Tips on which ‘proof’ make-up actually works

Smudge-proof, waterproof or heat-proof?

Decades ago, the beauty industry introduced “proof ” make-up to us, which it promised would not smudge and would be resistant to extreme conditions.

However, we all know that what we see on adverts and what actually happens when you use the product can be two very different things. Which begs the question; does proof make-up really work?

Will your waterproof mascara stay intact even when you are caught in a storm and it is pouring down on you?

Does kiss-proof lipstick mean you can gobble an entire burger and leave the lipstick intact?

Celebrity make-up artist Bokamoso Dikobe has worked with the likes of Bonang Matheba, Pearl Modiadie and K Naomi, and gives us the lowdown on proof make-up.

She starts off by emphasizing that proof make-up only works to a certain extent.

“Proof make-up is designed to provide some anti-smudge assistance, and can withstand certain conditions while remaining intact. In my knowledge, some of the proof products are made with less oil, as oil lifts make-up. This is the reason why make-up removers are oil-based.”

Dikobe tells us how to separate fact from what we see in the ads:

1. WATERPROOF MASCARA

There are some waterproof mascara ads that show a model running around happily in the rain, claiming that the mascara will stay intact. How true is this? “Waterproof mascara works wonders. It is usually ideal for keeping the mascara in place when one sheds a tear or two, which is why most brides prefer it on their big day, as tears are usually inevitable.

“That said, for waterproof mascara not to smudge, it should not be in contact with water for an extended period of time. The longer the mascara is in contact with water, the more likelihood for it to get soaked and start running. So no, one cannot bath with waterproof mascara or frolic in the rain and expect the waterproof mascara to hold.”

PROOF-O-METER: 7/10 2. KISS-PROOF LIPSTICK

The kiss-proof ads usually demonstrate how embarrassing it can be when lipstick smudges. Usually, they would show a woman drinking from a cup and leaving a stain, or kissing their significant other and being embarrassed by the lipstick residue left behind.

Dikobe says that this is highly unlikely.

“The benefits of smudgeproof lipstick are that you do not have to necessarily reapply or retouch it as often as you would regular lipstick.

“That said, one would not necessarily be able to eat carelessly or even make out with a partner and still have the lipstick intact.”

PROOF-O-METER: 4/10 3. HEAT-PROOF FOUNDATION

Everyone knows that while wearing foundation, some people find it melting off their faces as the heat turns up. Can you have a perfectly matte face all day, despite hot conditions?

Dikobe rubbishes these claims.

“There is no such thing as heat-proof foundation, and if there is, I seriously doubt that it works. The reason I say so is because there is a simple make-up trick that prevents foundation from running.

“If you know you will be in extremely hot conditions, you simply need a good primer so that your make-up can hold, and you also need to dab on a little powder as the day goes by. That is what I would recommend that you spend your money on,” she says.

PROOF-O-METER: 1/10