5 make-up artists share the secret 'weapons' in their pouches

5 make-up artists share the secret 'weapons' in their pouches

The make-up bags of any self-respecting make-up artist always hold a wide array of tried-and-tested cosmetic products.

The artists rely on these products and tools to prepare, paint and shape the faces of models for print and runway shows, actors for the big screen, and brides on their big day.

Forget about amateur beauty bloggers; make-up artists are the ones you can trust for product reviews and recommendations.

We ask five make-up artists, all of whom have at least a decade of experience in the beauty and media industries, to open their bags so you know what they have in their beauty arsenal.

DOLLEI SEAH, 42

The exclusive make-up artist of local celebrities such as Julie Tan and Nadya Hutagalung. Ms Seah specialises in bridal make-up, too.

A regular on film sets (such as the upcoming movies, historical drama 1965, and Royston Tan's musical comedy 3688), Ms Seah has been in the industry for more than two decades.

International celebrities whom she has previously worked with include Hugh Jackman and Aishwarya Rai. She is also the founder of make-up artist collective, Make-up Entourage.

Shu Uemura New Generation Eyelash S Curler, $30, from Shu Uemura counters

I am now using the fifth curler in this design; I use it that often. I love it because it can curl every lash including the first and last ones.

Also, it lets me crimp real lashes and false ones together properly, so the effect looks natural.

Instantly Ageless, $105 for a box of 50 sachets, WhatsApp 8611-5666 to order

This cosmetic product can make wrinkles, even the deep laugh lines, disappear instantly. It firms and tightens skin, and dramatically reduces the appearance of eye bags.

The effect lasts up to four hours.

This is your digital photo touch-up tool in a sachet; there is no need for Photoshop when you use this product.

Just tap a little bit of this cream onto the desired areas and wait for the magic to happen.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer, $40, from Sephora stores

The concealer offers buildable coverage; I use my fingertips or a brush. It also has a powdery finish and is easy to blend; so I use this all over the face as a foundation, too.

The compact bottle is easy to pack, so I take along the darker shades for contouring.

Laneige Clear C Advanced Effector, $56, from Laneige counters

This really perks up the skin. Soak cotton pads in it and place the pads all over the face like a mask.

Then, gently press on the pads with your palms to let the essence seep into the skin. Remove the pads and swipe them over the skin; pat in the excess essence with your fingertips.

Cle de Peau Beaute Correcting Cream Veil, $100, from Cle de Peau counters

I use this as a base for all foundations; it brightens skin and makes it look like it is glowing from within.

For people with larger pores, I use a flat brush to glide the cream onto the skin until it looks poreless. For normal skin, I dab this on with my fingers and use a sponge on sensitive skin.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, $143 for 60 capsules, from Elizabeth Arden counters

I've been using this treatment serum on my clients' faces since I started out in the industry. It works especially well on brides and artists who are stressed out and have not had enough sleep; it plumps up irritated and dry skin immediately.

If one capsule is too much for the face, just spread the remaining serum on the neck and arms.

If it makes the skin feel too oily, just dab off the excess with a piece of tissue. Whatever make-up you apply on the skin afterwards will stay on.

RMK UV Face Protector SPF50+ PA++++, $48, from RMK counters

When I'm working on an outdoor shoot, I use this to touch up the sun protection on top of the make-up. It turns into a light and watery solution upon contact with the skin, and also adds a glow.

Izu Awakening Cream, $158, from www.izuskincare.com

It soothes all kinds of skin inflammation, such as burns, eczema, heat rash and allergic reactions, immediately.

Whenever I have a bad reaction to a product, I rinse my face and put a thick layer on. After the swelling subsides, I clean off the excess with a piece of tissue.

I also use it to calm the faces of actors when they have a reaction to the chemicals of special-effects make-up.

CINDY GOH, 38

A regular on the shoots of top photographers in the region, such as Wee Khim, Mark Law, John Clang and Wing Shya. Ms Goh has been plying her trade for about 15 years.

Her work has been published in glossies such as China Vogue, Harper's Bazaar Singapore, and the British title ID Magazine.

Her celebrity clients portfolio includes Maggie Q, Shu Qi, Cecilia Cheung, Li Bing Bing, Zhou Xun, Eva Herzigova, Erin O'Connor, Leigh Lezark and Coco Rocha.

Laniege Brush Pact, $42, from Laneige counters

This comes with a built-in brush, and the compact powder is hidden in the cap. It is so handy for touch-ups. I use No.1 to mattify the face, and No.3 to highlight.

Make Up For Ever HD Cream Blush, $50, from Sephora stores

Before I apply liquid foundation, I like to use this cream blush on the cheeks. Then, I will dab a thin layer of foundation on top of the blush to give the skin a natural, glowing-from-within effect.

When using cream blushers, you need to be light handed. Start with a little bit on the apples of the cheeks, pat it out, and add more if necessary.

This cream blush also doubles as a lip tint.

