Why Love Island is a beauty lesson in how less is always more - and the six changes the contestants should adopt now
In sparse times kitsch appeals, so it’s no surprise that the nation is tuning in its millions to watch Love Island, ITV 2’s dating-in-the-sun reality series. But its real draw is the Paris Hilton-esque glamour - buff sun-kissed limbs, bouncy Barbie hair and fluorescent teeth. Gratifying viewing though it may be, coating your face in dense make-up is neither sun nor age friendly. Young and nubile though they may be, with heavily pencilled eyebrows, Joan Collins eyeshadow and caked-on foundation, Love Island’s female contestants look a good few years older than their 20-something selves.
The Six Love Island swaps that keep you looking just young enough
Swap glittery highlighter for a sheer glow enhancer
Highlighter is designed to accentuate one’s bone structure and impart a healthy glow. However, is worth noting that decorating your face in a powdery veil of glitter will not only highlight your cheek bones, it will also accentuate every pore, line and blemish on your face, if done so in an over-the-top fashion. Therefore, instead of using an opalescent powder, try a solid texture like Charlotte Tilbury Pretty Fresh Pretty Glow Filter, £30, a cream blush and highlighter palette that gives just the right amount of highlight. Or experiment with NARS the Multiple highlighter stick in Copacabana, £29, for a delicate glow.
Swap a full set of false eyelashes for individual lashes
A full set of false lashes will make eyes appear movie-star wide, yet the more youthful option is to go for individual lashes applied by an expert. Shavata Brow Studios are expert at applying natural looking false lashes. Or opt for a tubular mascara that’s waterproof so as to avoid ageing panda eyes. I recommend Trish McEvoy High Volume Mascara, £22.50.
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Swap eyebrow pencil for a brow mascara
The Love Island brow is a cartoon-like shape that blocks out the variation and texture of natural eyebrows. However, defining eyebrows has its merits, so long as it comes courtesy of an eyebrow mascara in a natural tone. Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows, £18.50, is one of the best as the brush is so precise it allows you to build your shape naturally. Benefit 3D Browtones Eyebrow Enhancer, £18.45, is also a safe bet for natural defined brows. Or try professional tinting, which gives soft structure without the waxy drag queen finish of brow shadow or pencil.
Swap powder eyeshadow for cream shadow
Each Love Island Contestant is facing the glaring sun with dark matte eyeshadow – an instant age giveaway – as it absorbs light and dulls the complexion. Trade in your powder shadow for a cream stick that’s melt proof like Bobbi Brown’s new Long-Wear Sparkle Stick in Rose Quartz, £23, an ultra-flattering bronze shade that defines eyes in a modern, youthful way.
Swap oily foundation for an oil-free skin tint
It is always tempting to rely on foundation to even out skin imperfections. But the more you layer on, the older you’ll appear – especially in summer. Ditch oily base for an oil-free foundation or tinted moisturiser that allows your skin’s natural vibrancy to shine though without melting in the heat. Lancome Skin Feels Good Hydrating Skin Tint, £25, one of the best bets for under-ageing skin in the heat. I also rate Glossier Skin Tint, £20, and recommend buying two shades to mix which allows for changes in your skin colour over the course of the summer.
Swap fake tanning cream for self-tanning drops
Fake tan is a safe, easy way to warm up your skin tone. But go too orange and you’ll only end up looking like a weird version of your former self. This is especially true when it comes to face as self tanner can be drying on skin and it’s hard to regulate the colour. Rather than relying on a self-tanning cream, simply add one drop of self-tanning oil to your usual moisturiser to lift your natural skin tone a notch. Try James Read Gradual Tan H20 Tan Drops for Face, £30.
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