Living in perpetual summer may sound idyllic to some – think lovely summer dresses and flowy blouses all year round. But when temperatures start to rise in April, the humidity can really get in the way of achieving a fresh and glowing look. Many of us share the familiar dread of having our makeup all set for the day, only to start perspiring the moment we step out of the house, leaving us with cakey makeup, sticky skin and an unpleasant start to the day. But fret not, we’ve got great summer beauty hacks and a list of fab products that will help you to look on-point even on the warmest day!

1. Maintain healthy skin

You probably already know this, but we’ll still say it: Having clear and healthy skin is more than half the battle won. Whether you’re going for a rosy, au naturel flush or you have a more defined makeup style, a good skincare routine is always the best foundation. If your skin breaks out more when it’s humid, that’s because your face easily perspires when it’s warm and attracts dirt and oil, causing clogged pores. Combat this with a simple but effective skincare routine.Make it a habit to wash your face twice a day, and don’t forget to exfoliate at least twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells and extra dirt and grime that sticks to your skin in high humidity. Nature & Co’s Botanical Cleansing Cream is formulated with 3 carefully selected botanical ingredients and contains natural Konjac grains to gently exfoliate the skin, while retaining its moisture. Besides helping to unclog pores, regular exfoliation helps your skin to better absorb a moisturiser.

Get the Nature & Co Botanical Cleansing Cream, $18, from Welcia-BHG at Northpoint City.Be sure to hydrate your skin with a lightweight moisturiser, as you will want to avoid looking greasier. Using the right moisturiser will protect your skin from dehydration and prevent oil glands from becoming more active. Opt for the Green Tea Balancing Cream that controls the oil-water balance of your skin, providing intense hydration with a light texture that won’t feel sticky on your skin.

The Green Tea Balancing Cream EX (50ml), $26, available at Innisfree at Causeway Point and Northpoint City.

If you have dry skin, check out the Solo Solo Squalane Oil, a plant-based solution that contains natural anti-oxidants and is suitable for sensitive skin. The Solo Solo Squalane Oil (30ml) $24.80, is available exclusively at Welcia-BHG at Northpoint City.

2. Prime and prep

We know you can’t wait to slap on that mattifying foundation, but here’s a step you should never miss – priming. The right primer would correct blotchy spots and prevent the clogging of pores. Gently apply LANEIGE’s Two Tone Correcting Bar No.1 Primer, starting from the centre of your face then working your way out. Formulated with a smoothing gel and powder, this stick primer corrects fine lines and refines your skin’s texture for a smooth texture before the rest of your makeup. The best part is, it’s really easy to blend!

If you’re dabbing on some gorgeous summer hues on your eyelids, don’t forget to get an eye shadow primer too. Prepping your eyelids with a primer will absorb excess oil, preventing the colours from creasing or turning patchy.

The LANEIGE Two Tone Correcting Bar No.1 – Primer, $38, available at Metro at Causeway Point and The Centrepoint.Now, you’re all set to apply a foundation that will give your skin an even base. For this, check out LANEIGE’s new 2-in-1 Layering Cover Cushion & Concealing Base that provides flawless, anti-darkening and long-lasting coverage. It also keeps you well-protected from the sun with its Concealing Base (SPF 50+ PA+++) and Layering Cover Cushion (SPF 34 PA+++). The Layering Cover Cushion contains Jewel Powder, which gives you a pinkish radiance and matte finish. Its other ingredients like French sparkling water and lychee fruit extract makes this foundation feel extra soothing on your skin in warm weather.

The LANEIGE Layering Cover Cushion & Concealing Base, $43, available at Metro at Causeway Point and The Centrepoint.ETUDE HOUSE’s new Any Cushion All Day Perfect (SPF 50 PA+++) is another great option. With up to 24 hours of coverage and a new roll-spread technology that provides effective coverage in a single application, this foundation is perfect for hot weather as you won’t have to do multiple layering or touch-ups that can feel heavy on the skin.

The Any Cushion All Day Perfect, $32, available at ETUDE HOUSE at Causeway Point.