M.A.C Studio Chromographic Pencil Crayon Multi-Usages in NC15/NW20, $39, from M.A.C counters

A multi-purpose beige pencil which I use to hide moles and freckles; highlight the cupid's bow on the lip; and draw on the lower water line (the strip of flesh between the eyeball and lashes) to make eyes look larger.

Muji PP Portable Case, $2.60, from Muji stores

I travel often for work, so I like to keep my make-up bag light. I cut up my concealer sticks with a spatula, and place the different shades in the various compartments of this relatively air-tight case which prevents them from drying out.

You can do the same with your favourite lipsticks, and create your own palette. Just use a lip brush to pick up the colours.

CanMake Quick Lash Curler, $14.90, from selected Watsons stores

The texture of this primer is like a clear gloss. After curling the lashes, slick this on to set the curl for a natural look. Top up with mascara if you like. It works and it is inexpensive.

Metallic mascara comb, $6.90, from Sasa stores

The sharp edges of this metal comb ensure that the clumps from the mascara are removed, so that lashes look natural and neat.

It works better than a regular mascara spoolie and is lightweight, too.

Compact curler, $6, from Sasa stores

It is compact, not expensive and does the job; even on straight and downward-pointing lashes.

I have introduced this curler to all my friends and they love it.

The Body Shop Brilliance Powder in Bronze Shimmer, $32.90, from The Body Shop

When you apply this fine sparkly powder on the collarbones and bare shoulders, it gives the skin a nice sheen. Use this if you do not like the stickiness and oiliness of shimmering body cream.

The powder is dispensed through the brush, so it is convenient to use, too.

MR GOH TEE GUAN, 52


Better known as TG Goh, he has been in the industry for more than two decades. Mr Goh's main expertise is in bridal make-up and his work is regularly featured in bridal magazines, such as Her World Brides and Female Brides.

Celebrities whom he has worked with include Gong Li, Michelle Yeoh, Zoe Tay and Vivian Lai.

Biore Makeup Remover Micellar


Cleansing Water, $18.90, from selected personal care stores and supermarkets. This is affordable, gentle on the skin, hydrating and removes waterproof make-up easily.

Sometimes, models arrive on set from another photo shoot with their make-up still on, so I use this to clean their faces.

I feel that cotton pads soaked in this cleansing water leave the skin cleaner than make-up remover wipes.

Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting Make-up Primer Smoothing Effect, $68, from Lancome counters


I have gone through a few bottles of this. Put on the primer, dust on some loose powder on top; and your skin will feel so smooth.

Any make-up you apply on top will also go on easily. It blurs out large pores and gives skin a matte finish. A maximum of two pumps is enough for the entire face.

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream, $52, from Laneige stores

I find this gel moisturiser very hydrating. It keeps the models' skin supple even when we shoot outdoors all day.

I apply the moisturiser on the model's face with a make-up brush, so I can get to the little corners, such as the sides of the nose. Once the cream is absorbed, I put on the foundation.

Sometimes, I even mix the foundation with the moisturiser before I apply it on the face. To prevent streakiness, blend it well onto the skin with a sponge.

M.A.C Strobe Cream, $56, from M.A.C counters

This cream gives skin a soft brilliance, so it looks great in front of the camera. I also apply this on the under eye area to tone down dark circles, before I layer on the foundation.

This cream can also be used as a highlighter on the nose bridge and cheekbones; on top of eyeshadow to give it luminescence; and to brighten the inner corners of the eyes.

M.A.C 239 Eyeshader Brush, $48, from M.A.C counters

This brush is made for blending eyeshadow, but I also use it to touch up the corners of the eyes and mouth when I am applying foundation. When I wet the brush and flatten it, I can use it to line the eyes with powder shadow for a natural finish.

Lipstick blending kit

The Urban Decay Glide-On Lip Pencil in the nude shades Naked and Naked 2; and the reds, Native and 69, $32 each, from Sephora stores

Kose Infinity Beauty Lip Serum, $22, from Kose counters

These are all the items I need to custom-blend any pink or red shade to suit any skin tone, immediately. I use the Urban Decay lip pencils to fill the entire lip for a matte effect.

If you want a lighter make-up pouch and do not want to take along a lipstick, one of these pencils would be a good substitute.

I blend these shades together on the pout with a lip brush to get the tone I want.

To give the colours a glossy finish, and really meld the hues together, I layer on the Kose lip serum, which is moisturising and not too sticky.

Mini cotton buds

I buy mini-sized buds from Bangkok, and I go through boxes of them. You can also get them at pharmacies here.

I soak them in make-up remover to get rid of eyeliner and I use them to custom-blend lipstick and gloss on the back of my hand.

I dip them in foundation and use them to correct the shape of the brows.

I even use them as spatulas to scoop creams out of jars, so that I do not contaminate the product.

KENNETH LEE, 44

Mr Lee has been practising his craft for more than 20 years. His resume includes a stint at MTV Asia in the late 1990s.

Over the years, he has painted the faces of Hong Kong stars Anita Yuen, Jessica Hsuan and Charmaine Sheh; as well as local artists Qi Yuwu, Joanne Peh and Priscelia Chan.

