow on longer, plus that orange shade you’re packing on will really pop.

Apply light layers

While it seems that applying more makeup might make it more long-lasting, it’s actually a terrible idea. Keep it light; light layers will last longer than thick and heavy ones.

Of course, the opposite is true when it comes to setting powder. Making sure your makeup is set thoroughly will help it last longer, and it’s a great way to reduce shine if your complexion is more on the oilier side. If you’re really not a fan of powder, go in with a setting spray.

Go bold

Honestly, festivities are one of the best reasons to switch up your regular makeup for bolder looks. In keeping with the spirit of Chinese New Year, you can switch out your standard black eyeliner for a more auspicious red or gold one. If you’re going for a monochromatic red look, go for a red lip to match your red liner.

Matte is your best friend

It’s inevitable that your lipstick will smudge, especially when eating and drinking is involved. The trick to making it as long-lasting as possible, is as always, starting with a good base. Remove any flaky skin that could cause patchiness, line your lips and then choose a matte formula for a red lip that lasts all night.

If all else fails…

Spritz on some more setting spray, touch up any foundation that has gone with some concealer and then stipple any areas of shine with a translucent powder. You’re good to go!