Heatwave resistant make-up that won’t melt (even if you do)
The first heatwave of the year is the one that knocks us all for six. After this, however brainfryingly sweltering it gets — and meteorologists predict the jubilee bank holiday will be a scorcher — matters feel less apocalyptic.
But it’s still no fun to be an already hot and sweaty midlifer under such circumstances. My sole consolation is that, at 51, I finally know what I’m doing in terms of hot-weather skin and slap.
The first thing I’ve done is switch up my usual oil cleanser for something a tad less cosseting, more refreshing. Wake’s new Facial Cleansing Gel (£9.99, amazon. co.uk) is a simple, vegan, foaming gel that lifts out impurities without leaving tightness.
Q&A’s hyaluronic Acid Face Mist (£6.50, qandaskin.com) has been doing bumper trade at Sainsbury’s and holland & Barrett.
Natural, fragrance and alcoholfree in 100 per cent recyclable packaging, it’s chock full of hydrating hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, glycerine and prebiotics to soothe, refresh and rejuvenate hot, sticky, parched flesh. I keep mine in the cool box and spritz it all over.
I’ve also been storing Charlotte Tilbury’s Cryo-Recovery eye Serum (£45, charlottetilbury.com) in the fridge. Its cooling metal applicator and caffeine complex are genius for depuffing swollen summer eyes.
FoR sunscreen, I keep coming back to Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti-age Face Protection Cream SPF50 (£7, boots.com). It boasts skin-conditioning hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, standing up brilliantly to shields five times the price.
The effect is creamy and luminous rather than dense and chemical, meaning I do actually apply enough for proper protection.
Then, if I need a top-up, I spray on a layer of Garnier Ambre Solaire over Make-up Super UV SPF50 cream mist (£6.50, boots. com) — job done.
I’m sure you know estee Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-inPlace Foundation SPF 10 (£35, esteelauder.co.uk), as it’s the UK’s best-selling ritzy base. Well, now there’s an edgy spin-off — Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup SPF 20 (£35.50) —that’s perfect for sunny climes.
It resists sweat and humidity, protects from pollution and blue light, and magically lends moisture where skin is dry, keeping oil in check.
It’s not yet in the original’s 60 shades — merely 27 — but, still, I’m a real fan. It’s light, glowy and seriously flattering.
on my lids, I’m using e.l.f.’s No Budge eyeshadow Sticks, billed as a primer, eyeshadow, and/ or graphic liner.
I got into them via its limitededition Cookies ‘n’ Dreams 13piece makeup collection.
The lip glosses (£4) were too saccharine for my liking, but a oneswipe, vaguely 60s eyeshadow stick in matte white (Sweet Cream, £5, superdrug.com) and lavender blue (Chill Zone, £5)? Yes, please.
These crayons also come in an array of shimmering shades — the most popular is Magnetic Pull (£6), a minky brown. Despite the ‘No Budge’ name, these do still budge a little on me, but apply on top of primer and they’re there for the duration.
Lips-wise, we’re all craving colour for a long-awaited mask-free summer. Stubborn-hold mattes are the usual tip for scorching heat. Yet, what if you could secure a shot of uber-glossy, high-pigment that lasts all day and night?
Maybelline’s brand spanking new Superstay Vinyl Ink Lipstick (£11.99, boots.com) is making that fantasy a reality: longwear, high-shine poutage in ten completely cracking hues. Simply shake for five seconds before applying, then let fully dry.
Gigi hadid sported Vinyls in Wicked (a scarlet) and Red-hot (an orange-red) to the Met Gala this month, inspired by her headto-toe vinyl rig-out. Punters are (rightly) going wild.
on boots.com last week, the four bestselling lip products were all Vinyls. I’m obsessed with Witty. And before you say: ‘oh, Lord, another lurid purplish pink’ — it isn’t. It’s a fabulously sexy, off-neutral mauve — the raspberry ‘Unrivalled’ is my plush party option. Anyway, Boots has a three-for-two deal so I’ll be bagging the lot.