There is nothing more visually discouraging than heavy makeup on a hot summers day, so I thought it time to review a few season essentials. Unlike short shorts & the perfect summer flats the inevitable slip n slide of eyeliner & foundation should be avoided. So as make-up takes a back seat it's the season for getting the basics right - this means skin priming & redefining. As I get older keeping skin nourished, hydrated & protected from harmful UV is at the top of my to-do list. These are some of my favorite products. Come holiday season they are spoon-fed into tiny plastic travel containers & with me they come. To put it simply - these are some skin & beauty savers I cannot be without.
Max Factor - False Lash Effect
What is it with women's quest for the perfect eyelash? In the history of the cosmetic industry has there ever been a beauty product that has promised so much & invariably delivered so little more so than the mascara. It seems like every week this not-so humble tube of eyelash goop gets a make-over. From brush innovation to formulaic variation the options are overwhelming, & babes, I've tried 'em all (well, not quite). Lancome to Maybelline, L'Oreal - you got it! After years of trial & error & settling for less I finally gave into eyelash extensions but in the relentless pursuit of the perfect renforceur de cil I found you. Max Factor you 'lil beauty - I couldn't sing your praises more if I tried. You glide on, you make my eyelashes longer, you actually separate & define & what's more you don't flake! Then, after a 17 hour day when I've had more lash love than any girl can handle you wipe away with a few expertly applied swipes of water-moistened fingertip. In short, you're a lash affair that I'm love-loving.
Healtheries - Sweet Almond Oil
Seriously is there anything sweeter for your skin than almond oil. Its ability to dissolve eye makeup in milliseconds is superior to any make-up remover I've ever tried. You only need such a small amount (a single bottle will last you for over half a year) & any residue will be gratefully absorbed by the skin. It's amazing for clearing up random patches of facial dryness & can be ingested for a glow that radiates from the inside out thanks to a high concentration of linoleic acid. Extra points will be earned for munching on them. Whole almonds that is, your peepers & your summer buns will love you for them.
Revlon - Age Defying Tinted Foundation
In hot weather pores can become exaggerated due to their willingness to absorb anything that stands in their way. Revlon Age Defying foundation provides subtle coverage, has a light UV & promises not to clog pores. It's a short & convincing story about how to look makeupless. It comes with an entirely unnecessary brush applicator (sigh) & imparts a peanut buttery scent upon application but despite this I like it & it seems to like me.
St. Tropez - Gradual Tan
St. Tropez has always been the master builder of an expert faux tan, bringing minimal effort & maximum results to the notion of the D.I.Y tan. While other products leave you looking & smelling like you were dunked in a vat of jaffa thins St. Tropez's slightly higher price tag suitably rewards you with a nut-brown amazonian glow. I put this down to the green (not orange) base & the ability to deliver a rich & convincing skin tone after only one application. In order to avoid that not so subtle transformation (hey, you were white yesterday!) this little fool-proof was formulated. After 2-3 applications expect supremely moisturized & sun-kissed skin, & thankfully as an avid fruit lover not a single orange was harmed in the making of this product.
Lucas - Papaw Ointment
From cracked nipples to shaving cuts this handy purse sized tube of save-the-day heals, protects and garners enthusiastic nods of approval from midwives to top models. Just don't slather on your pout in searing midday sun and not expect giant blisters to ensue.
Batiste - Dry Shampoo
Batiste dry shampoo (not pictured) is a dream come true - not only for blondes, a new brown tinted formula means brunettes can get in on the fun now too! For $12 a can it's a hard working product that mops up oil & brilliantly texturizes the hair. Want to go eight days without washing your hair - sure! Volume that increases with each passing day - you got it! It can even be applied post-wash & is great for disguising regrowth - especially in up dos! Apparently, Kate Moss swears by it.
Kereru - Skin Cream
My last product profile is a wee homegrown 100% natural hand cream. It's by far the richest, most effective, & least residual product I've ever used. In a fit of desperation I took to smearing thin swipes of it on my eyelids after experiencing a random bout of eczema brought on by a L'Oreal mineral eyeshadow. Grrrrrrrr. Actually, it cleared it up brilliantly. Something to do with the Manuka honey & lavender. Who would have guessed!?
