Shades of summer

Applying summer make-up should be as enjoyable as slipping into your favourite pair of summer shorts and flip flops. However, when you live in the desert the blistering summer temperatures don't exactly make slapping on the war paint (or keeping it there) the easiest task of the day.

Sliding eyeliner, cakey eyes and cheeks, which soon become cream, and super-sticky lipstick are not the most attractive as you step out into the UAE summer, but are equally inevitable.

Staying cool but looking hot is the name of the game this summer and in order to beat the heat and humidity at its own game, we may have to make a few changes.

This season's summer make-up is minimal — whether you're heading to the filing cabinet or flying off to sunnier climes. Features should be seen at their best and make-up should barely be seen at all. tabloid! looks at how to keep your make-up in one place this summer.

Read our lips

Forget the fuss in summer when it comes to the lips. No liner and thick, creamy lipsticks. Instead, have fun with glosses and balms.

Top tip: Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm is the latest innovation from Clarins. The plant-based traditional shape transparent lip gloss has the same subtle colour result of sheer lipstick and the comfort of a lip balm. Dh102

A good lining

Choose eye pencils over liquid liners, and switch to shadows that form a cream once applied.

Top tip: Skip eyeliner and mascara on the lower lashes. It's likely to streak in the sweaty under-eye area.

The waterproof experts Make Up Forever have long-lasting eyeliner down pat with their Aqua Pencils. Kristen Stewart is a fan. Dh72

Creamy textures

Cream-based cosmetics stay on longer and do not clump on skin like powder formula cosmetics. Cream blush and eye shadows can be used very easily but remember less product is needed when using cream formulas.

Top tip: A great way to apply cream blush is by using the back of the hand as a palette before using a sponge to blend a small amount on to the cheek. Pull down your bottom lip and look at the color of the skin. That is your natural blush colour.

tabloid! loves Make Up Forever's colours in the Aqua Cream collection. Originally developed as body paint (for Avatar, no less) the more neutral tones offer long-lasting, waterproof colour. Dh93

Waterproofing

There is nothing worse than running mascara, so if you're planning a beach holiday or going to a wedding, consider your choice of mascara with care.

"The problem with waterproof mascara is they don't tend to come in specialist styles for length, curl and thickness. The options are often limited," said Rafal Straszewski, make-up trainer for Clarins Middle East.

Top tip: The raincoat for lashes, to protect mascara from tears and the rain, Double Fix Mascara (Dh93) is this summer's must-have according to Straszewski. "It fixes your usual mascara in place and makes it waterproof, which means you can use your normal choice."

Lighten up

Try a fresher, lighter look with tinted moisturiser if you can. Sheer formulas look and feel airier on skin and are less likely to turn cakey on steamy days.

Top tip: If you feel a little exposed, try concealer dabbed under the eye before applying tint as it helps feel like foundation all over. We love the portable little Bobbi Brown undereye brightener (Dh155), which comes in a handy size perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.

Essential protection

Whether you're in a board meeting or at the beach, sun protection should always be your first priority — even if it's the only thing you do. Use it daily under make-up and you'll help to combat those early signs of ageing such as sun spots and fine lines.

Top tip: Always allow 10 minutes for it to absorb before applying your foundation.