Give your face a refresh

Beauty columnist Kazia Pelka shares her top tips on tackling pesky post-holiday breakouts, the secret to a smooth complexion and which nude lipstick really is your best buy

From skincare to make-up, Kazia Pelka has all the best advice

QShould I use my fingers or brushes when applying make-up?

AIf you like a natural look using cream formulations, then fingers are perfect, and the warmth from your skin will make blending easy. However, I prefer brushes for ease of application and their ability to deliver a refined finish to your make-up – and they’re a must for powder formulations. If you use your fingers with powders, oil from skin creates a barrier on the powder, sealing it – think that annoying shiny patch on your eyeshadow. Brushes with natural fibres are best for powders, but synthetic fibres win hands down for creams and liquids – important to remember with foundation. Good brushes are an investment, but if you look after them they should last you years. Wash them as you would hair – use a gentle shampoo first and, keeping the brush facing downwards, condition and rinse. Flick the brush to remove excess water, re-shape and dry flat on a clean towel. For brushes that need a little more cleaning, use a brush mat like Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette, £12.99, from Superdrug, which will help do the job quicker. MY BRUSH PICKS Stila #33, £21, is a useful foundation and concealer brush duo. I also like Zoeva sets, which have natural and synthetic fibres. Good buys include the Voyager Travel Brush Set, £22, and, if you have the budget, the Rose Gold Luxury Set, £65 (right).

QI love the glow I get from a holiday in the sun, but after just a few days back I find I’m besieged by breakouts. What causes this and what can I do about it?AIt’s hardly surprising that your skin reacts badly after a holiday, since nearly every aspect that may affect its balance is changed for a week or two and then, just as suddenly, is changed back again. The main culprit is the sun. Yes, it gives a glow while also topping up those necessary vitamin D levels, but it also dehydrates the skin, leading to increased oil production. Add a heavy sunscreen into the equation and you’re looking at blocked pores and spots. I recommend using a brush-on sunblock powder, such as Susan Posnick Brush On Block SPF30, £28, as an oil-free alternative to a suncream. It applies just like a regular powder for a matte finish and provides great UV protection.

Remember to keep drinking as much water as you did on holiday, starting on the journey back.

The dry air in the plane will serve to dehydrate already parched skin, leading to, yes, you guessed, increased oil production. At home, exfoliate to remove dead surface skin cells – and remember to keep using that powder sunblock afterwards. A holiday diet tends to be healthier, too – lots of fruit

(so easy at breakfast when somebody else has done the hard work). Salads. No takeaways. Keep it going when you get back and your skin will thank you.

‘Be sure to drink as much water as you did on holiday’