Coloured mascara is having a moment, but pick your tone and place carefully. Plus, the importance of good sunscreen, and new products to try

Once upon a time I was that person who looked at coloured mascaras as a ridiculous indulgence. “Who on earth would buy/wear that?” I sneered. But they’ve grown on me because they are a great way to wear eye colour, sans skills. Things to remember: good lash primers separate and condition lashes (which stops them going crispy), deeper shades (particularly burgundy) are more wearable and while fluoro pink is a great way for people to find you in the dark, in a grown-up meeting it’s just distracting.

1. Shiseido Controlled Chaos Mascara Ink in Sapphire Spark £25, shiseido.co.uk

2. YSL Mascara Vinyl Couture in 03 £26, yslbeauty.co.uk

3. Suqqu Eyelash Base £23, selfridges.com

4. Barry M Rebel Lash Coloured Mascara in Pink Power £4.99, boots.com

5. Kevyn Aucoin The Expert Mascara in Bloodroses £24, spacenk.com

I can’t do without.. A light, daily sunscreen that won’t clog pores

When people admit they don’t wear sunscreen I try hard to wear my non-judgmental face. Inside, however, I am aghast. I wear it indoors, outdoors, right through the year. Most women of colour do not use sunscreen because we have been indoctrinated to believe that: ‘Black don’t burn.’ My response is: ‘It does and it will.’ Regardless of race, everyone needs sunscreen. Many indulge in the best serums and face-changers but, without sun protection, it’s a waste of time. A decent sunscreen protects your skin from premature ageing and pigmentation issues and, yes, skin cancer. Still, I do understand the reluctance to use sunscreen. It has a terrible reputation for being heavy and unyielding in texture, clogging pores and leaving an unattractive white tinge that makes you look like Casper the (un)Friendly Ghost. I have tried hundreds of sunscreens and Coola stands out as one of the best. I recommend it so often you’d think I had shares in the company (I don’t). It is organic, non-greasy, rich in antioxidants, protects against both UVA (anti-ageing) and UVB (anti-burn) rays and won’t leave you ashy or with breakouts. Additionally, it deeply moisturisers the skin, gives you a glow and is light enough to use every day. Which I do. And I am evangelical about it. Try it and you will be, too.

Coola Sport Face SPF 50, £30, cultbeauty.co.uk

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Gucci lipstick Photograph: Cosimo Sereni/no credit

On my radar... Gucci lips, rose-scented lotion and a green light

Perfect pout With 58 shades of lipsticks in three different formulas – satin, sheer and a balm-like finish – Gucci makes its foray into makeup. And you’d be hard pressed not to covet the retro cases. Gucci Lipstick, £34, harrods.com

Flower power Using minerals derived from the wild Rose de Granville, this skin-refining lotion delivers 24-hour hydration, controlled shine and tightened pores. And it smells incredible. Dior Prestige La Micro Lotion de Rose, £72, dior.com

Shoots and leaves Expecting a floral-scented candle? Don’t. This three-strong collection evokes the scents from the florists’ workroom. Green Stem (think discarded foliage on benches) is particularly divine. Miller Harris x McQueen Flowers, £65, millerharris.com

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