Greetings readers, I write this from a desk that is groaning with Summer’s latest new make-up launches. I know, lucky me. Shifting through the volumizing brow tints, plumping lip balms and highlighters (some of which give skin an almost alien-like glow), it’s a job to work out what’s hype, what works, which products have staying power and which just pretty packaging. However, I’ve come across a few corkers that you definitely all need to put on your shopping list this spring.

First up, foundations and I want to start by saying, I compare everything to my tried and trusted favourite: Chanel’s CC Cream SPF 50 £46 a colour correcting cream that has a lighter more whipped texture than regular foundation and light reflecting particles that address issues such redness and sallowness which genuinely keep one from looking less weary, even if you’ve only had six hours sleep. CC creams are not to be confused with BB creams (Blemish Balms) which have lighter coverage than foundation but heavier than tinted moisturizers and contain active ingredients you would usually find in a serum. I personally feel all this alphabetizing is marketing hype and its more a question of finding a texture that really suits the needs of your skin and so after swabbing and sponging various brands on a panel of my friends Chanel has again emerged as the winner with it’s Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel touch Foundation SPF25 £43.

This is a cushion foundation which for those of you who have not heard of them before, is a trend that started in South Korea. You sponge on the foundation which gives a slighter sheer coverage that makes skin look lit from within and everyone unanimously agreed that while we didn’t manage to look like the brand’s poster girl Gisele, this stuff is dynamite and takes about 5 years off one’s face.

Moving on to eyes if like me you have sensitive eyes that tear up at the slightlest whistle of wind, La Roche-Posay’s Respectissime Extension Mascara £16 is a godsend. It has a tear free formula (a liquid ingredient that works a bit like an anti-tears baby shampoo) making it supremely comfortable to wear whilst simultaneously lifting and separating lashes.

For blush, I have traditionally preferred cream formulas as I think they look softer and juicer on the skin but my head has been turned by Hourglass’ Ambient Strobe Lighting Blushes £59 that come in a variety of shades for different skin tones. Rather than being drying to skin and exacerbating the appearance of fine lines, they are super finely milled and sit so prettily on the skin giving the perfect rosy glow. Indeed if you are not familiar with this brand, you really need to go and browse the whole collection- its fast becoming the favourite of all the celebrity make-up artists.

Finally I want to kiss you goodbye with a smudge of Bagsy’s Wow Lips £12 (feelunique.com). Sienna Miller’s designer sister Savannah has done a recent collaboration with the brand and of all the colours I tried Bagsy delivered it all: a selection of great cocktail hour reds and corals that glide on (the applicator is a chubby lip crayon that’s far easier to use than a regular lipstick bullet). It stayed put for hours without feathering around the lips, and the Red shades have a flattering blue-based tone that also helps makes teeth look whiter. What could be better than that?

Olivia Falcon