Getting ready for a skin show

Prepare for the flash-the-flesh season with a quick buff and shine with summer ranges that most cosmetic brands are hardselling now. We don’t have to tell you that during this season your makeup should be reduced to the minimum and that the accent should be on going au naturale. So don’t hit the streets before you have mastered that no-makeup look — even with these must-have summer cosmetics.

MAC
MAC’s Studio Sculpt SPF 15 foundation, a gel-based cream formula, debuts this summer with a promise to blend effortlessly. The result is a flawless satiny finish that is even-toned and hydrated, while providing the all-important broad-spectrum sun protection. To complement the flawless face created by this foundation, MAC has also introduced a Studio Sculpt concealer. If MAC is what tickles your senses, then go for these gorgeous colour textures at Rs 1,830 for the foundation and Rs 1,040 for the concealer.

 

Oriflame
Oriflame’s Giordani Gold collection, which comprises Giordani Gold La Dolce Vita lipstick, Giordani Gold lip pencil and a Giordani Gold eye pencil, is a treat for those who are on a budget. At Rs 449 each, these are cosmetics worth splurging on this summer. The lipstick line comes in four intense colours, lasting for hours whilst moisturising your lips. Wear it on a nude face with no makeup anywhere else and you will know what we are talking about. A very thoughtful, built-in sponge tip diffuser unifies the eye colours to give you that perfect smooth finish — a much desired quality in these sweltering months.

Estee Lauder
Taking a cue from the spring runways, Estée Lauder’s latest limited edition Fuchsia Now Color Collection comes across as a feminine collection that cashes on the trend of wearing bold colours that go perfectly with season’s subtle makeup look. The eyeshadow will cost you Rs 1,630 and lip colours start at Rs 1,210. You have to pay a little more, about Rs 2,250, for the brand’s shimmer powder. Perfect for every skin tone, the Fleur de Lys shimmer makes for a streak-free application. Just apply generously to the face, neck and décolletage for a glowing skin that says winter has passed.

Elizabeth Arden
The Sunlit Bronze Beauty Kit by Elizabeth Arden is your summer-in-a-box and costs just under Rs 2,000. The gorgeous, coppery metallic faux leather compact with metallic clasp opens up to a wide view mirror, and six shades for eyes and cheeks. You get four intense but blendable, limited edition eyeshadow shades. This very user-friendly, easy-to-wear kit has everything you need for a winter-to-summer face look, even its own mini eyeshadow and blush brushes.

Bobbi Brown
There’ nothing true makeup lovers look forward to more eagerly than a new Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick. The Pink Shimmerbrick for this season, which costs about Rs 2,000, is one of the prettiest shades yet. There are five stripes of super-shimmery pressed powder, including soft pink, bright pink, golden coral, rose and platinum for the eyes. The Shimmerbrick not only lights up your complexion but also adds a little glamour to your day or evening look. For anyone on a budget, consider this: It’s like getting five Bobbi Brown shimmer shades for the price of one — in a tote-able compact.