In Part 2, I asked MAC’s seasoned makeup artist, Beno Lim for some makeup tips. With 2 decades of experience in the makeup industry, who better to consult on the do’s and don’t’s of makeup? Beno has worked on celebs such as Lady Gaga, Fergie (the Dutchess, not the Duchess of York), Debbie Gibson, Laura Fygi, Jacquetta Wheeler and Carmen Kass, among others. He has also been the key makeup artist for collections by Dries Van Noten, Gareth Pugh, Marc for Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood and many, many other designers.

What are your tips for making foundation last longer in our tropical climate?

Use MAC’s Prep + Prime range. Don’t wear a lot of foundation – use it only on areas where needed. Concentrate on blemishes or redness. Blend foundation outwards from the middle of the face outwards like a sunburst effect.

How can we avoid looking white in photos?

Try not to use too much powder foundation which is too heavy. Liquid foundation is better for making skin look more real.

What is the No. 1 mistake you have seen when it comes to using/applying makeup?

Too much powder foundation on top of liquid and using a 2-way cake instead of pressed powder over foundation. (My advise is to) use a compact that doesn’t contain foundation.

Is there any difference in effect if one blends eyeshadows/foundation with a brush instead of fingers? Any particular advantage/disadvantage in each case? What is your personal preference?

There is no right or wrong – I use both (brushes and fingers). For skincare, I prefer to use fingers as I can feel the bone structure and so I know where to contour. I can also feel whether skin is dehydrated. I use brushes for harder to reach places, brushes are like my 11th finger. Brush 109 is good for buffing in liquid foundation. Hold the brush a bit further towards the end of the brush for lighter pressure so that it’s easier to diffuse foundation. For eyes, follow your eye shape so that the look becomes soft and natural.

Any tips for concealing eye bags?

Using the 4th finger, massage Fast Response Eye Cream from inner to outer area (of undereyes) to release tension which makes eyes look less puffy. Use a small, fluffy brush with Studio Sculpt Concealer to blend.

What’s the best way to blend the Paint Pots?

Fingers have heat so Paint Pots don’t blend so well with fingers. Use a fluffy brush like 224 to blend.

What is your favourite Autumn/Winter Trend?

Tough-Love.