SMART CASUAL

Intelligent makeup is not a thing of the future. It's here, and it's helping us look good with less effort. Here, our top 10 picks from the past year that do the job-fast.

1. THE LIPPIE YOU’LL NEVER HAVE TO REAPPLY: DIOR ADDICT LIP TATTOO, $46

This is one lip colour that won’t budge – or smudge – for at least 10 hours. The weightless tint fuses into lips within seconds after application, and promises zero transfer, be it onto a glass or whoever you’re puckering up to.

2. THE ON-THE-GO FOUNDATION: ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR NUDE CUSHION STICK RADIANT MAKEUP, $70

This has a built-in cushion tip to dispense the longwearing, fuss-free foundation. The texture is extremely fluid – all you need to do is open the cap, dab on, then blend to get a smooth, seamless finish.

3. THE MASCARA THAT WORKS FOR EVERYBODY: M.A.C INSTACURL LASH, $38

It’s reportedly the first mascara that allows users to tweak the arch of the brush, all thanks to a twisting mechanism at the base of the wand. What this means: It can be adapted to suit any eye shape, so one swipe is all that’s required to coat lashes from corner to corner.

4. THE ONE-SWIPE CONCEALER: NARS SOFT MATTE COMPLETE CONCEALER, $45

Of all the concealers it’s come up with, the brand – known for its full-coverage makeup – dubs this the one with the highest coverage. Oil-free yet hydrating, the cream blends weightlessly to blur, smooth out and conceal all imperfections – get this – naturally.

5. THE FUSS-FREE BROW GEL: SHU UEMURA BROW:COMB, $47

The comb applicator helps to smooth, flatten and coat hairs, while spreading the gel simultaneously for a clean, precise finish.

6. THE MULTI-TASKING PRIMER: RMK LONG LASTING UV SPF45/PA++++, $57

A primer that not only primes, but also does the job of at least a third of the products in one’s beauty routine: protect from the sun, cool and tone to balance skin, and hydrate and control sebum production to leave skin fresh and smooth.

7. THE SMART FOUNDATION: SHISEIDO MAKEUP SYNCHRO SKIN WHITE CUSHION COMPACT, $75

Using sensory technology, this actually susses out areas of skin that are either too oily or dry, so as to mattify or flush with moisturising ingredients accordingly. Chuck that blotter now.

8. THE FOUNDATION THAT ALSO NOURISHES: SULWHASOO PERFECTING CUSHION INTENSE SPF50+/PA+++, $105

Besides tapping on what the brand calls Radiance Pearl Powder complex to reflect light and create a gorgeous glow, this boasts red pine and antioxidant-rich plum blossom extract to fight free radical damage, and glycerin to salve even the driest of complexions.

9. THE ULTRA-HYDRATING LIPSTICK: LANCOME MATTE SHAKER, $38

Matte lippies can be dehydrating and usually require a layer of nourishing balm before application to prevent puckers from drying out. This comes infused with a cocktail of skin-loving oils that hydrates so intensely, your lips will always look healthy and plump.

10. THE INSTA-GLOW MAKEUP: LANEIGE WATER GLOW GEL FOUNDATION, $59

Filled with stabilised moisturising ingredients and pigments coated with amino acids, this gives the same plump, radiant complexion that everyone tries to achieve in images with Photoshop.