by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

New Year’s Makeup Refresh

The beginning of a new year is always an exciting time, and not just because you have new resolutions in mind. It’s a time for change and is good a time as any to purge those expired makeup items and experiment with different styles. That’s why we’re proposing a makeup-centric New Year’s resolution list that you can start in the new year.

#1: Establish your staples

Ever opened your makeup drawer and been taken aback at the number of products you own? A new lipstick here, a new contour palette there… Makeup is one of those things that can accumulate without you actually noticing it. Having a few staples in your makeup collection will not only help you save money but will also encourage you to make the most out of the makeup you love.

Tip: Choose a high-quality eyeshadow palette that includes neutrals and bold shades in both matte and shimmer formulas. Try the NARS Skin Deep Eyeshadow Palette (SGD90), which has both warm and cool tones, or the versatile Marc Jacobs Beauty Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette in Edgitorial (SGD70) that will take you from day to night.

#2: Master liquid eyeliner

Eyeliner is one of those things that everyone struggles with, but what is a list of New Year resolutions without a challenge? Put your pencils and gels aside, take a quality liquid liner pen, like the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner (SGD32) or the Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner (SGD30), and just wing it.

#3: Wear colour boldly

Do you really want to spend the new year playing it safe? Mix up your usual looks with bolder spots of colour, instead of reaching for the same shades you wear time and time again. Sweep on a few coats of coloured mascara, like the Marc Jacobs Beauty O! Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara (SGD44). As for your lips, rock a bold lip colour, like the Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Colour in Undefeated (SGD36), a stunning dark purple matte lip.

#4: Wash your makeup off thoroughly

We’re all guilty of it: sometimes you fall into bed, only to realise that you haven’t cleansed your face. The problem is, you’re too comfy to get out of bed and wash it off. Fortunately, we’ve found a bedside solution. A combination of makeup wipes and micellar water (we recommend the Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes, SGD18, and the Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water, SGD33) will hopefully remove any traces of makeup before you move on to your skincare routine.

#5: Go au naturel

Au naturel: a look that has trended on and off over the years. If you’re looking to change up your usual look, why not try the barely-there look that’s very popular these days? There is something refreshing about sticking to the basics and letting your skin glow on its own with a solid skincare routine and simple base makeup.

Tip: The natural look is all about the brows — great brows can frame your face nicely and make your features pop with minimal effort. Experiment with products like the Dior Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Brow Squeezable Brow Mascara (SGD39) for natural-looking and full brows, or try out a tidier look with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (SGD40) and see what works for you. A glossy lip will pair nicely with a bold brow and dewy skin; recommendations include Tom Ford’s Gloss Luxe (SGD72), a liquid balm glacé that hydrates lips while being lightweight and airy.