don’t know about you, but for me this summer’s weather has been pretty disappointing. I was so looking forward to getting a little sun I even started taking Imedeen Tan Optimizer.

These supplements increase your natural sun protection from within. One capsule daily has been clinically proven to boost the skin’s natural sun protection by up to 40%.

The natural based formulation works from within to prepare skin for the sun, reduce sun sensitivity and redness. I know these work because last year two friends of mine took them and they tanned beautifully and safely. But with the steady rain rain rain I am still waiting to test them out.

I wanted a bit of colour NOW because with the summer fashions a hint of a glow looks great, plus it makes you feel better. But I’m really not into sunbeds at all. So I was thrilled to be invited to St Tropez’s new product launch. Not only would I get to see fab new products but the celebrity experts would be on hand to give valuable tips.

Immortal Indelible eye shadow completes the sunkissed look

The launch was at the stunning Metropole Hotel. St Tropez tanning expert Nichola Joss (she does all the A list celebs) was on hand to tell us about the fantastic St Tropez Wash Off products. I fell in love with these. They gave instant results and were mistake proof, free from DHA (the stuff that gives you that funny smell), won’t rub off on clothes and you can wash them off with soap and water.

There were 4 Wash Off products launched I loved all of them but my favourites were the Wash Off Mousse and the Wash Off Body Gloss. The wash off body gloss is a must have gloss stick. It’s multi purpose but I loved it on my legs. It made my legs look like I had just stepped off the red carpet or out of a magazine..Wow! Well I was now on a roll. My body and face looked like I had been holidaying for weeks, my legs amazing. I wanted more!!

And I got it in the form of the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick for Body. This is like Bobbi’s other shimmer bricks but bigger. Using a large kabuki brush I swirled it all over my décolleté, my arms and a little to the apples of my cheeks. To complete my sunkissed look I popped on my ariane poole* new Immortal Indelible eye shadow.

This gorgeous metallic mushroom long lasting crease resistant shadow worked beautifully with my wonderful new tan. I finished with a touch of gloss. All we need now is for the sun to shine!

Mineral make-up, or rather mineral foundation, seems to be what everyone is talking about. But is it all beauty hype or is there something more to it? Well actually, it’s a little of both…

Ariane Poole mineral tint foundation

Mineral make-up has been around for ages. And by ages I mean since the 70’s! But it has only recently been getting loads of attention from both the public and the beauty press. One of the reasons for this is what is does not contain, rather than what is does contain. I know most mineral make-ups are preservative free and preservatives have been getting a lot of bad press, but more on that another time… The one thing all the mineral foundations have is a chemical free SPF.

Chemical SPF’s can cause all sorts of irritations to the skin if you are sensitive. So, if you’ve had problems with foundations it may be the SPF not the preservative that is causing the irritation. I’m a huge fan of mineral foundation but recommend different ones for different skin types, ages and types of coverage. Not all mineral foundations are the same, and one size definitely does not fit all!

All mineral foundations are oil-free; that doesn’t mean that they are not hydrating, it simply means that they will not clog your pores. If you have a mature or dry complexion then you should try a liquid mineral foundation like Estee Lauder Nutritious Vita-Mineral SPF10 or ariane poole* Sheet Mineral Tint SPF20.

If your skin is normal (oily t-zone included) and you need all over coverage for whatever reason (high colouring, rosacea, pigmentation etc) then something like ID Bare Mineral or MAC Mineralize SatinFinish SPF15 would be a great choice. If your skin is oily or you tend to break out then what you want is a more matte mineral foundation – check out Jane Iredale. The one big plus I find with all mineral foundations is that you can cover blemishes, high colouring, pigmentation and even rosacea while still looking natural, you just need that right formulation for your skin type.

Armed with this information I am sure that you will find a mineral foundation that makes your skin look beautiful and natural.