Waterproof mascara is your best friend under the sun. Colour adds another dimension, but basic black remains the best everyday choice.
"Lots of women are afraid of mascara, but eyes need intensity," says Bobbi Brown's Asia-Pacific head of artistry, Kai Vinson.
This is especially so in summer when we wear little other makeup, but often it is the time when we are most inclined to skip layering on the stuff at all - no wonder, what with swimming, perspiring and rubbing our eyes against the burning brightness. Consider wearing a waterproof mascara, which is less likely to budge. This also makes it a valuable tool if you are troubled by watery eyes.
Another option is to get a lash tint, but I find these don't last as long as a decent holiday, so back to trusty mascara, which, when waterproof, requires an especially decent but still gentle eye makeup remover (my picks are Almay's bargain cotton pads, Neutrogena Oil Free or Lancome Bi-Facil).
Coloured mascara is making a comeback after years of being mainly restricted to fashion shows, 80s-themed parties and brands with a youth or artistry focus.
This year expect it to be more readily available, with M.A.C, for instance, bringing out four shades at once next month. Bobbi Brown already has several subtle shades, including black chocolate (dark brown), good for those with lighter eyes. Charcoal can be less harsh than black if your hair is grey, but most makeup artists, including Vinson, still swear by basic black for most women. His advice, if you feel dark is unduly harsh as you age, is to knock back your liner shade first.
