The beauty spy: outdoor make-up

Once upon a time, the words "adventure travel" and "beauty" were not likely to be uttered in the same breath. Trying to look elegant on a humid train across India or while applying melted make-up in a field portaloo did not a summer goddess make. Even Glastonbury, the annual music festival where releasing your inner bohemian and embracing the grime are part of the appeal, has changed. Celebs such as Kate Moss now sashay across the field in trendy, mud-splattered wellies and chic kohl-lined eyes.

So the bar has been raised, and looking sweaty and dishevelled in the summer sun and the great outdoors is not de rigueur.

Whether you are on safari, in a tent or hiking a mountain, keep your holiday make-up to a minimum and scale back on products. It's difficult to look fresh in humid climates and the likelihood is you'll have scant access to a mirror outdoors, so you'll need to fit your look around the few beauty items you have.

In warm weather, avoid make-up products that come in a cream consistency as they will separate and melt. Instead opt for powders, balms and gels, such as powder eyeshadows, powder blushes, lip balms and stains. Being beautifully soft and mineral based, Guerlain Terre Indigo Eyeshadow Palettes are a perfect holiday hero for bright summer eyes.

Forget foundation. Instead use a good sunblock such as Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream for Face SPF 50+.With its non-greasy formula you can apply it all day. If you must have some coverage, a tinted moisturiser such as Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF15 is good. The one-shade-suits-all is miraculously adaptive.

To quickly freshen up your skin, wipes such as Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes are a godsend. These fresh-scented wipes not only remove all traces of make-up, but also are non-drying and don't leave you feeling like you have a film of chemicals on your face.

Though some beauty rules have to be relaxed when it comes to outdoor or activity holidays, three-day-old unwashed hair can look unacceptably greasy. Dry or spray shampoo helps to absorb grease and dirt. Try Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Wash and Wear Instant Shampoo Spray. It volumises, deodorises and adds texture.

And finally, don't travel anywhere without a hand sanitiser - Bath & Body Works has a selection that smell wonderful and won't dry out your hands. Do not enter a foreign back street cafe or a campsite loo without it.

3 of the best

Soap and water just won't wash after using these great eye make-up removers

SEPHORA INSTANT EYE MAKEUP REMOVER DH33 "Poof, gone" is the slogan on this bottle. With just one wipe, it removes all traces of make-up without leaving an oily residue.

BOBBI BROWN EYE MAKEUP REMOVER, DH108 An extra gentle formula that is suitable for all skin conditions. It removes long-wearing and waterproof make-up and contains lash conditioning ingredients.

LANCÔME BI FACIL INSTANT CLEANSER, DH140 Ideal for sensitive, tired eyes thanks to its refreshing formula. It removes even stubborn mascara without a hint of a sting.

URBAN DECAY DELIGHTS US

We at M adore the Naked Eye Palette from Urban Decay that finally landed in the Middle East this summer. The famous cult neutral palette is all you need to create nude and natural looks for balmy afternoons. The set includes 12 full-size eyeshadows and a shadow brush, plus a travel-size eye primer potion. A great buy for home or travel. Watch out for the stampede.

Dh220, available at Sephora Dubai Mall, 04 339 9828