With summer, the key for me is go as light and long-wearing as possible, so my staples are good primers and as much waterproof makeup as I can find (#humidity anyone?). For the eyes and lips, I stick with my holy grail brand Urban Decay – my Primer Potion + Naked 3 + 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil combo does not budge even in the sweatiest of days!

Read more: Summer Skincare: Top 5 Beauty Products to Try

In this heat, I can’t be bothered with false lashes but this L’Oreal Miss Manga Waterproof formula makes it look like I’ve got a bomb pair on. Of course, brows are essential and I’m in love with Benefit’s Precisely, My Brow Pencil to keep my brows in check. Another summer essential is a bright and matte lip, but I’m always careful to keep my lips nice and hydrated so the colour is always crisp – I’m loving my Urban Decay Matte Revolution lipstick in Menace with trusty Nivea Essential Care lip balm as a base.

Finally, I like to use a rosy matte blush like Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty which complements my natural flush on a hot summer’s day! And ladies on the go who just can’t wash their mane everyday, my go-to is the Living Proof Perfect hair Day dry shampoo – it’s genuinely a miracle product!

I have a serious love/hate relationship with Hong Kong summer.

Read more: 5 Things We Hate and 5 Things We Love About Summer In Hong Kong

The suffocating humidity and stifling heat definitely fall under the ‘hate’ part, leaving me looking far from ‘put together’ after I’ve walked to the office in the morning! Thankfully, I’ve discovered a few beauty products that I use almost everyday to help. When it comes to hair, Living Proof products are now my go-to. I can honestly say that the silicone-free, science-based formula has made my hair naturally silky and soft – it’s so much healthier than before. My favourite product has to be the No Frizz Humidity Shield, which is ideal for Hong Kong weather! I spritz it on in the morning to protect my hair from humidity (aka that messy summer frizz) and a little UV protection.

Instead of slapping on a heavy foundation that will no doubt sweat off five minutes after I leave my flat, I’ve been using MAC’s new ‘Lightful C SPF 50 Quick Finish Compact’ which is easy to use and provides even, light coverage. On top of that I’ll brush over MAC’s Sheertone Blush in Peaches with a slick of matte MAC lipstick (I love ‘Studded Kiss’ for summer evenings).

Apart from make-up, French brand Caudalie is a solid part of my skin-care routine, and I’ll use the Resveratrol Face Lifting Moisturizer with SPF 20 as soon as I wake up. I’ve just tried out Korean brand Roselina’s Blooming O2 Oxygen Bubble Essence as a sleep mask before bed and it’s made my skin feel so nourished – I’ve woken up feeling refreshed and ready to beat the heat!

Read more: Bordeaux beauty at Caudalie’s boutique spa

With temperatures averaging at 30 degrees, makeup that I would normally use in the cooler months are strictly off limits – foundation for one, so instead I tend to opt for a more ‘au naturale’ look or instead use an oil-free moisturising gel (see ya’ later sticking sweaty skin) and apply a BB cream like the Body Shop’s ‘Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream‘ which is not only really light on the skin, but the tea tree oil in the formula actually aids in clearing those pesky spots.

But to be honest, after applying my base I find that my summer routine is actually super quick – and with efforts realistically only lasting a couple of hours (on a good day) before dripping into my afternoon cup of coffee, I find that a reliable cream concealer (NUDESTIX is great one to try!) followed by H&M’s light brown eye crayon (in HK stores soon!) on my lower lashes alongside a lick of Kevyn Aucoin Mascara just about completes the morning makeup rush routine.

Read more: NUDESTIX: Go Nude but Better

On a day where I may have a meeting, or an event I do like to also use a matte powder like Topshop’s bronzer in ‘Mohawke’ which contours whilst also keeping subtle definition throughout the day, as well as Benefit’s new Brow range compact- Brow Zings that easily sculpts and holds colour with it’s unique wax and powder combo. And if the sun’s shining I’m all for a good ol’ bright lipstick! KIKO Milano’s new summer range is worth checking out for a colourful, long lasting lip – perfect for in the office or on the beach. I can vouch for it’s junk-staying power.

Read more: All Aboard: Junk Boat Fashion Inspiration

Hello, Hong Kong summer! Where the sun is on the verge of giving me third degree burns and my make-up just melts off my face. I’ve started using Cetaphil’s Daily Moisturiser with SPF 50, which is so sexy, but I’m working on avoiding those wrinkles.

Urban Decay’s concealer is not only light weight but light reflecting so my skin looks even and my eye bags covered. But any liquid product on my face will melt right off if not set with any pressed powder, and that’s where a light dusting of Sephora’s mineral compact foundation comes in.

Read more: 5 Tips from MAC Makeup Pro, Romero Jennings

A swish of Benefit’s Bad Gal liner close to my water line and a smudge of Nudestix lip and cheek pencil on my lips (the formula is so moisturising!) and I’m a winner.