Lighten up for summer

Swap foundation for tinted moisturiser Nivea Q10 Tinted Day Cream(€12.59) incorporates an anti-wrinkle formula with a hint of colour, for a soft, natural glow.

Clarins Hydracare

tinted moisturiser (€31) is a day cream with skin treatment benefits and gives an instant healthy glow. One of my all-time favourites.

Laura Mercier tinted moisturiserSPF 20 (€48) has won awards for its terrific formula. It offers a little more coverage than the others. Apply over LM primer (€41) for all-day wear.

MS Illuminating Tinted MoisturiserSPF 15 (€13) is part of its new Perfectionist range, and is a natural, healthy perk-up for skin.

For a longer lasting colour, go for the glow with a tanner:

OVERNIGHTWake up with a healthy glow with Olay Total Effects7 Touch of Sunshine (€23.99).

INSTANT St Tropez Wash Off Instant Tan Lotion(€19.90) does exactly what it says on the tin, giving immediate colour – great for the first timer.

LUXE Dior'sGlobal anti-aging tan activator is part of its luxurious Capture range, so expect some serious skin repair and protection for your €102. Use daily on face and neck until your desired colour is achieved.

Ditch the powder blush

Powder blush has no place in your kit for summer. The following textures all give a fresh glow, but if you want to economise, dot lipstick on to cheekbones and blend it in instead – it really works.

STICKNars The Multiple (€41). The original multitasker will bring a summer sheen to cheeks and the colour range and texture is wonderful.

MOUSSEMaybelline Dream (€8.99) has an incredible fluffy texture which glides on to cheeks with a hint of shimmer.

GELThe Body Shop Cheek Blush contains marula oil that conditions skin, and the golden pink shade gives a rosy flush to cheeks.

CREAMBobbi Brown pot rouge (€26) colours look strong initially but give a sheer stain to cheeks that lasts all day.

Learn how to curl

Art Deco'snew eyelash curler (€13.80) might look like an instrument of torture, but it got a rave review from my tester, who is very protective of her usual Shu Uemura model. Lightweight and easy to hold, the secret is in the resistance of the spring, which seems to give a better curl.

See the difference when you harness the power of the sea

THE UN HAS designated June 8th as World Oceans Day and a global holiday to boot, in conjunction with the Oceana organisation, which promotes habitat protection, pollution control and responsible fishing. It also has a great supporter in skincare brand Crème de la Mer, which has been linked with the organisation for five years. It’s an appropriate arrangement, given that the cult cream is based on the rejuvenating and renewing power of the sea. The brand has also turned blue for the month of June, with a limited edition 100ml jar for €289. If you’re a regular user you can do the math and realise a substantial saving on the regular price. Used nightly, this size could last up to a year which would be less than €1 per use.

pclarke@irishtimes.com