Q Can you recommend an easy-to-wear summer make-up look that will stand up to the heat and keep me looking on-trend this season?
A My go-to hot weather make-up routine hardly changes because it is so reliably fuss-free and pretty - mineral foundation to even out my complexion, cream blusher on the apple of the cheeks for a healthy flush, waterproof mascara and a slick of lipgloss.
Recent favourites of mine include BareMineral's Matte SPF15 foundation ($62) from Sephora as it helps control excess shine on the face and Sublime de Chanel waterproof mascara ($49) to curl and lengthen lashes.
One staple that I always carry with me is Bobbi Brown's Sheer Colour Cheek Tint ($35), which can also double as lip colour in a crunch.
If you would like a look that is more on-trend this season, freelance make-up artist Larry Yeo says you can play with retro-inspired washes of watercolour pastels.
Look to the spring/summer 2010 catwalks of Emilio Pucci, DKNY and Diane von Furstenberg (above) for inspiration and use striking shades like aquamarines, pinks and oranges for your eyes and lips.
He recommends the crease-free, waterproof cream eyeshadows in P Light Pink and P Light Purple ($40 each) from Shu Uemura's Summer 2010 Gem Glam Collection for a vivid sweep of colour. Try Anna Sui's Lip Rouge G ($40) for a sheer wash of glossy colour on your lips.
When it comes to make-up base, less is more. To deal with the high level of humidity, Yeo says you can skip the moisturiser and go straight to sunblock. He likes lightweight Laneige's Oil-Free Sunblock SPF35/PA++ ($38) which has a matte finish.
Alternatively, try M.A.C's Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer Illuminateur SPF35 in Adjust ($58), a peach-toned primer that evens out skin colour.
Finally, keep your foundation to a minimum by applying it only to areas that need evening out.
Yeo's favourite foundation of the moment is Estee Lauder's Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF10 ($56), which contains silica to keep your skin matte and holds the foundation to the skin.
