Go Glossy This Summer

Matte is so last year when it comes to make-up. Right now it's all about experimenting with high-shine hues. The great thing about going for gleam is that it's instantly anti-ageing. While dull powder shadows on eyes and cheeks can emphasise fine lines and under-eye bags, high-shine textures catch the light, taking attention away from those unflattering creases.

There is a balance to be struck, though - too shiny can look downright sticky. With eyes in particular it's best to think glassy rather than glossy. Paul & Joe Eye Gloss in 03 lends a lovely wet-look sheen to lids, achieving that all important smoky effect without looking claggy. A good alternative is Illamasqua Cream Eye Shadow in Thief which comes in a soft pewter shade. A make-up artist's trick is to dab a little clear lipgloss in the centre of the lid once you have applied shadow to catch the light. It makes the whites of your eyes appear clearer and opens up the entire lid area.

Glosses on the lips give the illusion of a plumper pout. Take a tip from Linda Evangelista and use a lip pencil in a nude tone to outline and then fill lips in with gloss rather than lipstick. If you are wedded to your trusty lipstick, try the new formulas which lacquer lips with highly reflective color. Lancome's Lacque Fever range is great or, if you are on a budget, go for Elf Super Glossy Lip Shine. If you fight shy of too much shine, try Estee Lauder's Pure Color Gloss sticks. These provide an intense color stain along with the requisite flattering sheen.

Shiny nails equal healthy nails so a glossy polish will add natural glamor. Bourjois has a fabulous Ultra Shine range that comes in 11 shades. An alternative is to sweep a high-shine topcoat over your favorite polish. Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength Diamond Shine Base & Top Coat is excellent and has the added benefit of making your manicure last longer. Keep nails short and rounded if you're going for this look as shiny talons equal gloss overkill. For color that lasts, steal a manicurist's trick and paint over the nail tips to create a seal. And don't forget toenails -pretty feet are paramount, particularly during the summer months.

Lastly, get those cheeks gleaming. The key here is to strike a balance between gloss and grease. Apply a highlight only across the top of the cheek bone to reflect light up into the eye socket area. A creamy highlighter such as Benefit Moon Beam will provide instant definition but don't forget to blend well. As for base, use one of the light-reflecting mineral foundations which are so fashionable as well as being excellent for your skin. The idea is to end up looking healthy rather than sticky. Follow the tips suggested here and you, too, can be queen of sheen.

Matte is so last year when it comes to make-up. Right now it's all about experimenting with high-shine hues. The great thing about going for gleam is that it's instantly anti-ageing. While dull powder shadows on eyes and cheeks can emphasise fine lines and under-eye bags, high-shine textures catch the light, taking attention away from those unflattering creases.

There is a balance to be struck, though - too shiny can look downright sticky. With eyes in particular it's best to think glassy rather than glossy. Paul & Joe Eye Gloss in 03 lends a lovely wet-look sheen to lids, achieving that all important smoky effect without looking claggy. A good alternative is Illamasqua Cream Eye Shadow in Thief which comes in a soft pewter shade. A make-up artist's trick is to dab a little clear lipgloss in the centre of the lid once you have applied shadow to catch the light. It makes the whites of your eyes appear clearer and opens up the entire lid area.

Glosses on the lips give the illusion of a plumper pout. Take a tip from Linda Evangelista and use a lip pencil in a nude tone to outline and then fill lips in with gloss rather than lipstick. If you are wedded to your trusty lipstick, try the new formulas which lacquer lips with highly reflective color. Lancome's Lacque Fever range is great or, if you are on a budget, go for Elf Super Glossy Lip Shine. If you fight shy of too much shine, try Estee Lauder's Pure Color Gloss sticks. These provide an intense color stain along with the requisite flattering sheen.

Shiny nails equal healthy nails so a glossy polish will add natural glamor. Bourjois has a fabulous Ultra Shine range that comes in 11 shades. An alternative is to sweep a high-shine topcoat over your favorite polish. Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength Diamond Shine Base & Top Coat is excellent and has the added benefit of making your manicure last longer. Keep nails short and rounded if you're going for this look as shiny talons equal gloss overkill. For color that lasts, steal a manicurist's trick and paint over the nail tips to create a seal. And don't forget toenails -pretty feet are paramount, particularly during the summer months.

Lastly, get those cheeks gleaming. The key here is to strike a balance between gloss and grease. Apply a highlight only across the top of the cheek bone to reflect light up into the eye socket area. A creamy highlighter such as Benefit Moon Beam will provide instant definition but don't forget to blend well. As for base, use one of the light-reflecting mineral foundations which are so fashionable as well as being excellent for your skin. The idea is to end up looking healthy rather than sticky. Follow the tips suggested here and you, too, can be queen of sheen.