For Women
Make-up bag essentials
Fantastic value and a clever idea to boot, Clinique's Lash Definition eye set (pictured right), £21.25, comes with two mascaras and a set of eyelash curlers. The mascaras, two black High Definition Lashes, have a unique brush/comb applicator. The brush coats and lengthens the lashes, while the comb maximises length and combs each lash through. The eyelash curlers, although they look like medieval instruments of torture, are actually quite brilliant at helping to make your eyes look wider when used before applying mascara.
For fashionistas
Guerlain has teamed up with Florentine fashion brand Emilio Pucci to create a gorgeous, limited edition summer make-up collection. The colours and packaging are inspired by iconic Pucci design, while the products are pure Guerlain quality and innovation. Both stylish and useful, this Meteorites Face Powder (pictured below), £30, made up of tiny powder pearls in fuchsia, turquoise, apricot, gold, pink and white, gives the skin brightness and a luminous glow. Apply it with the specially designed Meteorites brush, £19.50. Call +44 (0)1932 233 887 for stockists.
Scent of summer
Next time you pass through tax-free shopping at the airport, look out for Estee Lauder's new fragrance, Emerald Dream (right). It's not available on the high street, which adds a welcome touch of exclusivity. The wonderful seaside floral bouquet, will make you think of sunny tropical holidays. Fresh, yet warm and sexy too, it's very wearable. Priced at £25.
The must-have lipstick
Do you really need another lipstick? Of course you do, especially when it's this glamorous. Yves Saint Laurent's Lip Twins (below) are two lip colours – one satiny and rich, the other shiny and lighter – plus a lip brush and mirror in one rotating little gold case that manages to be both chic and fun. Colours come in three categories: nudes, monochromes and daring shades. Price £21.
Best for bronzers
Elizabeth Arden's fabulous "Cool Blue, Hot Bronze" summer make-up collection (pictured below) features so many great buys that it's hard to single just one item out, so here are two covetable items to look out for. The Sheer Tint Lip Balms, £12 each, are presented in cute little tins and deliver the perfect amount of colour and shine. Choose from Sun Bronze or Berry Sun. The Bronzing Shimmer Powders, £22, are fabulous for creating contours in the face and a sun-kissed glow – apply under the cheekbones and around the hairline.
For Men
Spa style
Pevonia Botanica's men's range brings a little pampering to the daily grooming routine. All the products are designed with male skin in mind, being rich in botanical extracts chosen to help prevent razor burn, sensitivity and ingrowing hairs. Try the Soothing After-Shaving Balm, £29.95, which immediately cools and calms the skin and has a light, non-greasy texture. It also has anti-ageing benefits with green tea extract. For stockists, call +44 (0)1449 727000.
Make-up for men
Biotherm Homme's new Matte Powder-Brush Adjustable Tinted Tan, £30, is a revolutionary product for the men's market. For many it will still be a step too far, but adventurous types who give it a go will find it is ultra-light, giving your skin a transparent, mattifying glow, ie you'll look tanned, non-shiny and it won't look like you're wearing make-up. It's applied with just a few quick flicks of the in-built shaving-style brush. Call +44 (0)800 037 1020 for stockists.
A shaving revelation
Lots of men with heavy or fast-growing hair find they have to shave twice a day to look smooth, while for others strong hair growth causes more sensitivity and ingrowing hairs. To tackle this, Clarins Men has just introduced a pre-shave, non-oily serum, Skin Difference, £26.50, which penetrates the entire length of the follicle to soften the hair below the surface, slow regrowth by reducing cell multiplication at the root and moisturise the skin. Apply at night for a perfect shave in the morning.
Dump the bags
If frequent flying leaves your eyes looking less than fresh, this is your solution. Not only does it smooth wrinkles, but L'Oréal Men Expert Vita Lift Anti-Puffiness Eye Cream, £10.49, also helps to reduce puffiness. Use it morning and evening for best results. To help tissue drainage, tap your fingers lightly from the bridge of your nose to the outer corner of your eyes along the bone under the eyes, moving back and forth for a minute.
On the sensitive side
Orange blossom was traditionally used in colognes and women's fragrances, but now it's making an entrance in a men's scent, Fleur du Male (pictured right) by Jean Paul Gaultier, the designer who revels in challenging stereotypes. The fragrance is quite different and undeniably seductive and looks good too, presented in the Gaultier trademark torso bottle – this time in white. It's for the man who's not afraid to show "his sensitive masculinity", say the marketers. That'll be you then. From £27.
