The last few weeks of summer are in sight, but that doesn't mean it's time to start toning down your make-up; cling on to every last drop of sunshine with this host of gorgeous goodies from some of my favourite brands of the summer:
The Clarins summer make-up collection is a must have for any beauty junkie. Inspired by a timeless decorative motif and the warm, sophisticated, shimmering colours of summer, the striking Summer Bronzing compact (£25.99) is mineral pigment-rich, and the silky-smooth texture delivers a beautifully natural, even, lightly tanned, long-lasting matte finish. Clever soft-focus pigments give skin a radiant glow that conceals fine lines, feather light oils and vitamin E keep colour fresh and even and natural mineral filters provide UV protection (SPF 10). Available from Clarins counters nationwide.
Aveda's Uruku Collection is straight from the heart of the rainforest - literally. Since 1993 the brand has collaborated with the Yawanawa people of Brazil to organically grow Urukum, a plant whose seeds produce the natural Annatto pigment which colours all of the collections products and packaging. The partnership fosters economic independence for the Yawanawa, as well as creating a gorgeous range of make-up. The Colour Gloss features the pigment to create a product that gives the colour saturation of a lipstick with a glossy finish. Formulated without parabens, carmine, talc or mineral oil, it is available in six shades and carries the heady aroma ofcertified organic peppermint, cinnamon and vanilla. £15.00 from Aveda salons, spas and online at www.aveda.co.uk.
You can't beat a classic - the original NARS Orgasm Illuminator is still a make-up essential - but this summer three new iconic shades were added to the collection. The light-reflecting liquids glide on to refresh the skin, enhance the complexion and create a shimmering incandescence. Copacabana imparts a pearlescent sheen, and can be mixed with foundation to create a highlighter for neck, shoulders and décolleté. Super Orgasm is infused, like the blusher, with a golden shimmer and peachy-gold hue, and Laguna is a golden-bronze, akin to the bronzer of the same name, which gives a perfectly sun-kissed glow! £21.50, available from www.narscosmetics.co.uk and Selfridges.
A long-established love of mine is DuWop's can't-live-without Lip Venom. The original lip plumper, it was launched in 1999, a cler baby pink tinted gloss which uses natural essential oils to enhance the lips' natural colour and shape by increasing the circulation. A combination of ingredients including cinnamon, wintergreen and ginger cause blood to rush to the surface of the lips, flushing and swelling them subtly for a naturally fuller lip. You can actually feel the tingle - a handbag must have! £15.00, available from www.simplebeauty.co.uk.
New CiD's i-blush is the perfect tool for creating gorgeously sculpted cheekbones: a split paletter featuring both their bestselling Sirocco highlighter and universally flattering Ice Pop blusher,the must-have compact will add instant radiance to the complexion year round. Apply highlighter first to the top of the cheekbones, in a sweeping motion back towards the hairline. Then apply the blush to the apples of the cheeks in a circular motion, seamlessly blending the two together. £24.00 from www.newcidcosmeticsco.uk.