The titles which have featured his work include Elle Singapore, iWeekly, Her World, Female, NuYou and L'Officiel.

Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Touche Eclat, $58, from YSL Beaute counters


I need this in my make-up bag at all times. But to use this correctly under the eyes, a base layer of concealer is necessary.

I dab this on nasolabial lines to make them look less obvious, and on the forehead and nose bridge to accentuate them.

Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray, $48, from Sephora stores

I use all three versions of this spray, especially on my bride clients; it helps the make-up to stay on their faces.

The Chill Cooling and Hydrating version is applied before the foundation; De-slick Oil-Control after the make-up is done; and the All Nighter Long-Lasting spray before they leave for outdoor shoots.

Kate Eye Brow Color, $14.50, from selected personal care stores

This brow mascara softens the colour of dark hair. It is also perfect for those who do not like to pluck their brows, but need to neaten the hairs.

Shu Uemura Light Bulb Sponge, $25, from Shu Uemura counters


I apply all liquid foundations with this tool. I use the broad base on the larger areas, such as the cheeks; and the tapered points around the eyes.

My clients love this, too; when I tap this sponge on their faces, they say it feels like a massage.

Comodynes Convenient Cosmetics Make-up Remover Wipes, US$7.99 (S$11), from www.alconeco.com

I have been using this for almost a decade. With one sheet, I can completely remove waterproof make-up from a model's face. It does not leave an oily residue behind, either.

La Mer The Lip Balm, $95, from La Mer counters

Apply a thick layer on very dry and flaky lips, and leave it on for 30 minutes. The dead skin will come off easily with a gentle rub of the fingertips.

Before slicking on the lipstick, apply another thin layer to further moisturise the lips.

Refa Carat, $380, from www.mtg-sg.com

To prepare my clients' faces for make-up, I use this gadget to massage their faces. The jawline becomes immediately sharper as the gadget gets rid of water retention.

Chanel Le Blanc Light Creator Brightening Makeup Base, $84

This product works well with natural face oils, makes skin smoother, helps make-up to last longer, and prevents foundation from oxidising.

RICK YANG, 35

Known for his bold, experimental and avant-garde make-up looks, Mr Yang's work has been published in fashion titles such as L'Officiel, Men's Folio, Style and Citizen K.

He picked up his first make-up brush when he was 21, and is now the co-founder of the make-up artist cooperative Fac3Inc.

Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel in no.77, $25, from Inglot, B1-14 Wisma Atria

One of the most long-lasting liners I have ever come across, and no.77 is a true black shade, which is always flattering.

Color Me foundation applicator, $75 for the starter kit, available at Sephora stores from next month

This battery-operated device helps you to tap on liquid and powder foundation easily; it is made for anyone who has a problem with blending their foundation evenly.

Just place it gently on the skin and move it along the surface without pulling on the skin. I use this when I want to give the complexion a flawless finish and that K-Beauty glow.

I could get the same effect by buffing the face with a kabuki brush for five minutes, but this saves me time. The pulsating movements of the device feel comfortable on the face, too.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Extravagant Waterproof Mascara, $45, from Sephora stores

 

This mascara comes in an uncommon intense black which can make eyes look larger and brighter. I use it for outdoor shoots and it stays on all day without smudging.

It lengthens lashes, and darkens and thickens them while setting the curl.

CNP Laboratory Daily Peeling Foam, $48.90, from selected Guardian stores and cnpcosmetics.com.sg

To perk up the skin of models who turn up at a photo shoot with a hangover, I use this. I apply a thick layer on their faces, and it foams up on its own to gently exfoliate the skin.

Then, I will wipe the foam off with wet cotton pads. It leaves the skin radiant and refreshed instantly.

Skin Inc Optimizer Voyage, $268, from Sephora stores

 

I use a water-based serum and glide this device all over the face in upward motions. The gadget is made to boost collagen production with low-frequency currents and red LED light.

I find that it helps the serum to penetrate more effectively while making the face look slimmer immediately.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Concealer, $19.90, from The Body Shop stores

This concealer stick will not aggravate zits while camouflaging them. It has tea tree oil in it and it helps to moisturise the inflamed area, too.

Apply the concealer with a brush or use the stick directly on the pimple.

Shu Uemura Shu: palette Pressed Eye Shadow, $160, from Shu Uemura stores

 

 

The 16 classic neutral shades in this palette are easy to use. In particular, I like the matte black and bronze-black pots which are made for smoky eyes.

Shu Uemura eyeshadows have a good consistency and colour pay-off, and are easy to blend. There are also both iridescent and matte textures in this one palette.

Combined photo credits: ST, Shu Uemura, The Body Shop, Skin Inc, CNP Laboratory, Make Up For Ever, Color Me, Inglot, Lancome, Laneige, Chanel, Refa Carat, La Mer, Kate, Urban Decay, Yves Saint Laurent Beaute, Kose, M.A.C, Biore, Izu, RMK, Elizabeth Arden, Cle de Peau Beaute.


This article was first published on April 3, 2015.
Get a copy of Urban, The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.