pH Makeup — Magic, fleeing trend, or the future of makeup?

Experimenting has never been this fun

By Georgia Lam - 8 Nov 2023

Getty, Youthforia, Dior, Tarte, Physicians Formula

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Taking ‘your skin but better’ to a whole ‘nother level, colour-changing makeup is here to give you a personalised experience. If you have yet to read the top 3 viral colour-changing makeup products, you can do so here; otherwise, I bring to you more recommendations if you love to achieve the #MLBB effect.

Beauty brands nowadays are all about inclusivity, with an increasing number of shades per product to better match skin tones all over the world. However, one can never find a truer match than a formula that adapts to one’s personal pH level. Witchcraft? No. Magic? Hardly. Although the concept is rather mind-boggling, it is not exactly rocket science. If you are thinking of those red and blue litmus paper that changes colour when dipped into an alkaline or acidic solution, you are on the right track.

To understand a little bit of how these bad boys work, let’s go down memory lane - distilled water has a neutral pH level of 7, whereas anything below is acidic and anything higher is alkaline. Our skin’s pH level ranges anywhere from 4.7 to 5.75, which makes it slightly acidic and almost equivalent to a cup of black coffee!

pH activated cosmetics, however, is more commonly seen as a cheek smudge or a lip gloss at the moment rather than foundations and bases which can be more complex to formulate. Keep in mind that such products also tend to morph into similar subtle shades of pink instead of a myriad of colours, just in case you were expecting that.

Feel comfortable in your own skin and never fret about selecting the most suitable colour; here are more colour-changing cosmetics you should totally try out.

BYO Blush, $53.99, Youthforia from Amazon

Credit: Amazon

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While many were working from home in 2020 during the circuit breaker and worrying about the uncertain future in such unprecedented times, Fiona Co Chan, founder of Youthforia, had other plans. She formulated a TikTok-viral colour-changing blush oil during the lockdown that boasts to be a universal match for all skin types and shades. As the first of its kind, this blush oil is more than makeup. It also helps to hydrate the skin and hide visible fine lines or wrinkles. The incredibly fast-absorbing, lightweight texture makes it easily buildable and is long-lasting even in high humidities and heat.

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Maracuja Juicy Shift, $39, Tarte Cosmetics from Sephora

Credit: Sephora

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A gloss and a lip plumper, the Maracuja Juicy Shift is a multitasking product you need to bring along in your travel pouch. Available in 7 different yummy shades, they all morph into varying shades of pink with subtle differences depending on the pH levels of your lips. For example, the shade Honeysuckle changes into a deeper shade of plum whereas shades like Kiwi and Blueberry reflect a softer, Barbie-esque, strawberry pink. Expect a slight tingling sensation for the plumping effect to do its thing, then say hello to a full coverage glossy finish!

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Amazonian Clay Skintuitive™ 12-Hour Blush, $48, Tarte Cosmetics from Sephora

Credit: Sephora

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Do not be intimidated by its extremely bubblegum pink pressed powder, for this too, reacts with your skin’s pH level for the perfect flush. It boasts a seamless, 12-hour long lasting finish that glides onto the cheeks with minimal effort and zero streaking by infusing the naturally occurring Amazonian clay. A universal shade of pink for all skin tones and types, you can be assured to cart out online with a peace of mind.

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Rosy Glow Blush, $69, Dior from Sephora

Credit: Sephora

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If you adore her, Dior her. Melting effortlessly into your skin to give an accurate colour match, the Dior Rosy Glow Blush offers a brilliant radiance crafted from your own skin’s chemistry. Your personal colour is what gives you that unique, natural shine, and this pressed powder from Dior does just that. Wear it all day smudge-free and experience that long-lasting, healthy glow. It also comes in 4 shades on Sephora ranging from orange coral to cherry red, but results may vary according to your custom colours.

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Addict Lip Glow Lip Balm, $59, Dior from Sephora

Credit: Sephora

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A hydrating, creamy lip balm not to be missed, the viral Addict Lip Glow draws out the natural tint of your lips with a swipe of this incredibly lightweight formula and gives them the twinkling sheen of a glow. Use it as a sheer lippie or as a primer, this lip balm is easy to use and conditions chapped, dry lips on the go. With a huge range of shades each as flattering to choose from including a universal one that applies clear initially, you will definitely find your custom colour without having to go through the pain of colour matching while shopping online.

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pH Matchmaker pH Powered Lip Gloss, $22.66, Physicians Formula from Amazon

Credit: Amazon

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Crafted as ‘Makeup Powered By You’, Physicians Formula was not playing when they released this product. Claimed to be the first ever lip gloss to transform an unassuming formula into your unique personalised shade according to your pH level, this is definitely one to try out. It also reacts and adapts to light as well as your environment to ensure that you rock the same shade on your pout whenever you are in or outdoors. The best part? It comes with a built-in LED light that you can toggle, as well as a full-sized side mirror on the body of the lip gloss for when you need a quick touch up in the dark, say in the club or during your commute in a taxi.

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Glimmer pH Balm, USD$17 (SGD$23), from Winky Lux

Credit: Winky Lux

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Formulated with Vitamin E to keep that pout fresh, soft and hydrated, this lip balm glides on clear but transitions into your customized colour of pink with the right amount of rosy glitter to give that subtle, reflective shine. The Glimmer pH Balm works more of an enhancement of your current lip colour that gives a natural finish without anything too crazy. For a long-lasting application, leave it on to dry for a few minutes to prevent transfers! It is available in 2 shades - Rosé Glimmer and Unicorn Glimmer, with the former having a warmer pearlescent finish, and the latter with a holographic gleam.

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