A Fresh Summer Complexion...
Sunday 1st June 2008 by Elizabeth Richards
 Whether you’re spending this summer at home, at work or sunning yourself on holiday, the last thing you want when the weather hots up is a face full of heavy makeup; apply a rich, thick winter base to summer skin and you’ll end up with a caked-on creased-up mess. Instead, let skin breathe and go for a fresh flawless look with a lightweight base that lets your natural beauty shine through.
The perfect summer foundation should withstand heat and humidity whilst providing the coverage required. A clear complexion will get away with just a touch of tinted moisturiser, designed to deliver the perfect dewy glow. But for more heavily congested faces where a little extra help may be needed, choose from the latest generation of foundations: either a lightweight oil-free liquid formula that can be built up in layers until the desired coverage has been achieved, or a powder applied in short strokes with a sponge or foundation brush, blending carefully to avoid excess application.
Either way, look for pollutant and sun protection (at least SPF15), anti-oxidant ingredients and shine-proof technology for an extra beauty boost. Apply in good natural light and finish with bronzer, either in the form of a gel rubbed into cheeks or a powder applied to the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin with a large brush. And don’t fall for the oldest mistake in the book: summer necklines are low, so whatever foundation you choose, continue it down over the neck and blend blend blend!
Becca Luminous Skin Colour, £33
A clever combination between tinted moisturiser and super-sheer foundation, this smart product can be applied in place of moisturiser to effectively deliver skincare benefits plus natural-looking coverage and broad spectrum sun protection. Vitamins nourish and boost elasticity while antioxidant and antiseptic ingredients soothe, de-stress and keep skin healthy.
Available at www.BeccaCosmetics.com 
Creme de la Mer The Treatment Fluid Foundation SPF15, £60
From renowned cutting-edge skincare company comes this soft and silky foundation fluid, designed to give skin a radiant, perfectly toned appearance while delivering Creme de la Mer’s famous skincare benefits. Thanks to the ultra-light texture and weightless feel, skin feels comfortable, looks smoother and is shine-free even after several hours.
Available at www.CremeDeLaMer.co.uk
Organic Glam Luminous Antioxidant Foundation, £29.95
If you like mineral makeup, you’ll love this foundation from natural skincare company The Organic Pharmacy. With antioxidants to protect against free radical damage and mineral colours to smooth over imperfections to give a flawless complexion, it layers easily and blends seamlessly for the most natural looking coverage.
Available at www.TheOrganicPharmacy.com
Diorskin Forever Compact Makeup SPF25, £29
In a neat little beach bag-friendly compact, this velvety powder is best applied with small strokes to give completely smooth coverage that is both non-transferable and waterproof. There’s no caking or slipping, blemishes stay hidden all day and skin feels hydrated, shine-free and comfortable. The perfect get-up-and-go choice!
Available at www.Garden.co.uk
Elizabeth Arden Sheer Lights Tinted Moisturiser, £18.50
With SPF15 to keep skin safe from the sun, this especially flattering tinted moisturiser is easily absorbed by skin to smooth over imperfections and provide a more evenly toned finish. Coverage is sheer – so avoid if skin is scarred or heavily blemished – but otherwise you’ll get a healthy radiant glow and all day comfort.
Available at www.HQHair.com
|
