Years ago I was staring at a picture of J Lo. Why did she seem to eat sunshine for breakfast while the rest of us seemed deprived of life-giving nutrients? her secret? highlighter. These basically bring more light to the skin. For sparingness, you can use a hint of metallic pigment on the top of your cheekbones. Mix it into your foundation if you want a fuller piece. In the wrong person’s hands, highlighters can be a robotic-looking shortcut, but with these fantastic formulas, that fate can be avoided altogether.
1. UOMA salute to the sun highlighter £21, boots.com
2. Rare Beauty Positive Light Luminizer £21, spacenk.com
3. Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Divine Glow Highlighter £45, selfridges.com
4. Revive Glow Elixir £105, reviveskincare.com
5. Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter Stick £36, victoriabeckhambeauty.com
Must-have… Feather-light matte foundation for summer heat
If you look through the beauty press, you’d be forgiven for thinking that no one is interested in wearing foundation in the summer. The reality is different. For example, many people who struggle with pigmentation problems consider a high-coverage base to be their holy grail. When it comes down to it, neither wants to shy away from foundation. This is where excellent powder his foundation comes in. It may seem like a contradiction to the “summer look,” but in reality, the idea that everyone wants a “shiny finish” is false. Of course, for those who want to add luster, there is also a tinted moisturizer. However, many people actually prefer a matte finish (not to be confused with a ‘dead finish’, no one wants their skin to go coma). If you’re part of the pro-matte brigade, try this bestseller from Fenty. It has a light texture that makes you forget you’re wearing it, but since it can be layered, it covers well without being sticky like a mask. It lasts for a long time, so it is especially recommended for those with oily skin whose base tends to crumble in the summer. It is also sweat, moisture and wrinkle resistant. If you’re looking for a nice matte foundation for summer, look no further. Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation, £30, boots.com
On my radar… a vanilla-focused summer scent
vanilla thriller A fusion of bergamot, neroli and angelica seed gives this traditional gourmet ingredient a sophisticated new twist. Prada Infusion de Vanille, £115, selfridges.com
heat and musk An off-center approach to fragrance is a must for Byredo. And this vanilla scent with a touch of plum and musk does not disappoint. Byredo Vanilla Antique, £235, byredo.com
spice of life A delightfully complex vanilla blend of tonka bean, violet, rose, patchouli and sandalwood is an intense marriage of sweetness and spice. Boucheron Fève Tonka de Canaima, £125, harrods.com
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