A long UAE workday means an early commute in the heat, hours in cold, dry air conditioning, and often plans straight after work. The right formulas matter more than the number of products.
Our workday routine guide covers technique. This guide covers formulas: what to look for on the label, and products to explore for each step.
About this guide: Ask Melia hasn't tested these products. "Brand says" lines are the brands' own claims from their product pages.
Label words, decoded
| Label | What it usually means | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Long-wear | Formulated to resist fading for longer; the hours are the brand's claim | Foundation, lips, liner |
| Transfer-resistant | Less likely to rub off on collars, phones and cups | Foundation, lips |
| Waterproof | Designed to resist water; needs a proper remover | Mascara, liner |
| Sweat- or water-resistant | Copes with some moisture, but less than waterproof | Brows, blush |
| Non-comedogenic | Formulated not to clog pores (not a guarantee) | Base products |
| Alcohol-free | No drying alcohol; kinder to dry or sensitive skin | Setting sprays |
Formulas for each step
Base: long-wear, in thin layers
Choose by skin type: matte for oily, natural for combination, radiant for dry. See our foundation guide for six options.
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A lightweight long-wear foundation with SPF 25.
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A creamy concealer that also highlights and contours.
Discover this productBrows: gel that holds
A tinted gel keeps brows in place through humidity. A pomade suits sharper shapes.
A tinted fibre gel for fuller-looking brows.
Discover this productA pigmented waterproof pomade for sculpted brows.
Discover this productEyes: waterproof where it matters
Liner and mascara move first. Waterproof formulas are the single biggest upgrade for a long day.
A creamy pencil that sets waterproof.
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A lengthening waterproof mascara.
Discover this productCheeks: cream under powder
Cream or liquid blush blends into skin. A light layer of powder blush on top helps it last.
A lightweight cream blush for a sheer, buildable flush.
Discover this productNARS's powder blush; Orgasm is its best-known shade.
Discover this productLips: transfer-resistant for meetings and lunch
A liquid lipstick that sets to a soft suede-matte finish.
Discover this productA nude-pink matte lipstick and one of the brand's best-known shades.
Discover this productSet: alcohol-free if AC dries you out
An alcohol-free setting spray.
Discover this productA translucent loose powder for setting shine-prone areas.
Discover this productTell Melia your skin type and how long you need it to last, and she'll pick formulas for you.
Find my makeupFrom desk to dinner
- Blot, don't powder first.
- Touch up the T-zone with a little powder.
- Add another coat of mascara.
- Switch to a bolder lip.
- Mist with setting spray.
More in how to keep makeup fresh through a Dubai workday.
Questions
Is waterproof the same as water-resistant?
No. Waterproof formulas are designed to resist water and usually need an oil-based or dedicated remover. Water- or sweat-resistant formulas hold up to some moisture but less.
Do long-wear products damage skin?
Long-wear isn't harmful in itself, but always remove makeup fully at night. If a product irritates your skin, stop using it and ask a pharmacist or dermatologist.
What does non-comedogenic mean?
It's a claim that a product is formulated not to clog pores. It isn't a guarantee for every skin.
Written with AI assistance from brand and retailer information, and edited by the Ask Melia team. We have not wear-tested these products. Spotted a mistake? Email hello@askmelia.com. Our editorial standards.