5 skincare and makeup essentials for a hot and humid day in Singapore

Control excess oil production
Clinique Anti-blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel, $52.
There are two ways to use this quick-drying, oil-free blemish gel, which has salicylic acid. Use it as a targeted treatment on zits or apply it all over your face – it is said to unclog pores, prevent breakouts and even normalise oil production in greasy skin.

Protect and perfect your skin
Benefit Big Easy Multi-balancing Complexion Perfector, $60.
This moisture- and oil-balancing liquid-to-powder foundation comes in six shades and supposedly self-adjusts to your skin tone. Also protects against UV rays with SPF35.

Get a healthy glow without going for a tan
Chanel limited-edition Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-colour SPF15/PA++ in #01, $80.
This tri-colour face compact has a neutral beige strip that can be used all over your face to even out your complexion, a darker shade – use it as a blusher – and a shimmery shade for highlighting. The formula feels lightweight on skin and gives a healthy, natural-looking glow. In two shades. 

Refresh and hydrate your complexion
Lunasol Skin Control Mist N (Refresh), $38.
Spritz this nourishing mist on bare skin for a moisture boost, or over makeup to freshen it up. It has hydrating St John’s wort extract and lemon extract, and supposedly helps your makeup stay on longer, even in warmer climates.

Swipe on a heat-proof lipstick
Maybelline New York Color Show Lipstick in #105 Pinkalicious, $9.90.
Gives pigmented coverage but feels hydrating on the lips. The best bit is that it is heat- and humidity-resistant, which means the colour stays vivid with minimal fading.

Main photo: Getty images, Product photos: Frenchescar Lim

This story was first published in HerWorld Magazine June 2014.

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