Apply an eye primer such as bareMinerals ‘Prime Time’ eyelid primer (available from Debenhams and Elys) to your eyelids, under eye area and on your laughing lines – this will decrease the chance of creasing and make your eye shadow and concealer last all day.
Long lasting cream eye shadows work best for summer. There are many different brands to choose from on the market and these can be easily applied with your fingertips. If you want further definition and a stronger eye you may gradually build up the product with a brush. For ultimate all-day wearability, apply a thin layer of a matching-colour powder eye shadow over the cream eye shadow. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow is available in a wide range of colours, both matt and shimmery and some also come in a stick form for easier application (available from Elys).
I find lighter and more neutral shades work best for summer such as taupe, caramel, beige and bronze.
Waterproof gel and liquid eyeliners work best. Soft waterproof pencils are also great for a softer look and can be blended in with the eye shadow using a small angled brush or a cotton bud to give a soft summer look. Choose lighter colours such as khaki, greys and browns. A few good ones to try are Delilah Slim Line Liquid Liner (available from Space NK and Bellissima Beauty Boutique in Wimbledon Village), Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner (available at Debenhams) and Nars Larger Than Life Eyeliner (available from Space NK).
Go waterproof or water-resistant with your mascara! This will prevent mascara melting and flaking off onto your skin, avoiding dreaded raccoon eyes. Dior Show Waterproof Mascara (available from Elys and Debenhams) is a lovely and also available in chestnut and a gorgeous azure blue colour.
Tip: If you have very sensitive eyes and find long-wearing formulas irritating, you can always sweep a layer of clear mascara such as The Body Shop Brow and Lash Gel (available from The Body Shop in Centre Court Shopping Centre) over your regular black mascara and use only clear mascara on the bottom lashes.
Another option would be to tint your eyelashes in the summer and use a clear mascara. However make sure you always do a skin patch test before tinting your lashes.
Keep your eyebrows in place using an eyebrow gel. Benefit ‘Ready, set Brow!’ (available from Elys and Debenhams) is a clear eyebrow gel with a flake-free formula that tames brow hairs and locks in makeup all day. If you need to make any corrections to your brow shape, make sure to use a waterproof long-lasting eyebrow product such as Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil from Bobbi Brown and Benefit’s Goof Proof Eyebrow Pencil (both available from Elys and Debenhams).
Thank you for reading and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Lara Mallia – Freelance Makeup Artist and Beauty Therapist
Visit: www.lmbeautyandmakeup.com
Facebook: @laramalliabeautyandmakeup
Twitter: @MalliaLara
