Eight Totally Tropical Makeup Gems That'll Be On My Dressing Table All Summer Long

It's easy to fall into the trap of reaching for the same set of makeup products whatever the season, relying on those old faithfuls to cover your dark circles and ensure your lashes are as fluttery as possible; but with the sunshine comes an opportunity to add a few new gems into the mix to ensure our makeup looks are as summer-appropriate as they can be. All we need is a little change or two to make a big difference - whether that's adding more radiance, embracing new shades or simply opting for a tropical lipbalm over your usual tin of Vaseline. Using summery tones, new textures and applying a touch of luminosity to your skin in the morning will help set up your day positively, ensuring you're in a sunshiny mood. If you need some inspo to make a change, then here are the eight tropical inspired makeup treats I'll be stashing on my dressing table for the foreseeable; I think you might like them too. 

B Cassie Lomas Sheer Liquid Illuminator (£9.99) 
Superdrug's own brand range of makeup used to be something I'd turn my nose up at, but thanks to a re-launch and association with super talented makeup artist Cassie Lomas (who I've known for many years in a professional capacity) it's finally just as worth checking out as their skincare.  The gem of the range for me is this sheer illuminator which is subtle enough to be worn every day throughout the summer - even when the rest of your face is makeup free. Although the pump action bottle is a bit dodgy, the creamy product inside is really pretty and just adds a touch of radiance to skin; use it on the tops of cheekbones, on the décolletage or add it to your moisturiser for an all-over glow.

Beaubelle Rose Gold Brushes (£59.00)
Possibly the most instagrammable beauty accessories there ever was, these brushes are as beautiful as they are effective. Packaged in together as a money saving bundle, the twelve-piece collection includes face and eye tools to help preen your way to a flawless look. The tapered handles ensure they're easy to use and lightweight enough to not give you arm ache, while the synthetic bristles provide a hygenic way to apply your makeup.  It's easy to forget your tools when it comes to updating your beauty regime, but investing in some new brushes will ensure your application is precise and long-lasting - rather than patchy and tricky to get right. There's nothing groundbreaking here, but sometimes you just have to treat yourself to something pretty in the name of 'self care'!

Smith & Cult Nail Polish in 'She Said Yeah' (£19.00)
One of those brands that has erupted within a pretty saturated market, Smith & Cult's nail polishes sure are something special: the heavy and unusually shaped bottle isn't exactly the most convenient for storage purposes, nor does the lid aid application (lord is it weighty,) but they do look amazing and their colour range is totally lustworthy. Although I wouldn't spend near enough twenty quid on a nail varnish lightly, this dreamy blue shade is perfect for summer and will make a statement without falling into the usual pastel or coral traps. 

Clinique Liquid Lip Plumping Gloss (£18.00) 
If you love a Chubby Stick, then this will be right up your street. Clinique's newest forray into lipgloss is fun and practical, being housed in a plastic crayon-esque container that you twist to release product. It's far more hygenic than those foam applicators, as you can just wipe it clean, plus you don't lose any product in the process - a must when it's £18.00 a pop! The formula is glossy and rich without being sticky or gloopy, providing a shiny result and a subtle pop of colour; I love this universal 'Pink & Plenty' shade that will undoubtedly go with everything from a maxi to a cocktail dress this summer. It smells as sweet as candyfloss too.

GlamGlow Glowstarter Mega Illuminator Moisturizer (£39.00)
Although it's technically skincare and not makeup, this moisturiser does have added ingredients that impart a subtle glow onto skin - so there's no reason why you can't use it either on its own or add a touch to your usual base product.  Including Hyaluronic Acid for long-lasting moisture, pearl particles to visibly blur and reflect light, Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter to nourish and Ceramides to tackle the signs of ageing, the result is a hard working moisturiser that ensures you radiate health from within. I'm all about the multi-tasking lazy girl products, and this definitely ticks all those boxes; it's even available in three shades (Nude, Pearl & Sun Glow) so you can dial your glow up or down, or match it to your complexion. One of my must-haves for the sunshine months!

Bobbi Brown 'Antigua' Illuminating Bronzing Powder (£30.00)
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't in love with this predominately because it reminds me of our trip to Antigua last year, but the shade is pretty perfect too. Although described as a bronzer, for me this is more of a colour-enhancing blush that you buff into the apples of cheeks - plus it has delicate golden flecks that act as an understated radiance boosting highlight too. Like all Bobbi Brown blushers, the texture is lightweight and soft, buffing effortlessly into skin to create a natural flush. An investment that you could totally use in winter too. 

Eyeko Waterproof Shadow Liner (£18.00)
The fascination with Eyeko mascaras still escapes me (I've just never been able to get them to do anything other than slightly tint my lashes,) but their eyeshadow and liner products are incredible. I'm obsessed with their liner pen (which provides the most intense and precise line I've ever experienced,) but these new Shadow Liners are equally as lust-worthy - especially as they're available in some really hot summertime shades. Although the charcoal grey and black is all very well and good, for me it's all about the Bronze and Quartz tones which add something a touch more sexy and modern into the mix. Exceptionally creamy and easy to blend, as well as being fabulously pigmented, these are so easy to use and even have a built-in brush for creating more of a liner-esque effect on the upper or lower lashes. Perfect for traveling, or for those of us that have ten minutes to create a look that screams 'totally with it', these are sure to become an industry fave.

 
Smith's Tropical Ambrosia Balm (£7.00)
A discovery that originated at the till-points of New York's Sephora stores, Smith's iconic balm is slowly making its way into UK stores and I couldn't be happier about it. Formulated with lanolin, petroleum and beeswax, the balm helps to soothe lips and add shine; in this instance it also contains the scent of mango and coconut to make the experience totally tropical and reminiscent of a Pina Colada. Although it's not designed for super dry or chapped lips, it does offer a touch of lubrication and a subtle shine when you want your natural radiance to do the talking. And the pot looks great in flat lays too... Just sayin!

Have you seen anything that's made your summer wish list?
What do you look for in your summertime makeup bag must-haves?  

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