Whether at home or abroad, summer calls for cosmetics with staying power. Katie Wright reveals the melt-free make-up masters
On hot summer days we need make-up that won’t quit, come heat or high water (OK, a dip in the pool). Thankfully, right on cue, there are a whole host of new products designed to go the distance, from a multitasking primer and infallible foundation to cream blushers and lipsticks that won’t slide off or smudge.
These are the long-lasting heroes to see you through summer …
PRIME TIME
A good primer will help your foundation stay put for longer, and Murad’s new multitasker is better than most. Invisiblur Perfecting Shield, £55 (www.murad.co.uk), is packed with anti-ageing peptides, SPF 30 and it blurs imperfections too, leaving a smooth, even canvas for the rest of your make-up.
ALL ABOUT THE BASE
If you’re going to be splashing around in the waves, a waterproof foundation is a must. MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation, £25.50 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk), is an oil-free formula that won’t budge for up to 24 hours, while Stageline Professional Waterproof Make-up, £14.52 (www.skinbysterex.com), contains SPF 50, so you don’t have to worry about sunscreen underneath. Just make sure you apply it 15 minutes before going in the sun.
If humidity is more of an issue, try switching to a mineral foundation that will absorb excess moisture. Sheer Cover Studio Perfect Shade Mineral Foundation, £24.95 www.sheercover.co.uk), is a loose powder that adapts to different skin shades better than liquid foundations, making it easier to blend seamlessly from jawline to neck.
ETERNAL EYES
On the beach, it’s best to keep eye make-up to a minimum, but if you’ve got a summer garden party or wedding to attend, you’ll need products that won’t melt under the midday sun.
Bobbi Brown’s long-wear collection is formulated for that very purpose, like the Long-wear Cream Shadow Stick, £20 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk), which comes in a massive 19 shades. Add definition by finishing with a precise line just above your lashes, using the corresponding Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel Eyeliner, £18.
LASHES THAT LAST
A truly waterproof mascara is worth its weight in gold, and By Terry Terrybly Waterproof Mascara, £33.50 (www.spacenk.com), is the best we’ve found. The super-sized brush ensures every lash is coated with a luxe, volume-enhancing formula that also happens to be immune to rain, sweat and tears.
BOOM AND BLUSH
The key to keeping cheek colour in place is to find a blusher that’s highly pigmented, whether cream or powder. In six warm shades, Love Flush, £25, is Too Faced’s most powerful blush yet, giving dense colour and up to 16 hours of glow from each adorable heart-shaped pressed powder pot (available August; www.debenhams.com).
PERPETUAL POUTS
Just because a lipstick is more expensive, doesn’t automatically mean it’s going to be longer-lasting. Collection Lasting Colour Lipsticks are only £2.99 (www.boots.com), but have seriously impressive longevity. The dark peachy Taffeta Bloom is perfect for a summery sheen. Matte lipsticks often perform better than their shiny counterparts and they’re really on trend this summer. Try Lola Matt Long Lasting Lipstick, £12 (www.marksandspencer.com), in Cheeky Cherry, a rich, warm red.