'I'll have what she's having,' the nation sighs as they scroll through Dua Lipa's latest Instagram carousel of Palermo-based holiday snaps. Beaming, sun-kissed and (sort of) newly engaged, the singer is unwinding after a sellout Wembley stint and kicking back with fiancé Callum Turner. And while her yacht-based antics and Italian tour of dirty martinis and pasta haunts are vision board worthy, it's her beauty game that has social media in a spin.
Dua has single-handedly set the beauty tone this summer, let's face it. This woman has a tried-and-tested formula that has seen her through stadium tours, front rows at fashion week and idyllic holidays abroad. So, what's her secret? Yes, this woman has success, yes this woman has stardom, yes this woman is loved up and living the life, but when it comes to her make-up look it's all edifyingly accessible. The blush, the lip liner, the nails. It's high time we broke it all down, in fact. Notepads at the ready...
1. OTT Blush
First up? Statement blush. It's out there, it's sexy. This isn't a subtle period drama wash of rosy-hued powder, this is an all-out, unapologetic flash of pink or coral that wraps from one cheek, up across the bridge of the nose to the other. It mimics the look of a deep sun flush. For a hyper-realistic finish make a play for Victoria Beckham's latest blush launch, a set of stains that deliver a punch of pigment alongside a second skin finish.
victoriabeckhambeauty.com
Victoria Beckham says: 'I love the healthy flush in my skin after a workout-Colour Wash creates this same rush of colour. The watercolour-like stain soaks into skin for a blush that looks like it’s naturally coming from within. It’s the flush you get after a fantastic laugh, a day in the sun… or any other invigorating reason cheeks might show a little colour. I can think of a few.'
What we know: Available in three shades and delivered in a refreshing skin-loving formula this blusher is designed to leave cheeks with a water-colour like flush.
Rachael Martin beauty director says: 'On Grazia’s beauty desk, there’s always something of a scramble when a new VB product lands. The fact that we all have different skin tones, tastes, and preferences- but still love the range- says a lot about the brand. The packaging is always beautiful, and crucially, the formulas never miss. This new blush is no exception. First impressions remind me of a more grown-up, luxurious take on the famous Benefit Benetint Blusher which I was loyal to throughout my teenage years. That said, when it comes to stains, I typically tread with caution. I often find they dry down too quickly, leaving behind a patchy, muddy finish that refuses to blend no matter how many desperate fingertip swipes I attempt. But this one sets slowly, giving me ample time to blend and perfect the placement.'
Pros
- Long lasting
- A little goes a long way
- Beautiful packaging
Cons
- The dropper function is a little stiff
- Only available in 3 shades thus far
2. Nude Lip Liner
Next up a deep shade of nude lip liner used to ever so slightly overline and make the cupid's bow more shallow, making lips look wider and fuller. She doesn't go in for a high-gloss look when she's off duty, but there's always a balm like sheen that makes her lips look plump and healthy. Sign us up. Try Charlotte Tilbury's new Lip Cheat Contour Duos.
2.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Contour Duo
What the brand says: 'My Lip Cheat Contour Duos are nude lip liners for instantly wider, fuller + defined looking lips, whatever your age or lip shape! These 2-in-1 lip pencils mimic the appearance of natural shadows to emphasise and sculpt the look of lip contours, giving you 90s-inspired, supermodel nude lips. If you love my legendary nude lip liners like Pillow Talk, Foxy Brown and Iconic Nude, you’re going to love these!
What we know: These dual-ended liners go big on pigment and staying power. They're perfect for creating a natural-looking, full sculpted lip look and have been expertly colour matched to help everyone build their own perfect nude lip. Powdery and creamy, the pencils blend easily so that you can customise your end result based on your own preference.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I really do carry around three lip liners and three other lip products with me at any one given time, so having all my nude lip requirements met with one single product has been an absolute game-changer. Consider me a convert.'
Pros
- Creamy, blendable formula
- A nude for every skin tone
Cons
- Staying power could be a touch better
3. Luxe SPF
In Dua's most recent Palermo drop we spied a luxe new face SPF release behind her iced-up Campari spritz. Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF 50, £105, launched earlier this year to serious hype and it doesn't disappoint. Lightweight, fast-absorbing and infused with the brand's famous TFC8 complex (which plumps and brightens skin) its prestige sun care at its finest. And if it's good enough for Dua...
You could do worse that smoothing on a generous layer of Dua Lipa's favourite face SPF daily during summer.
Augustinus Baderaugustinusbader.com
Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF 50 launched to serious hype earlier this year and that was before it earned grid space on Dua Lipa's Instagram page. The 'Hotter Than Hell' singer clearly takes her SPF seriously. It was spotted in the background of one of her Palermo holiday snaps, paying second fiddle to an icy Campari spritz.
What we know: Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this luxe SPF is, of course, infused with the brand's signature TFC8 complex, which plumps, smooths and brightens skin.
What the brand says: Sun care meets skincare in this lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen. This fast-absorbing formula protects against UVA and UVB rays and renews the skin at the same time, preventing and reducing visible signs of aging. Your daily SPF 50. Powered by TFC8®.
Head of beauty Annie Vischer says: 'Like it or not, if you're using a face SPF that doesn't tick the joy box - that feels tacky, heavy and like a chore to apply - you're far less likely to use it as often as you should. Yes, we're talking about a hefty price tag here, but if you like to splurge on your daily face SPF then make a play for this one. It absorbs beautifully after moisturiser and delivers heavy-duty broad-spectrum sun protection. One I'd very happily wear every single day.'
Pros
- Dua Lipa approved.
- Brimming with skincare ingredients.
- Lightweight.
- Feels like a second skin.
Cons
- Expensive.
4. Statement Nails
Usually the work of our very own Grazia Beauty Panellist Michelle Humphrey, Dua has sported everything from 3D nails (remember when 3D nails were big at the Meg Gala?) to French-tipped polka dots. It seems Hailey Bieber has passed on the baton and it's Dua's turn to serve up the manicure inspiration of the summer. Glazed doughnut nails who?
5. Thirst Trap of Choice
And finally, how to beat the glow of being in the company of your favourite person? Congratulations Callum Turner, a moisturiser could never. Granted, you can't pick one up at your local Boots, though.
Main image credit: Instagram @dualipa, other image credits: Instagram @dualipa
Annie Vischer is head of beauty at Grazia. Annie was previously beauty editor across a number of lifestyle titles at TI Media (now Future Plc) including Woman & Home magazine and Feel Good You. Annie has over a decade-worth of experience as a beauty journalist under her belt and is an established authority in the beauty industry, known for covering skincare, make-up, hair care, body care, treatments and wellness in print, online and across social media.