Ask the expert

Want your makeup to beat the heat? Education & artistry director for NARS Cosmetics shares how to level up your coverage game ... plus the trend you need to know.

What are your key tips to humidity-proof makeup during a heatwave?

I would use a different kind of foundation and that’s why I think Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is so popular here [in South Africa], because it is transfer-proof and humidityproof. It’s going to keep your skin perfect throughout the day. In a humid or hot climate, it’s important to choose the right coverage or foundation, that’s the first thing. The second thing is to use the right amount of powder.

The most important part is to powder the forehead and the nose, but keep the other zones as bare as possible, because the less texture you have, the better your skin will look throughout the day. If you put too much product, because of humidity, sebum and the heat, your skin just can’t breathe. Use a good product, but not too much less is more.

What are your tips for achieving a superpolished makeup look for parties and so on?

For me, what is very trendy is blush, like shiny luminous blush, very glowy.

I think it’s easiest to reproduce because blush is easier to do than eyes. Do a perfect, luminous complexion and then add lots of blush, very luminous blush, with just mascara and a gloss, I think that’s very trendy.

What is outdated is a glittery eye. The trend is to have the shine on the cheeks and to have this highlighted and powerful look.

Contouring is also quite outdated, we are more into this no-makeup makeup. For celebrities, I would say Kim Kardashian was very popular regarding the [contouring] trend but now it’s more Hailey Bieber.

I would recommend using a highlighting blush, and don’t be hesitant to put on a lot of blush as long as the rest is quite soft. Frosty, icy lips is also quite popular. To achieve this, I would advise you use a lip balm first, then use a shiny powder, like an eyeshadow, and layer on top of the lip balm, because the glitter will stick onto the lip balm and then finish with a gloss. It’s very beautiful, very highlighted.

How would one update a glittery lid?

I would advise you to first use a sparkling eyeshadow and then gloss it on top. But be careful about the amount of gloss you use.

Don’t put too much gloss, otherwise it’s going to leak or drip, so just put a bit and then tap it onto the lid.