Summer Beauty

I always start with SPF no matter the season, it’s my number one tip for anti-ageing no matter what your skin type or skin tone. Its literally knocked ten years off me! There's a misconception that darker skin tones don't need SPF and that's absolutely not true. Skin is skin no matter what shade it is and it will burn and age with no protection! For combination-oily skin like me which tends to break out during the summer months, combat this by using Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream SPF 50 (Available at Boots) or if your skin is on the drier side try Bondi Sands Face SPF 50+ (Available at Boots).

My go to foundation for the summer garden parties or weddings would be a lightweight tinted moisturiser where you can see 'skin'. Hourglass' new 'Veil Hydrating Skin Tint' is perfect for all skin types and tones with a 'barely there', fresh finish! They have a variety of shades ranging from fair through to dark which is a big thumbs up from me! (Available at H beauty). The best way to find your undertone is to look at the veins on your wrist. If they are green, then you more than likely have a yellow, warm, or neutral undertone and if they are blue then you have a 'cool' undertone.

I believe all skin types and tones benefit from setting powder, I just like to tailor it to your makeup style, skin type and chosen base. If I've used a dewy skin tint on a client who has oily/combination skin, where makeup could slide, I will use a lightweight setting powder to combat this. Concentrate the powder on the 'T Zone' for the most natural finish. Clinique’s 'Stay Matte oil-free powder' is my perfect pick for this and comes in an array of shades. (Available at M&S) 

Now, if you've got sparse lashes like me but still want to have super long, thick and full lashes then try a mascara that has a thick, full wand. I like Lancome's 'Hypnose Doll Eyes Volumising Waterproof Mascara'. It won’t budge in the summer heat as it’s waterproof (Available from John Lewis & Partners). Apply 2 coats to top and bottom lashes to give that wide awake baby doll look. Top tip: Place a tissue underneath your lower lashes, angle the wand vertically and then swipe mascara wand across your lower lashes. It will make lashes look instantly longer and thicker. 

Summer is the month where you can really go to town on colour! You could be the fairest of porcelains through to the darkest of ebonies, colour is for everyone! Start with a hint of colour, then as you build confidence and expertise, add a little more pigment and richness. I'm loving the Barbiecore monochromatic pink craze as it works for everyone. I always love a 'uniformed' makeup look and multi-functional makeup products are perfect to create this. My desert island must-have is a multi-functional blush! The award winning 'The Convertible Colour Dual Lip & Cheek Cream' by Stila is a cult classic that comes in gorgeous shades to suit all skin tones. My top tip when choosing a creamy lip and cheek tint would be to pinch your cheeks and whatever colour your cheeks flush to, that's the lip and cheek shade for you! I like the colour 'Peony' which is a fresh, girly, pinky plum tone that looks great on dark skin. In general, mid - dark skin tones should choose corals, oranges and plums and fair skins should choose soft pinks and peaches. As well as adding the colour to your lips and cheeks, why not try a little on your lids for a complimentary creamy wash of colour! (Available at M&S).