It can be difficult to find the perfect foundation that covers well and withstands Hong Kong’s weather. Here, the EL team weigh in on their favourite picks.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup
“I’ve used Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup for years. I mix Pebble with Pale Almond for a shade that’s perfect for my skin tone. I love it because it’s ideal for the humidity – it genuinely does stay put from morning to bedtime. It looks natural, too, delivering a great balance between coverage and luminosity.”
– Verne Maree
Tarte Babassu Foundcealer MultiTasking Foundation
“Tarte Babassu Foundcealer MultiTasking Foundation (SPF 20) is a lightweight foundation that offers hydration and good coverage – the perfect combo for my skin, which tends to be on the dry side. The formula contains Babassu oil to plump up your skin and I can vouch that it definitely does that for me. A bonus is that Tarte is a cruelty-free and a vegan brand!”
– Michaela Bisset
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder
“I love Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder, a foundation with a light to medium coverage that glides on smoothly and doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin. I love the fact that there’s an accurate shade finder online. For lighter days, I use Wonderglow, a face primer that can be used on its own or under foundation. Both products are super luxurious.”
– Jacqui Young
IT Cosmetics CC+ Your Skin But Better (SPF 50)
“Growing up in Australia with freckles is a cruel cosmic joke and being out in the sun sans protection puts the legit fear of God in me. Everything that touches my skin has to have an SPF of at least 50. Originally, I was drawn to IT Cosmetics CC+ Your Skin But Better (SPF 50) because it’s cruelty free. But now I love it for so many reasons. Just like it says on the tube, it gives me a “my skin but better” coverage. It has broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. It also has this nifty pearly sheen that conveniently masks the ubiquitous summer sweat.”
– Kate Marsden
Guerlain L’essentiel Natural Glow Foundation
“My current favourite product for a flawless base is the Guerlain L’essentiel Natural Glow Foundation. It’s not cheap, but I find that one pump goes a long way, especially if I apply it using my fingers. It doesn’t leave my skin looking patchy or feeling heavy like many other foundations, but instead I get a natural glow and an even coverage all around. Made with 97 percent naturally derived ingredients, the hydrating formula doesn’t make me break out, either. I think it’s worth the splurge!”
– Anthia Chng
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation
“I’ve been using MAC for years, but after a friend’s recommendation, I’ve switched to a different foundation as it’s lighter and doesn’t crease around my eyes; Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation is incredibly lightweight and hydrating. There are 50 shades to choose from, so I managed to find my perfect match and now I wear it day or night as it ticks all my boxes. It looks natural, feels breathable and is compact enough for post-gym touch-ups.” – Leanda Rathmell
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation (SPF 15)
“I use Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation (SPF 15) in the Light-Medium Sand shade. It just seems to be the right colour option for me. The product goes on easily and stays on well. It seems to last a long time too, so that’s a good sign!”
– Rebecca Bisset
See more in our Style & Beauty section:
Beauty news: the latest launches!
Which fragrances do we love?
Subscribe to Expat Living now so you never miss an issue!