Investment Makeup Pieces That Will See You Through The Summer Season (And Into Autumn!)

SPONSORED FEATURE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NO7

Oh summer, along with the beautiful sunshine you bring some of the greatest things in life: booming pub gardens, endless jugs of Pimms, retro style sunglasses, BBQs and sweet scented lipglosses. It's a season we adore not only because we can leave the coats at home, but because it creates glowing skin and effortless looks that we'd really rather would stay all year round. Although I love a berry lip and a contoured cheekbone, I also love everything about summer makeup - the lightweight textures, glowing highlights and juicy glosses that smell like holidays. But how do you shop wisely, ensuring you pick up makeup pieces you'll use all summer long but that will also keep your complexion company right through until Autumn? I've got some cheeky recommendations to help you on your way, keeping you looking fab in the short and long term (and your purse happy too.)

A LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY FOUNDATION 

Nobody wants to faff about with a heavy base in the morning, or layer up endless products in order to re-create the features you've accidentally covered up with too much foundation. Finding your perfect match in the summer means your morning routine is quick and easy, ensuring your skin looks flawless and glowing without much effort at all - but that same product can be used well into the Autumn months, creating an effortless base that you just need to layer up with seasonal shades. No7's Airbush Away Sheer Finish Foundation (£16.50) is just the ticket, offering a velvety smooth finish that's practically invisible to the touch; it's just what you need during the warmer months when you end up sweating most of it off by lunchtime, but equally just as fab for when the leaves start to turn.

A UNIVERSAL & MULTI-PURPOSE HIGHLIGHTER

I'm finding myself fall deeper in love with highlighters as time passes, as they're such an easy way to brighten the complexion even when you're feeling a little worse for wear. (Jet lag, I'm talkin' bout you!) Applying a touch of something like No7's Shimmer Palette (£13.50) on the cheekbones will help to catch the light and add subtle luminosity to even naked skin, but a liquid formula also means you can add a drop or two into your moisturiser or foundation for a look that glows from within. The No7 Skin Illuminator  (£12.50) provides an incredibly natural finish; the creamy formula can be dabbed onto skin as a finishing touch, or mixed in with other products to ensure you always ooze health - whatever the season.

A POWERFUL FLUTTERY MASCARA 

One of the products I'd take with me to a desert island, mascara helps to open and brighten the eyes even when the rest of my look is understated. If you choose to leave your skin bare, pop on a touch of tinted moisturiser or opt for a full-on base, it only looks complete with a slick of mascara on lashes; the key is to find a product that's easy to layer and one which creates a lot of volume with very little effort - such as No7 Lash Impact Ultra Mascara (£10.00). The large wand helps to catch lashes and coat them in a single sweep, giving you as much impact as you want from day to night. A wise investment that will continue to pay off until the very last drop.

A POP OF CREAMY BLUSH 

Blusher isn't just for the winter season when you want to look like you've just come in from the cold, it's a clever tool that helps create a flushed healthy glow that also nods to youthfulness. Rather than the usual powder formulas or strong ping pigments, opt for a creamy texture that's easy to blend with fingers and layer up to the strength you desire - a subtle flush in the summer and a stronger colour result come Autumn. Available in three shades, the No7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush (£10.00) is a great little tool to have at your disposal; the creamy texture blends seamlessly with other products and doesn't sit in fine lines either.

A HIGH SHINE JUICY LIPGLOSS 

What would I do without lipgloss during the summer months? There's something about a shiny juicy lip that I just love, letting it do the talking while I hide away under my massive sunnies. Although I love a pink or nude shade, my favorite tone has to be a peachy-orange; it enhances a natural glow and complements a tan, while adding warmth to face and suiting every skin tone and age. It's a shade that many shy away from, but it really is universal in its appeal and should be embraced by every single one of you; my current fave is No7's High Shine Lip Gloss in 'Just Peachy' (£9.00) which smells ohmigodamazing! What's great about a peachy tone is that it works just as well in Autumn as it does in the height of summer; it's a great way to transition into those darker berry tones or red, while being a touch more exciting than the usual nude.

If you're a bit unsure of how to update your makeup bag for the summer months, or want to ensure you spend your pennies wisely to get the most from your products in the months to come, then pop along to a No7 counter for a personalised recommendation. They even offer an absolutely FREE 'Match Made' service to ensure you find the shades and tones that work best for you.

Which products do you love using in the summer months? Are there any you use all year round?

Discover the full No7 range on the Boots website here.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of No7; all opinions are my own.

SIGN UP TO MY MONTHLY NEWSLETTER HERE
EXCLUSIVE NEWS, GIVEAWAYS & INFO ON WHAT YOU'VE MISSED!

Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.