Beauty Clinic: Summer foundation advice
Q. I have two weddings to go to this summer and am looking for a light foundation. I have fair normal/combination skin with slight rosy cheeks and nose, and I'm sometimes prone to sweating on my nose and top lip. But i'd like something that I can use every day after that please. A. It is such a good idea to plan ahead - as you are doing. So: here are our suggestions, and we hope you have a wonderful time.
For the foundation, we don't think you can do better than Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation, available in 18 shades. We are so impressed with this featherlight foundation, which gives a flawless finish. It is simplicity itself to apply straight from the squeezy nozzle – we use a ring finger to smooth on - and is easy to carry.
If you are worried about your dewy nose and upper lip, we hear very good reports of Wild About Beauty Mattifying Balm, which instantly makes skin look smooth and even (it recently was a runner-up for a CEW Award and has become something of a 'cult' favourite). Sponge it on before or after make-up. We suggest you could carry this with you for emergencies. We also love those old-fashion blotters, called papiers poudre. Local chemists often stock them or, on the luxury side, Chanel makes Papier Matifiant sheets.
Polish off your lovely complexion with Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder Palette, in Brightening Nudes. Load a big brush, knock off the excess and waft over your skin to keep it pristine all day. You can also dab a fingertip in one of the six shades and press where you wish – great for accentuating eyes and brows.
Finally, we never go anywhere without Liz Earle Light Reflecting Concealer. Stroke it round your eye area, particularly in the dark corners either side of the nose and over dark circles to brighten your whole face. If your rosy cheeks are on pink alert, dot this on and blend in to bring down the colour, then apply the powder above.
NB One last thought: if you are wearing a hat with a brim, do remember to accentuate eyes, cheekbones and lips…
Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation/£35 for 30 ml at www.johnlewis.com - buy here
Wild About Beauty Mattifying Balm/£21 at www.houseoffraser.co.uk - buy here
Chanel Papier Matifiant/£21 for 150 sheets at www.boots.com - buy here
Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder palette/£40 at www.johnlewis.com - buy here
Liz Earle Light Reflecting Concealer/£15.50 at www.uk.lizearle.com - buy here