Dive into blue
The new smokey eye trend? Edgy midnight shades. Rim eyes with cobalt liner like Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Midnight Blue (R220) or sweep powder shadow from the inner corner out. We love Dior All-in-One Artistry Pallete in Navy Design (R595). For sparkle, TRY Michellori Art Liner Glitter in Blue (R64.95).
ROCK Red
Red lips always look amazing. The modern way to wear them: with light bronzer and loads of mascara. No one will even know you’re wearing the same dress as last Friday! If you like a matte mouth, TRY Revlon Matte Lipstick in Really Red (R94.95). For lasting shine, we love L’Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lipcolor in Crimson (R155.95). Trace highlighter along your cupid’s bow to emphasise the shape. Remember to use it sparingly – the idea is to reflect light, not attract everyone’s attention.
Do one bold thing
Make your usual quiet pinks and modest beiges jealous: go with fuchsia blush or vivid nails. TRY Revlon Nail Enamel in Mon Cherry (R89.95). Or wing out your eyeliner – always dramatic. Apply a softie like Yardley Kohl Eyeliner in black (R49.95) and trace over it with liquid liner for a cat eye that’ll last. Just don’t go nuts with luminescent foundation if you’re wearing colourful makeup.
TIP going for bright polish? keep your nails short and neat.
Supersize your hair
Waves are to everyday hair what Superman is to Clark Kent! The trick is to spritz on hairspray before you curl your hair. Then wind 2cm sections around a curling iron, says stylist Thomas Hintermeier. Brush out gently and hairspray again. But don’t let frizz foil your look. Dab de-fuzzer on strays – TRY L’Oreal StudioLine Curl Power Re-Curling Mousse (R54.95).
TIP Greasy hair? Use cold water – hot increases oil production.
Get High
For a messy high bun, apply volumiser like Redken Rootful 06 Root Lifting Spray (R225) to damp locks. Dry hair upside down, then use a bristle brush to gather it towards the top of your crown before flipping your head back up and clipping into place. Add a jewelled brooch for extra GLAM.
Fight frizz
The No 1 rule: be gentle. After shampooing, blot dry and apply leave-in conditioner like Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique (R260). If you use serum, add it to wet hair. The more moisturised your tresses, the less frizzy they will be.
Go for gold
Try a sweep of gold eyeliner (great on dark skin) and a giltzy gloss like Rimmel Vinyl Bronze Mirror Shine Lipgloss in Golden Goddess (R59.95). Or add a little liquid bronzer like Sisley Phyto Touche Or (R695) to your body lotion. It takes bare legs and arms to another level of shimmer.
Spritz it
Going straight from work to a special date? Spritz fragrance into the air and walk through it (scent clings to your locks longer than it does to your skin – and anyone whispering in your ear will enjoy it, too). Two stand-out summer scents: Dolce & Gabbana Rose The One (R850); La Prairie Life Threads Gold (R1 180).
Be a vamp
Don’t restrict dark nails to winter. Emerald, ruby and purple always look rich. Just remember to apply a base coat – it stops chipping and you’ll thank us when removing the polish! We love Bloom Nail Polish in Elise (R110); Revlon Nail Enamel in Revlon Red (R89.95); Essence Summer of Love Nail Polish in Woodstock (R34.95).
Plait up
Leave the tight plaits for school girls – we’re talking about a soft, beach-inspired loose braid. It’s easy and meant to be messy, but if you want to tame flyaways, use one pump of Sebastian Taming Elixir (R300) on damp hair before plaiting. If you’re pressed for time, spray hairspray into the palm of your hands
and smooth over any pesky loose strands.
Stay matte!
We love shiny hair. Shiny skin? Nope. If you’re prone to oiliness, use a mattifying moisturiser like Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mat (R259) or Garnier Pure Active Spot Fighting 24hr Moisturiser (R79.95) and keep oil-blotters in your bag. We love MAC Blot Film (R145).
