Whip out the creams! A cream blush stays put longer and appears more smooth and even compared to powder blush. It is also easier to reapply when your skin is hot or damp, but remember to use only a sheer layer of it.
Cream blush should be applied directly over your base and before applying any powder products. You will find plenty of cream blushers and tints on the market such as Becca Beach Tint (available from Space NK) and Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks (available from Elys). These are best applied by lightly tapping a tiny amount of product with the fingertips onto the apples of the cheeks and blending up the cheekbone towards the temples. If you want a more intense look you may repeat this step.
Using a gel or liquid blush stain like the famously known Benetint by Benefit (available from Elys) underneath the cream blush and dusting a light translucent setting powder on top, will increase the longevity of your blush even longer. Liquid and gel blush tints are applied in the same manner as the cream blush but one has to be a bit faster with the application as they get absorbed quicker into the skin.
Tip: If you prefer not to stain your fingers with the tint then you may opt to use a synthetic angled brush with a dense head or a stippling brush to buff and blend the product into the skin.
Avoid glitters and over-the-top shine highlighters and illuminators, as you will look even more ‘sweaty-looking’.
Lipstick goes on better on well-hydrated lips so the first step is to apply a good layer of lip balm (refer to my skin care and sun protection sections for more detail). Go Sheer! Apply thin layers of a long lasting lipstick such as Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick by Estée Lauder (available from Elys and Debenhams) with a lip brush and blend well into the lips. To correct your lip shape, use a waterproof lip pencil such as Delilah Lip Line Long Wear Retractable Lip Pencil (available from Space NK and Bellissima Beauty Salon).
This is a soft textured waterproof lip liner with a built-in brush and sharpener. Blot with a tissue and repeat if necessary. You may also choose to fill in the whole of your lips with a long lasting lip pencil and leave out the lipstick all together if you prefer. Go over with any brand of lip balm, moisturising lip crayon or tinted balm.
A newer long wearing and smudge-proof way of adding colour to your lips is using a lip tint or lip stain. These long lasting formulas can offer sheer coverage but can also be built up making them very versatile. Stick to pink and peachy shades for a fresh summery look. Dior Addict Milky Tint (available from Elys) and Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain (available from Debenhams) are two of my favourite this summer and offer a lovely shiny finish whilst hydrating your lips.
Tip: Always match the lip pencil colour to your lipstick or natural lip colour if using a sheer colour, lip gloss or lip tint.
Lara Mallia – Freelance Makeup Artist and Beauty Therapist
Visit: www.lmbeautyandmakeup.com
Facebook: @laramalliabeautyandmakeup
Twitter: @MalliaLara
