It’s getting to be that time of year, when the outside temperatures start to play havoc with a girl’s choice of what to wear – and that applies to the face and body as much as the wardrobe. Fortunately the world’s cosmetic companies are beavering eagerly on our behalf. Here’s Abu Dhabi Week’s pick of their best efforts.

Inside and out
Clinique’s new Superdefense SPF25 Age Defence Moisturizer has SPF25 to defend against the damaging and aging effects of the sun and address damaging visible effects to skin from both external sources (like sun and pollution) and internal aggressors like everyday psychological and emotional stress (thanks to Red Microalgae Extract, a patented stress neutraliser). Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 2000) and branches | AED230

 

Shimmer in the heat
A neat palette of five lovely iridescent tones of shimmering bronze and pink shades – use separately on the eyes or to highlight specific areas, or blend together for a natural-looking glow on the face and cheeks. Shimmer Waves includes marula oil, an effective moisturiser (and it comes from a cooperative in Namibia). Body Shop, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 7300) and branches | AED99

 

Lip love
MAC’s Tinted Lip Conditioner is a protective emollient balm formulated to condition lips and lock in moisture with a sheer wash of colour, an all-natural sheen and SPF of 15. It tastes nice and feels good on the lips (some lip balms can be a bit greasy). MAC | AED71

 

 

 

 

Good enough to eat
With a name like Summer Sorbet, it really is tempting. Givenchy’s summer take on its classic Simply Irresistible fragrance is floral and fresh; and with a spray for both men and women, you’ll have a his ‘n’ hers fragrance that’ll smell sweet all summer long. Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 2000) and branches | AED300 (men) AED232 (women)

Easy glow
This clever little pot of powder locks in moisture and stops your make-up budging – meaning less need to duck out of the summer sun. Apply Dior Capture Total/HD Radiance powder under your foundation for a fail-safe base, or lightly apply to your cheeks for a healthy, sparkling glow from the iridescent sheen. Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 2000) and branches | AED30

Colour up
Intense moisturisation, beautiful colour and broad spectrum coverage: what more protection could a girl want from the sun? Clinique’s High Impact Lip Colour SPF15 is a sophisticated lipstick that delivers it all – and it’s long-lasting, feather-resistant and has stay-true colour too. Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 2000) and branches | AED90

 

 

 

 

 

Sun kissed
Sun protection’s never looked so glam with Shiseido’s smart looking skincare range. With trusty SPF 15 to 30 in each of their products, a slick of Shiseido Sun Protection: Eyes on your lids and Sun Protection: Lips for your, well, lips will keep your skin fresh and safe – an all round winner. Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 2000) and branches | AED114 (Lips) AED15 (Eyes)

 

 

Go for the max
Sometimes you just need the max; here’s a SPF50 sunscreen non-greasy, waterproof (and protection lasts up to 80 minutes in the water), and it’s from Missha, which means quality contents, unfussy packaging, and reasonable price ... Missha, Marina Mall (02 681 8582) | AED85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spray away
A pure classic – the light jasmine notes make Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle our favourite fragrance, and with the eau de toilette you can still smell sweet without having the heaviness of perfume. Small enough to pop in your handbag, this super-feminine scent means you can freshen up on the go. Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 2000) and branches | AED260

 

 

Fabulously flirty
Who says you can’t hit the water and still look great? Dior Show Black Out Waterproof Mascara has a fantastically full wand, meaning you won’t miss a single lash - and with Arabic cocoa beans concealed in its long-lasting formula, you’ll enjoy smudge-free, flirtatious lashes. Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 2000) and branches | AED135

 

 

 

Light to the touch
Foundation shouldn’t be heavy, which is why we love Yves Saint Laurent’s Matte Touch Radiance Face with SPF15. Not only will it keep your skin safe from harmful rays, but its powder-light texture gives a dewy-fresh complexion – plus you won’t even feel it on your skin! Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 2000) and branches | AED230

 

Prep and go
Apply this featherweight, fast-absorbing cream under makeup to prime the skin for the sun – Prep & Prime Face Protect SPF 50 will not affect the look, texture or longevity of your makeup, yet provides high-level broad spectrum sun protection. MAC, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 4938) | AED125

 

 

 

 

Five -a-day
Long lasting, ultra shiny and fantastically fruity, Lancome’s little tubes of fruit-flavoured gloss are the perfect size for your purse. Juicy Tubes come in a range of fab colours, so you can change your pout from dusk to dawn. Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 2000) and branches | AED95 each

 

 

 

 

[Originally published in Abu Dhabi Week vol 2 issue 14]