BELLA BLISSETT’S BEAUTY BUZZ

A flawless complexion. Here’s how to work the colour of summer

As was widely evidenced on the catwalks this season, lilac is the shade of S/S 18 fashion. Yet while it can flatter us all, it calls for smooth flawless skin in order to pull it off. This is where targeted body products come into their own. Take Ren Skincare AHA Renewal Body Serum (£35, renskincare.com), for example. The alpha hydroxy acid element gently exfoliates skin to remove dead cells while the addition of Xylitol boosts hydration when you apply it once a day. Ameliorate Intensive Foot Treatment (£15, victoriahealth.com) also contains AHAs, which in this formula break down the bonds between thick rough skin to make it softer. When rubbed in twice a day, shea butter and jojoba oil work to smooth your feet so that they feel more hydrated. For more troublesome eczema, rosacea, sunburn and heat rash, Thyme Out solution (£18, victoriahealth.com) captures the anti-inflammatory, antifungal properties of the herb, which are blended with aloe vera to combat unsightly redness and irritation. Saturate a cotton pad with it and dab it on to affected areas as often as you like. Finish by painting toes with H&M’s affordable and chic summer shades in Flip-Flops (below left) or peachy Beachcomber (below right, £3.99 each, both hm.com).

When she launched her make-up brand Look Fabulous Forever in 2013 aged 65, Tricia Cusden became the face of a movement that celebrates beauty as we age. Her website features a blog that lets you shop dilemmas such as ‘my face looks lifeless’ or ‘I have red patches’, then recommends products such as the excellent Instant Bright Highlight (£21) and Colour Balance Neutraliser in Peach and Green (£21). She has now written Living the Life More Fabulous (£16, Orion Publishing) which also includes the ‘Not An Old Bag’ tote. Expect user-friendly tips on style and confidence. Joanna Lumley is already a fan. All available from lookfabulousforever.com

Whether it was booking tickets to the V&A Museum’s exhibition, Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up – Frida fans, turn to page 34 for more on the artist – or scrolling through images of beautiful Tulum, my new-found love of all things Mexican led me to discover Coqui Coqui’s scent collection. Inspired by the landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula, top of my list is Coco Coco eau de parfum (£60, net-a-porter.com), in which sweet coconut meets a hint of light green notes.