Getting dolled up for garden parties, weddings and summer soirees is all part of the fun, but no-one wants to be touching up their make-up constantly because their foundation is battling against balmy weather (and losing), or their lipstick has jumped ship on to the rim of a Champagne glass.
In the face of such an onslaught, it’s time to bring out the big guns – the products that will outlast toasts, tequila shots and even tears (happy ones, hopefully).
These are the cosmetics that are quick to use but slow to fade…
BE PRIMED AND READY
Preparation is everything when it comes to long-lasting make-up.
Adding a primer to your prep routine gives your base an extra layer of defence: The silky, almost dry-feeling formula doesn’t sink into skin but it sits on the surface, meaning your foundation sits on top of that and won’t wear off as easily.
This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up, £33 (www.lookfantastic.com) is a leave-on mask, moisturiser and primer in one. So it’s great if you’re travelling and don’t want to lug around a heavy cosmetics bag.
BUY IT NOW
America’s number one skincare product has just landed on our shores, bringing intense hydration at attractive price points. The hero of Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost range is the ultra-light Water Gel moisturiser, £12.99 (www.boots.com), which contains a unique hyaluronic gel matrix that sinks into skin and draws in moisture like a sponge, keeping your complexion looking fresh and healthy all day.
LOCK YOUR LIDS
For eye make-up that won’t crease or crumble, you need a highly pigmented formula.
Guerlain Ecrin 1 Couleur Long-Lasting Eyeshadow in Taupe Secret, £22.05 (www.escentual.com) has a powder matte finish but the gel-coated pigments ensure the colour stays put.
SET THE TONE
Once you’ve finished the rest of your make-up, a generous spritz of setting spray will create an invisible shield, locking foundation and blusher in place.
Clarins Fix Make-Up, £23, is a cooling mist that contains moisturising aloe vera and anti-pollution actives (www.boots.com)
STEAL OF THE WEEK
Looking for a summery scent at a price that’s more budget airline than luxury villa? Try Marks & Spencer’s Island Sunset, £16 for 95ml. Combining jasmine and ginger with sea salt and sandalwood, it’s like a blast of tropical breeze bottled (www.marksandspencer.com)
PERFECT YOUR POLISH
A UV-cured gel manicure is unbeatable for chip-proof nails, but some new beauty counter launches are giving the salon brands a run for their money.
Essie’s new Gel Couture collection combines 25 shades with a tough-as-nails topcoat for at-home colour that lasts up to 12 days. Essie Gel Couture in Spool Me Over and Topcoat, £9.99 each (www.superdrug.com)
SEAL YOUR LIPS
Whether you want sheer or full-impact colour, there’s a lip product that will linger as long as your need it to.
Smith & Cult The Tainted Lip Stained in Sweet Suite, £20 (net-a-porter.com) may look muted on the wand, but it’s formulated to react to the pH in lips, bringing out a brighter (but still subtle) shade that lasts even when the balm has worn off.
BEAUTY BULLETIN
SHADES OF IMPROVEMENT
More than two-thirds of Black and Asian women feel the high street doesn’t cater for their beauty needs, despite the fact they spend £137.52 more on beauty per year than any other ethnic group, according to new research from Superdrug.
“This research just goes to show the lack of products and advice available on the high street for Black and Asian women, so we have made it our mission to offer women of colour the latest in beauty products at an affordable price,” says Sarah Gardner, Head of Beauty at Superdrug. “Since launching the campaign, we’ve already seen an increase in foundation shades from Maybelline, L’Oreal and Revlon, and will be launching an additional 23 shades for darker skin tones by the end of July.”
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
Did you know Urban Decay has just released a collection of a HUNDRED different lipsticks? To help you find your perfect shade (or ten), download the free Vice Lipstick app and use the live mirror feature to virtually try the whole line-up and share your picks and tips with pals (iPhone only).
