Spending summer in the Philippines? Don’t let the heat and humidity stop you from taking gorgeous photos and showing the world that you’re living your best, island-hopping life. Here are our top makeup must-haves for this tropical climate so you always look fresh and radiant, wherever you travel in the motherland. (You may click the links to shop them online while you’re in PH, but we also made sure you can find these items in department stores and drugstores around the country.)
1. A Good Primer
Rather than layering several creams on your face that may clog your pores or add extra shine, opt for a multi-tasking primer that can help prolong your makeup and moisturize your skin while shielding you from harmful UV rays.
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Our pick: Try Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Protecting SPF30, PHP2,900 (available at Rustan’s in PH), to extend makeup wear. It protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays and contains a blend of Vitamins C and E to help improve the appearance of your skin over time.
2. A Buildable Foundation
Using a foundation that starts off sheer allows you to skip the concealer because you can just pat an extra layer over the areas where you want more coverage and need more help. Since thick concealers can slip or settle into your creases—especially when temperatures rise—this layering trick can help you look a little more flawless (and not cakey) throughout the day.
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Our pick: Spotlight Serum Cushion Foundation SPF50+ PA+++, PHP895 (also available in Watsons and The SM Store Beauty Section nationwide). This lightweight foundation comes in a convenient compact, so you can easily retouch on the go. The silky formula gives you a radiant finish that can last for hours and plumps up your skin with hyaluronic acid. Not only does it hydrate, it protects you from the sun, too.
3. A Trusty Waterproof Eyeliner
You probably already have a favorite liner that you buy where you live abroad and which you likely packed in your makeup bag. However, if it keeps smudging off in this humidity, try this trick from former beauty editor Bianca Alecxis: “Bring some makeup remover wipes or [keep] a Q-tip with some makeup remover in a little zip bag handy for quick touch-ups.” Too much effort for you? Don’t hesitate to make a swap for our budget-friendly reco from one of the popular makeup brands among Pinays.
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Our pick: Careline Graph-ink Liner, PHP220 (also available in drugstores and department stores nationwide). The high-precision, felt-tip applicator allows you to define your eyes and give it a perfectly sharp line. It’s absolutely smudge- and waterproof, but easy to remove at the end of the day with a makeup remover.
Also try: Other Careline eyeliners, like the Graph-ink Liner Matte (PHP220), Graph-ink Wing Liner & Stamp (PHP295) to help you perfect a cat-eye, and Graph-ink Lash & Line (PHP295) that comes with an eyeliner on one end and a mascara on the other.
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4. A Long-Lasting Blush
Adding a little pop of color on your cheeks is definitely a must—even if it tends to be one of the first things that fade away. When shopping, make sure you look for a liquid, cream, or gel formula (these sink into your skin and last longer) with vivid pigments to ensure that you’ll always have a healthy flush.
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Our pick: Spotlight Lush Lip & Cheek Creme, PHP425. It comes in four Pinay-friendly shades that blend seamlessly into your skin without looking blotchy. The lightweight creme melts into your skin, giving you a naturally flushed look that lasts longer than a powder blush.
Also try: Dazzle Me Heart Melt Liquid Blush, PHP149, which has a unique liquid to creamy texture and you can even use it as an eyeshadow for a monochromatic look.
5. A Bold Lipstick
Don’t feel like wearing a full face of makeup when it’s over 30 degrees outside? No problem! Just slip on a chic pair of sunglasses, pull your hair back into a slick ponytail, and swipe on a vivid-colored lipstick. It’s a fuss-free and easy way to look put-together without having to worry about goopy mascara or runny foundation.
Our pick: Ever Bilena Matte Lip Ink, PHP225 (also available in drugstores and department stores nationwide). This budge-proof lippie easily glides on your lips and then stays put when it dries. While its matte finish is certainly waterproof and transfer-proof, it does not dry your lips. It comes in six shades that suit Pinay skin with warm undertones, which are usually complemented by orange-based lip products: Ginger Spice, Nude Salmon, Melon Milk, Fresh Coral, Burnt Red, and Cocodamia, the darkest brick shade of the range.
Also try: Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, PHP429 (also available in drugstores and department stores nationwide), which lasts for up to 16 hours and comes in over 20 kiss-worthy colors. Tip: If you’re looking for a bold red, try Dancer (orange-based) or Groundbreaker (blue-based).
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6. A Translucent Powder
Makeup artists love to use this colorless powder to blot away excess shine because it doesn’t add extra pigment on your skin (more pigment = more muddy). If you like using cream-based products or tend to have oily skin, this is the perfect way to set your makeup and banish excess shine on super hot days.
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Our pick: Elvis+Elvin Hyaluronic Setting Powder, PHP1,395 (available at Beauty Bar branches in PH). The matte texture in this ultra-fine powder helps absorb sebum, minimize pores, and leaves your skin shine-free. It has a non-cakey effect and we like how you can conveniently use it to touch-up during the day.
7. A Refreshing Setting Spray
If you’re attending a beach wedding, a poolside party, or just want to ensure that your makeup doesn’t melt off in extreme Philippine heat, then you absolutely must add a setting spray to your routine. Never used one before? All you have to do is shake the bottle, hold it about six inches away from your face, and then mist each area (forehead, each eye, cheeks, and lips) until it’s slightly damp. After that, all you have to do is give it a few minutes to dry and you’re good to go!
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Our pick: Dazzle Me Get A Grip! Makeup Setting Spray Matte Fix, PHP199 (also available in Watsons and Robinsons Department Stores nationwide). It contains a special Japanese oil-control powder to mattify your face in one spritz—perfect for those with oily skin and want zero shine on their face. It also makes your makeup transfer-proof, so you don’t have to worry about getting unwanted stains on your clothes.
