Don’t believe what they say about mascara

A lauded makeup artist once told me that avoiding mascara makes women look younger. When you hear something from a so-called expert, you take it for gospel. Thank God I have long seen the light. What nonsense. The no-mascara schtick might work for some, but for most, it doesn’t play out. Mascara makes you look awake and brings your face into focus. Also, as you get older and your lashes get increasingly sparse, you have no choice but to believe in the power of the lash.

1. Gucci L’Obscur Mascara £32, Sephora

2. Makeup By Mario Master Mascara £28, Makeup by Mario

3. Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara £28, Space NK

4. Diorshow Overvolume Mascara £35, Dior

5. Victoria Beckham Future Lash in Bordeaux £32, Victoria Beckham

111Skin Deep Cleansing Oil, £65, 111Skin

For someone who has historically battled with oily skin, it seems crazy that I use oil cleansers – surely they make oily skin even more so? Actually, no. Oil attracts and dissolves oils, which means that these cleansers work with your skin’s natural oils to clean and balance while also reducing overproduction of oil. That said, not all of these cleansers are equal. Some have left me greasier than a mechanic’s yard. And clogged my pores to boot. I’ve recently been using a deep cleansing oil by 111Skin and it is excellent. I have said in the past that the term ‘double cleansing’ is marketing spiel – all it means is washing your face until it’s actually clean. I still stand by that. However, if you wear makeup, using an oil cleanser as a first cleansing step makes everything more effective – and speedy. But this particular oil cleanser is not only perfect for removing makeup and cleansing the skin without leaving a residue. It also reduces inflammation, provides antioxidant protection and calms the skin. This is down to its NAC Y2 complex, originally created by the 111 Harley Street founder Dr Yannis Alexandrides to help the healing process for post-surgical patients. Great for oily skin, mature or dehydrated skin, and those with sensitive or sensitised skin. Essentially it’s for everyone – concept in beauty that’s not as commonplace as you’d think.

Underarm delivery Not only does this deodorant offer skincare properties, such as salicylic acid, to brighten underarms, it is also aluminium, baking soda and irritation-free. And it actually works. Phlur Father Figure Deodorant, £20, Space NK

The right stuff This woody, incense-like scent from the Italian fragrance house loved by fashion insiders might not be an obvious choice for summer, but somehow it feels just right. Incense Eau de Parfum, £240, Santa Maria Novella

Talk of the town In beauty circles, this lightweight SPF is the most talked about suncare product right now. It protects skin from harmful, ageing sun rays and simultaneously smooths and treats. Augustinus Bader, The Sunscreen, SPF 50, £105, Cult Beauty