The rules don't apply here.......

 As some of you may be aware I’ve decided to trade in the frozen wastes of London for the sunny shores of India, so as with the massive change in temperature, so your beauty routine has to change as well here’s what I’ve discovered..........

1.    It may sound like a no brainer but ALWAYS wear sunscreen, I’m of the opinion that tanning is the way to go, but that doesn’t mean I want to go around looking like a boiled lobster and it’s not good for you either in the long or short term, so I’m covering myself in factor 20 ( I know there are many who will argue that's way too low – Sorry what I can say I’m pale and pasty I want to be brown dammit!!!)

For face and neck add an extra layer tinted moisturiser with a an inbuilt spf, I am currently using Clinique surge SPF15 (Elle beauty award winner and very deservedly so in my opinion!) available in 6 different shades and retails for £21.50, however if you want to spend a bit less I would also recommend Boots No.7 triple protection £11.50 or L’oreal BB cream For £9.99

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2.    The humidity is a killer especially in the middle of the day, unless your sat in an AC cooled room you will sweat buckets so It is a good Idea to stay away from thick heavy foundation as it has an unfortunate tendency to slide down your face collecting in any creases it may find along the way – Urgh!! The same applies to pretty much any greased based make-up so it’s best to opt for a powder based alternative, I’ve always been a fan of bare minerals products, they have a wonderful range of powder based foundations and I still say their summer bisque concealer is one of the best dark circle removers on the market, but that’s not to say they have the monopoly on all things powder, benefit also have a great range especially ‘hello flawless’ cover up powder which even has an inbuilt spf!

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3.     Spots and bites

Well the first rule for both is exactly what your granny used to tell you  - It won’t get better if you pick it! So keep those itchy fingers at bay and let me give you some practical solutions instead.

. Spots:  This seems to be a fairly common phenomenon amongst us western touristos, being removed from our cold damp natural habit and exposed to direct sunlight causes us all to regress back to adolescence!

Oh well the fashions may have changed since your yoof but the methods have not, grab your TCP or teatree oil and apply liberally!

.Bites :  No matter how careful you think you’ve been with the old mozzy spray (Odomos for preference by the way) the pesky little buggers can still catch you out

So what does one do when confronted a zit or a nasty bite? Well if it’s a whopper and it’s in a strategic place why not turn it into a beauty spot for the duration? Or the advantage of being in India you can always grab a packet of stick on bindis and say your going for the hippy traveller look! Failing that grab your concealer try bare minerals SPF 20 concealer, available 5 different shades (£19)

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4.   Lips and eyes

.Waterproof mascara for obvious reasons!  While I have always been a die-hard Lacome fan in terms of mascara, currently using their Hypnoise waterproof doll eyes £21, which has a wonderfully tapered brush perfect for getting into the corners!

However  if you’re on a budget you can’t go wrong with Maybelline I would recommend their illegal length waterproof mascara for just £8.99

. Eyeshadow is a fairly safe bet being powder based it is less likely to slide down your face currently I am using a rather wonderful little Dior Palette I picked up in the airport ‘3 couleurs ready to wear smokey eyes’ for £35 which seems to hold rather nicely.

Avoid smudgy kohl pencils for obvious reasons! Although if you’re in a place where you can pick up some of the traditional kohl sticks they are well worth getting hold off as one applied they stay in place come hell or high water, and for eyeliner you can’t go wrong with a bit of good old fashioned MAC ‘blacktrack’ £14 or for a less expensive version try Maybelline’s eye studio gel liner for £7.99.

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Lips for any strong vibrant shade of lipstick I would say MAC pro long wear gloss coat £12.50 is an absolute essential for holding your colour in place. Although you may prefer to tone it down and use more neutral colours in which why not try YSL rouge volumpte  with spf 15 in ultimate beige £24.50 or Boots No.7 stay perfect lipstick in coral rose £9.50?  take care when applying, try using a lip brush or cotton bud and rub in well.

Hope this comes in handy!

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