3. Get sweat-proof makeup

A winged eyeliner provides a subtly sultry effect while full lashes brighten up one’s eyes. But smudged eye makeup can turn your perfectly lined cat-eye into messy raccoon eyes. So, pick out suitable makeup that will remain flawless even when you feel like you’re sweating buckets. Or, try out eyelash perming that will give your lashes a natural lift no matter rain or shine.

Water-proof eyeliner and mascaraThe Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Liquid Liner has a water-resistant finish that doesn’t crack or fade throughout the day. It also has a bold shimmery effect that will make your eyes really pop! Complete the look with the Bobbi Brown No Smudge mascara that’s practically a raincoat for your lashes and comes with a patented brush that’ll give you an even coat.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Liquid Liner, $47 and No Smudge Mascara, $48, both available at Metro at Causeway Point and The Centrepoint.

Ultralash Lift Treatment PermIf you don’t have the patience to get your lashes in order every morning, a fuss-free way to achieving impeccable lashes with zero chance of smudging, is getting an eyelash perm. Check out the Ultralash Lift Treatment Perm service by Avone Beauty Secrets, which uses natural products to lift and strengthen your lashes. Each perming session gives you perfect lashes for up to 8 weeks. So, you won’t have to fret about lash extensions falling off or mascara stains – just your own lashes looking fantastic all the time, even while you’re swimming or getting a sweaty workout! For an extra boost, check out Avone Beauty Secrets’ Keratin Lash Tint. Think of it as a semi-permanent mascara that enhances your lashes for a fuller look for up to 4 weeks.

Get the Ultralash Life Treatment Perm at $38 (U.P $88) from now till 31 May 2018, plus receive a $20 Service Value Voucher (T&Cs apply), and get the Keratin Lash Tint at $76 at Avone Beauty Secrets at Northpoint City and Waterway Point.

4. Refresh with a spray

If you’ve got a long day outdoors, you will most likely perspire more and feel uncomfortable. Or if you stay indoors with an AC, the harsh air-conditioning can also cause your skin to dry out.  A facial mist would do wonders to restore your skin’s suppleness, so pack along a bottle wherever you go!Containing sebum control powder, the Clio Microfine Oil Control Fix Mist keeps your skin wonderfully matte with added sebum control powder. Spritz it on just before makeup or anytime in the day to freshen up.

The Clio Microfine Oil Control Fix Mist, $22.90, available at Watsons at Anchorpoint, Causeway Point, Changi City Point, Eastpoint Mall, Northpoint City, The Centrepoint, Waterway Point and YewTee Point.Made from 100% fresh Green Tea Water, the Innisfree Green Tea Mist provides moisture and soothing relief to skin that has been exposed to strong sunlight with its mild Ethanol-free formula. Simply spray in a circular motion and leave it to dry or pat lightly to help absorption.

Green Tea Mist (50ml) $9, or (150ml) $19, available at Innisfree at Causeway Point and Northpoint City.

5. Give your locks a makeover

Been eyeing that sleek pixie cut or tousled bob? The warm weather is the best excuse to snip off that long, heavy mane for a chic and comfy hairdo. If you’re opting for something less daring, simply layer your locks, or style your hair in a top knot and experiment with inventive braids. Be sure to maintain soft and shiny hair with the Mucota Aire+06, a no-rinse base treatment that protects the hair from heat and damaging UV rays. Then, deck your ears out in statement earrings and you’re good to go!

The Mucota Aire+06, $49, available at Apgujeong Hair Studio at Waterway Point.

6. Drink up

You may be hearing this one since you were a kid but drinking plenty of water is the simplest solution to a glowing complexion. Besides keeping your body hydrated, water helps maintain optimum skin moisture, delivers essential nutrients to skin cells, replenishes the skin tissue and increases its elasticity. While it’s recommended that we drink about 2 litres of water per day, each individual requires a different amount of water intake, so see what works for you. Most importantly, make it a habit to swap out sweet drinks for water and chug away to beautiful skin!

So, there you have it – 6 beauty tips that’ll keep you unfazed by the sweltering heat!