How to smudge-proof your mascara in the humid tropics

Being blessed with a set of long lashes, my mascara tends to smudge on the skin below and above my eyes somewhat, no matter what climate I find myself in. Heat and humidity unfortunately do make matters worse for me – and many others with me.

Most important thing to realize is that smudging of mascara on your skin isn’t only caused by the mascara you are wearing; it’s actually an interplay between the mascara on your lashes and the condition of the skin around your eyes. In a hot and humid environment, your skin tends to be more oily and/or sweaty, which, when in contact with your mascara, is the perfect recipe for stains. The solution is therefore mostly twofold: besides finding a mascara that works well for you, make sure to take appropriate measures to avoid the skin around your eyes from inviting your mascara to smudge.

In finding a mascara that works well for your lashes and doesn’t smudge so much, many women resort to waterproof mascara’s. Keep in mind however that waterproof doesn’t necessarily mean smudge proof. There’s quite some waterproof mascara’s that still smudge, because it’s the oil in your skin or makeup and not water that comes into contact with the mascara on your lashes.

To keep the oil in your skin from transferring your mascara onto your skin, use a (loose)face  powder on the skin below and above your eyes. Just dap the powder (use a little makeup brush or pad) on the skin and apply where your lashes are most likely to touch your skin. Do this for both bare skin and makeup’ed skin, like when using a highlighter or concealer under your eyes (especially then!). If you use a translucent powder you cannot quickly go wrong with the colour, but when you use a loose or compact powder that has more coverage, always use one tone lighter than your face. This will ‘open’ your look; makeup under the eyes that is too dark will make you look older, less fresh and more tired.

Loose powders that significantly reduce the amount of mascara smudging for me are the following:

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• Chanel - Poudre Universelle Compacte (more translucent than the above)
• MAC – Blot Powder (in particular to control oil!)
• Bobbi Brown – Sheer Finish Loose Powder

When you need a little touch up during the day, a compact powder like Chanel’s Poudre Universelle Compacte or MAC's pressed powder is very convenient to carry with you in your handbag.

Mascara’s that work well for me personally are the following:

• Lancome - Hypnose Drama + Lancome Hypnose Waterproof

I first apply a layer of the normal Hypnose Drama, followed by a second layer of the Hypnose Waterproof mascara – this makes it easier to remove the waterproof mascara and gives the voluminous effect that many WP mascara’s lack…

• Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara

I like the arched wand that scoops and lifts up every last lash. This mascara promises to be "smudge, flake and smear-resistant for up to 24 eye-opening hours" and works pretty well (just minor touch ups needed to fight the smudge). Can be easily removed with warm water. 

• Majolica Majorca – Lash King Film

This has been my ultimate Singapore find so far: Shiseido-owned brand with amazing value for money and amazing mascara’s. Prices around 20 SGD and available at a.o. Watsons

If you’re comfortable using makeup and tend to wear more than just the ‘natural’ basics like a mere hint of mascara and some gloss on the lips, you could try a Makeup Setting Spray as well to ‘set’ your mascara and any other makeup from smudging, transferring and melting. A post on how to use such a product will follow soon, so stay tuned…!