Image consultants Colour Me Beautiful share their top tips to ensure you'll look your best no matter how hot it gets this summer

With summer just around the corner you've probably been through your wardrobe and dusted down your summer clothes but what about your make-up bag? Now is the prefect time to give it a summer makeover.

1. Essential protection
Protect your skin from damage this summer by using a moisturiser with an SPF factor of 15 or higher. Use it daily and you'll help to combat those early signs of aging such as sun spots and fine lines. Remember that you'll be exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays even on a cloudy day. Apply your SPF moisturiser to a clean face and allow 10 minutes for it to absorb before applying your foundation.

2. Lighten up
When the warm weather hits you might find that foundation and powder feels too heavy on your skin. For a fresher, lighter look switch to a tinted moisturiser, apply with a damp sponge and you'll be sure to get an even look. A little concealer dabbed under the eye will give added radiance.

3. Fake it
On a lovely summer's day there is nothing better than the appearance of a healthy glow to make you feel better, and one of the easiest ways of achieving this is with bronzing powder. If you're worried that you'll choose the wrong shade of bronzer and end up looking orange instead of sun-kissed, Colour Me Beautiful has two shades that have been specifically created to suit your skin tone.

If you're a natural blonde, have highlighted hair or golden skin tones with freckles, the Capri bronzer is perfect; while the Rio bronzer is ideal if you have dark hair or an olive skin tone.

4. The eyes have it
Eye shadows in lighter, neutral shades are perfect for the summer. If it's really hot and you don't want to go to the effort of applying a full make-up, a touch of mascara and a little eye liner will 'open' up the eye and bring your face to life. For a lighter, more summery appearance, swap your black mascara for one that is either brown-black or brown. To complete your look remember to have your eyebrows professionally shaped.

5. Essential waterproofing
There is nothing worse than running mascara, so if you're planning a beach holiday or going to a wedding, consider your choice of mascara with care. Waterproof mascara is great, but you'll probably need an oil-based eye make-up remover to take it off properly so that you don't get an unsightly build-up. If you don't want the hassle, it's worth getting your eyelashes professionally tinted. If you're particularly fair and have very light eyebrows it's worth getting them dyed too.

6. Luscious lips
Being out in the fresh air can take its toll on your skin and that includes your lips. If you're sunbathing, it's important to remember to use some lip balm to keep them soft and supple. When you've got a slight tan, a touch of lipstick or lip gloss is often all you need to face the world.

Lip gloss is perfect for adding a subtle radiance and Colour Me Beautiful has a great range with colours including Dune, Pink shell, and Warm sand, which are perfect for daytime wear during the summer. If you've got a tan or are looking for the perfect holiday lipstick, Colour Me Beautiful's sheer lipsticks could be ideal, with their luminous, vibrant colours they'll give your lips a brilliant shine.

7. Holiday glam
Make the most of your newly-acquired tan by using Colour Me Beautiful's fabulous new Glow highlighter on your cheekbones and brow. With its subtle pearlescent lustre it looks amazing on tanned skin and you can even use it in the daytime to help keep your holiday glow when you return to work. For a touch of instant evening glamour apply the Glow highlighter to your shoulders and decolletage.

8. Cheeky cheeks
If you don't like using fake tans and bronzing powders, the easiest way to achieve a healthy natural glow is with blush. Whether your blush is an ultra-fine powder or a light cream, the rules are the same.

Apply it along your cheekbones or the apples of your cheeks, depending on your face shape. Remember to build up the colour gradually until you get the soft natural glow that you're looking for. To find out what your face shape is and the best way of applying your make-up, have a look at chapter five of Colour Me Confident, Colour Me Beautiful's latest book.

9. Tip-top toes
You'll want your feet to look their best if you're wearing sandals or flip-flops this summer. Build time into your weekly beauty routine to pamper them. Remember to use a pumice or foot file to keep them free from dry skin and unsightly cracked heels and moisturise regularly to ensure that skin appears smooth and supple.

10. And finally...
If you are going to be spending large amounts of time in the sun, whether in the garden or on the beach, make sure you invest in a bottle of sun tan lotion, a floppy sun hat and a pair of sun glasses to help protect your skin from potential sun damage.

To find out more about the best cosmetic colours to suit your personal colouring, why not treat yourself to a Colour Me Beautiful make-up lesson. For more information on Colour Me Beautiful, visit www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk or call 020 7627 5211