High colour not only complicates make-up application but it also causes dehydration. Heat stimulates the oil glands, which bump up production, resulting in a vicious cycle of oiliness and dehydration, or a classic combination skin.
Exfoliate
Exfoliate at least once a week to improve the hydration level in your skin - the cream you apply afterwards will reach the cells that need it.
Drink water
It is equally important to drink at least eight glasses of water a day in summer: your skin will look clearer and far more luminous. It's a good idea to keep a bottle of water in your car - sitting in the traffic is an ideal time to get through your required liquid intake.
Moisturise
Dehydration caused by the increase in pollution, air-conditioning, stress and negative lifestyle habits has become a major problem. Excellent moisturisers are now available that not only introduce moisture into the skin, but also maintain the moisture level.
The key to keeping your make-up on in the heat is to choose the correct day cream for your skin type and to apply it correctly. If your skin is dehydrated or oil-dry, applying more day cream won't solve the problem. If your skin feels taut, dry or looks excessively oily during the day, exfoliate at least once a week and change your day cream to one that is more suited to your skin type. After application, allow at least two minutes for absorption and then blot off the excess by pressing with a tissue, particularly on the T-panel.
Hydrating day creams to try: Estée Lauder Hydra Complete (50ml R395), Avon Solutions Multi-Boost Daily Vitamin Moisturising Cream SPF 15 (50ml R99,95), Kanebo Immediate Moisture Power (40ml R635), Givenchy Skin Drink Fresh (50ml R410).
Mask it
All skin types can benefit from hydrating masks in summer, which smooth fine lines and increase radiance but do not make the skin oily. Prepare your skin for the week ahead by exfoliating and applying a hydrating mask each weekend.
Masks to try: Yardley Puremask Hydrating Booster (75ml R85), Académie Gentle Re-Hydrating Cream-Mask (75ml R331), Elizabeth Arden Hydrating Mask (100ml R160), Almay Hydrating Mask (100ml R69,95 or 15ml sachet R14,95).