Ready for your close-up?

We all want to look good for those summer snaps. Our beauty columnist Kazia Pelka reveals how to ensure your make-up stays in place, and easy ways to fake a golden glow

Kazia Pelka answers your queries

QI have several events this summer, including a big family wedding, and need some advice on how to look my best. Where should I start?

AThe first step is to start thinking about your skincare routine, so get into the habit of doing a weekly at-home facial – I’d begin this six weeks before your first event, if possible. I like to use a mask, and it’s worth picking one based on an issue you’re most concerned about, such as an acid-based formula to tackle pigmentation or a cleansing one to shift blemishes. Lightly exfoliating beforehand not only helps to remove the dead skin cells that cause dullness, but makes the surface of your skin look and feel smoother. Try Sanctuary Spa Warming Micro-dermabrasion Refining Polish, £12. Finish by gently massaging in a facial oil like No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil, £23, to increase circulation, which will give your complexion a youthful, radiant look. You can boost the effects of the oil by sweeping a White Lotus A Grade Jade Roller Double, £36.99 (cultbeauty.co.uk),

in upward and outward movements over your face. For a lovely cooling effect, I keep mine in the fridge, this also helps to reduce any puffiness. Stick to this routine and you should notice a visible difference quite quickly.

FOR THE BEST LOOK, REMEMBER THE THREE Ps!

PREP A hyaluronic serum, such as Niod Multi-molecular Hyaluronic Complex, £25, boosts skin’s hydration levels so your complexion looks plump, with lines minimised.

This also means you can use less moisturiser, as any

excess can cause make-up to slide off. Leave plenty of time between applying skincare layers to allow products to sink in – your chance for a glass of bubbly!

PRIME A primer improves the staying power of your foundation as it gives it something to grab on to. Choose one based on your skin type: for dry skin, choose hydrating; oily, go for mattifying. I love The Ordinary High-spreadability Fluid Primer, £5.50. Invest in a lip primer, such as MAC Prep + Prime Lip,

£14, which ensures longer-lasting colour and prevents feathering. Follow with a lip liner to add definition and shape (use the pencil to fill in your whole lip area to add extra longevity to your lipstick) and you have a budge-proof pout. I’m a fan of NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil, £3.50, which feels creamy and comes in a great range of nude tones.

POWDER Perfect for setting your foundation and preventing it from fading. Use it on the T-zone and chin, avoiding the eye area as it will emphasise lines you didn’t know you had! Try Bourjois Healthy Mix Pressed Powder, £9.99.