Makeup for Singapore's tropcial climate: products, lessons, artists & courses

As we rush headlong into the party season, Vincent Soh reveals makeup tips from Singapore's beauty professionals, plus courses for budding makeup artists.

Unleash your inner drama mama this party season by treating yourself to a professional makeup session. While usual staples may suffice, we tend to forget cosmetics houses are always upgrading their offerings and launching new ranges of iridescent eye shadows and liners, matte and satin stains for cheeks and lips and ultra shimmery powders - perfect for dusting across the shoulders, collarbone and cheekbones for added glam.
      False lashes can take dead tired eyes to drop dead gorgeous in minutes and a professional makeup session can teach you simple tricks to achieving a smoky eye or shaving minutes off your morning regime. And remember, although many cosmetic brands offer a free makeup session with purchases, some products cannot withstand Singpore's tropical heat - so buy wisely. A professional look requires quality cosmetics design-ed to stay put, no matter how high the temperature soars. Try these recommend-ations for makeup that stays exactly where you want it to - on your face!

Professional pointers
A flawless finish is virtually guaranteed with makeup artist favourite Make Up For Ever, created by Danny Sanz. This Parisian artist first broke into cosmetics on the strength of her self-invented formulations, that didn't break a sweat during her long working day. Danny later became a famed body artist, proving her makeup was cut out for the high-definition demands and bright lights of professional photography. Still the creative director of Make Up For Ever today, Danny runs her business from Paris distributing to just 10 destinations worldwide.
     While this iconic French brand is typically reserved for professional use and international fashion shows, it was first introduced to Singapore by LVMH - the folks behind Louis Vuitton - and is now distributed by Hue Haven. Find it at Sephora (www.sephora.com) and Make Up For Ever's (www.makeupforever.com.sg) stand-alone boutique in Stamford Road. With more than 1,200 products to choose from, not only will you find more eyeshadows than you can poke a brush at, you can also sign up for a workshop, professional course, or private makeover.

Recommended Make Up For Ever beauty box essentials
High Definition Primer Something to protect your skin is a must. Make Up For Ever's primer provides a nourishing barrier between your skin and any products. It has a non-oily finish, corrects overall colour by evening out skin tone and is HD-friendly - giving you a flawless complexion under bright lights or heavy scrutiny.
HD Foundation Originally created to maintain the illusion of perfect skin in actors' close-up shots, this foundation has a soft, fine texture and offers coverage without caking.
Lab Shine This superb lip gloss sparkles with essences of diamonds and metals for a true star-power pout. Pucker up in pearl or chrome tones with extreme shine for all-out party glam.

EXPERT HELP
Book a professional makeup artist for your next special event and glean tips while you watch.

A consultation with a professional makeup artist is an ideal way to learn how to apply your own makeup better. Agnes Lee, professional makeup artist and trainer, agrees, "We all tend to use the same colours and techniques. But many ladies have problems in regular areas, such as eyeliner application, which can be easily addressed. We often see eyeliner that's too droopy, long, short or none at all!" Delanie Wong, brand executive and artist at Hue Haven and Make Up For Ever advises, "Eyebrow trimming is hard, see a professional. Face shading is also crucial. Incorrect technique can create a 'beard' around your jaw line, while the wrong choice of foundation instantly adds years."

• Professional makeup artists at The School of Make-Up (www.theschoolofmakeup.com) show you how to see yourself in a different light. Observing the face as a natural canvas, they pay attention to detail, showing you how to handle those areas you think need to be covered up altogether! Their in-house brand Face Essentials has a makeup base with pale pink undertones, for a healthy, natural glow.
• Make Up For Ever pro artist Nora is available for special events, balls and daytime looks. She also conducts private and group skincare and makeup lessons in her home. Tel: 8366 3255, Email: norahlovesmakeup@gmail.com
• F3 (www.f-3.com.sg) conducts Makeup Solutions workshops where your current makeup kit is assessed and you learn the difference between mass market and class market products, the best eyebrow shape for you, application techniques and more.
• glo-minerals (www.gloskinmd.com) has a fabulous range of mineral makeup - great for problem skin and living in the tropics, as it allows skin to breathe and discourages bacteria from becoming trapped in your pores. Check the website for details of makeup lessons and application services at reasonable prices.

LEARN TO KISS AND MAKEUP
A makeup course not only improves your personal grooming, it could open up a whole new career path.

• Fully-fledged training school The School of Make-Up focuses solely
  on professional makeup, nails and hair and has had good success in placing graduates within fashion
  and beauty industries.
• Hue Haven (www.makeupforever.com.sg) is also an academy, offering seven individual makeup modules. Following graduation, students are asked to join fashion shows and photo shoots to provide essential support.
• Local beauty academy Cosmoprof (www.cosmoprof.com.sg) - offers CIDESCO and CIBTAC diploma programmes for budding beauty therapists, plus courses for those interested in makeup artistry.

Posted Nov 2010