(That's Shanghai)
Updated: 2006-07-10 15:44

It's no easy feat during a Shanghai summer to keep makeup looking fresh and fabulous-as it was when first applied in your nicely air-conditioned home, and not dripping off the face as if you were on an elliptical exercise machine.

"In the hot months, lightweight foundations are a must since they allow skin to breathe,"says MAC makeup artist Rex Gao. He recommends formulas that provide full coverage without having to add powder, like MAC's Hyper Real Foundation (RMB 320 at Parkson's). Because this foundation already contains powder, you can forgo applying setting powder which can feel heavy on the skin and induce sweating. This multi-tasking formula also contains light-reflecting properties, imparting a luminous sheen to the skin while detracting attention from lines and wrinkles. And, of course, the 2-in-1 coverage makes for quick, fuss-free application.

If staying power is what you're after, to lock in makeup when soaring temperatures and humidity make sweating unavoidable, try Shu Uemura's UV Liquid Foundation (RMB 420 at Parkson's). This water-resistant foundation is designed to keep perspiration beads at bay for hours. It also boasts a high sun protection factor of 25.

But L'Oreal's True Match Liquid Foundation may be the best choice of all, with its 'barely-there' finish and bargain price (RMB 150 at Watsons). This weightless foundation glides across skin like velvet and blends effortlessly to even out skin tone. Really, it hardly feels like you're wearing makeup at all. And you're sure to find a good match with your skin tone from the wide selection of shades on offer.

*Shanghai Nine Sea Parkson
Location: No.918 Huaihaizhong Road, Ruwan District
Tel: 021-64158818 

*Shanghai Hongqiao Parkson
Location: No.100 Zhunyi Road, Changning District
Tel: 021-62370093

*Watsons Luwan
Location: No.787, Huaihai Zhonglu, Luwan Distric

*Watsons Dimei Shopping Center
Location: Shop 56, Dimei Shopping Center, No.221, Renming Dadao, Huangpu District