Looking stylish and relaxed is a difficult business when temperatures soar, especially when heat is accompanied by high humidity.

Make-up tips for hot weather:

1. Use moisturiser sparingly under your make-up and avoid applying it altogether to your nose and forehead if you have an oily or combination skin.

2. It’s a myth that heavy powdering absorbs sweaty make-up. The initial benefit of powdering disappears very quickly in hot weather. Stick to a light dusting over the central panel of your face. This will absorb shine but leave you with a natural, fresh look.

3. Avoid heavy make-up, particularly matte foundation, as it will run and leave you with a smudged look.

4. Opt for light and luminous colours. They stay fresh looking for longer.

5. Light shade lip gloss looks fresher than heavy matt lipstick in dark colours.

6. Use a light-weight and fragrant body lotion on your exposed skin areas. It adds a sheen without appearing sweaty.

Dressing tips for hot weather:

1. Get it right underneath and let your skin breathe. Choose underwear in natural fabrics, preferably cotton or silk.

2. Keep your clothes simple and avoid anything that is too tight. Opt for drawstring pants or skirts, loose tunics and comfortable, elasticated waist-bands. Choose cotton, linen or silk for comfort and avoid man-made fibres.

3. However hot it is outside, don’t forget that you need a summery wrap or cardigan for when you go indoors or for when evening temperatures drop. Try a loose style, button-free jacket as an alternative to the cardigan.

4. Select your footwear carefully, changing your shoes or sandals a couple of times during the day, if possible, as your shoes also need to air in hot weather.

5. Keep your accessories simple. Sometimes, just wearing colour co-ordinated beaded sandals is sufficient to look glamorous. Err on the side of understatement.

6. For evening wear, you don’t have to wear a dress to look stylish. You can look as good in an elegant tunic top with a loose fitting skirt or trousers.

The key to looking cool in hot weather is, “keep it simple”. Wear simple styles with simple make-up. Opt for cool pastels and watercolours. Aim at achieving a “soft sheen” effect for both make-up and clothes.