THE RIGHT TONE

According to research by P&G, skin tone alone can raise a woman’s perceived age by up to 20 years. Brown patches, freckles and liver spots may appear because of hormonal problems – stress-induced or caused by the pill – or they may be due to excessive sunbathing. Whatever the reason, there has been a proliferation of antipigmentation skincare at beauty counters. Now, make-up manufacturers are seeking ways to address the problem.

A skin-tone-levelling powder, created by the Japanese beauty giant Kao, is said to contain an ingredient that reflects light away from the face, minimising the appearance of dark spots. It isn’t available here yet, but other companies are taking note. Benefit produces a Get Even powder (£21.50) with “warm cantaloupe undertones”, which it claims can cancel out redness and unevenness.

A heavy concealer, if well applied, can work wonders too. I disguise my speckled bits with Becca Compact Concealer (£30; beccacosmetics.co.uk), which is great around the eyes, where illuminating pens are little help.

Alternatively, the make-up artist Bobbi Brown suggests deepening the colour of the whole face, rather than targeting individual areas. “Pigmentation looks worse if make-up is too heavy, so keep it fresh and aim to even out, not camouflage,” she says. “Do this by first balancing the light and dark contrast with a bronzing gel [try Bobbi Brown All Over Bronzing Gel, £19] to add warmth, then applying a base.”

SOLE MATES

A pedicure always makes you feel like a true summer girl. Choose one that involves industrial-strength filing and buffing. The Organic Pharmacy luxury pedicure (£55; 020 7287 1607) leaves feet as smooth as a pebble, and Bliss Pedi Colada (£65; 020 7590 6146) gets you into beach mode, with a coconut-milk foot soak and a hot seashell leg massage (and a virgin pina colada to sip on the side).

If you’re doing it yourself, it takes more than a coat of polish to get feet sandal-ready – you need a bit of elbow grease and a professional kit.

Lust of the week

Although a smoky oriental may seem an unlikely blend for summer, Annick Goutal Encens Flamboyant avoids being overly churchy, which incense-based fragrances tend to be. It is a warm, enveloping blend that evokes charcoal smouldering after a barbecue. £95, from Harrods, from August 18

HOT TIP
SUMMER WEDDING LOOMING? BEFORE YOU GO, BOOK IN TO A L’OREAL PROFESSIONNEL SALON FOR A HAIR MANICURE GLOSSING TREATMENT FOR SILKY-SOFT SHINY LOCKS TO RIVAL THE BRIDE’S. FROM £35; 0800 072 6699

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