This is a tricky one. Because the thing about sunscreens is that the most effective ones out there (which means, the broad spectrum ones, formulated with either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) tend to be quite heavy and creamy. In the past, I’ve always said that suncare is so important, you just have to make allowances for any unwanted skin reactions – a little extra shine, an extra spot or two. By keeping skin well cleansed and exfoliated, you can more easily manage a heavier sunscreen.

Nevertheless, new technology is allowing for UVA-blocking ingredients to become so refined as to be near invisible. This means they can be delivered in lighter bases. If you’re willing to spend a little more on your face sunscreen (which can be fully justified, by the way – it’s the best anti-ageing beauty buy around), I can’t recommend the Becca Mineral SPF30+ Primer enough ($65 from Adore Beauty). This gel-based, oil-free formulation offers a lightly mattifying finish that is perfect for prepping for foundation. But best of all, it contains the broad-spectrum blocker zinc oxide (in transparent form) – and a slew of antioxidants to further fight environmental damage.

Trying out a nude, neutral or pale-toned lipstick? Chances are it won’t show up when painted directly on lips, because lips’ natural colour will overpower the lipstick’s subtlety of shade. Solution: dab lips first with concealer or foundation. This will tone down any naturally heightened colour – so that you can then add on the exact colour effect you want.

The frangipani has got to be the flower that has it all. It’s cool, chic, pretty and sexy all at once. With an aroma to match. Unfortunately, it’s a scent that’s notoriously tricky to capture, with many beauty companies falling back on frangipani fragrance to chemically create an interpretation of the smell.

The new Venustus frangipani range is one of the few around that actually lives up to the beauty of the flower. That’s thanks to the generous doses of frangipani essential oil, sourced from India, in each of the body products. Add to that a high quantity of certified organic ingredients, and you’ve got one must-have-it-all collection.

The range consists of … Body Polish ($25), Body Mud ($25), Body Wash ($29), Body Milk ($39), Essential Oil Blend ($39) and Body Serum (from $39). And then there’s the star: the Frangipani Perfume ($89). It’s Venustus’ first fragrance since its top-selling Tahiti – and set to be this summer’s signature smell.

For stockist details, click on Venustus

Yes, that’s right, I’m over and out for the year. For a few weeks, actually. I and a few bottles of French champagne are heading into lockdown to redesign the site. I’m talking major makeover. Needles, knives, the works. When you next hear from me (I’m hoping January 7th, all fingers and toes crossed), you’ll see a completely new look. The main reason for the change is to make it all more functional. You’ll be able to comment throughout, including in the diary, so we can all beauty-talk ourselves silly. I’ll also start answering a question a day (okay, except Saturdays and Sundays), to keep up with all the beauty dilemmas that are obviously out there.

Unfortunately … it’s looking like I won’t be able to keep the My Archives function. Technical blah blah. I pleaded with the designers and programmers but they say no-go. So, if you use the My Archives function, please print out anything you want kept on file now. However … I will have a very clear archiving system, as well as a search mechanism to make finding information as easy as possible for you. Surely that’s a good compromise? And, as I save up more money, I’ll be adding new sections and functions to the site. So watch this space!

Well, beauties, that’s it for now. Thank you for all your support and feedback this year. I can’t wait for another beautiful year together.

Have you been out at 5.30am recently? It’s hilarious. I’m usually up around then to take my dog for a walk before I go to yoga. I see the most extreme mix of people. One on hand, there are the healthy people, of which I try really hard to be one, such as the boot-campers in the park, and the joggers, and the yogis with their mats rolled up under their arms. On the other, it’s toxin city. There are a few leather-men slinking out of the local park, some couples stumbling home from a big night, shoes and hangovers in hand, and tradies fagging away on their way to work. Even if I wasn’t myself heading to class, just being out watching the action is enough to make you feel healthy by default. It’s not advisable, of course, if you’ve had a late night. Because then you’re immediately on the other side of the health fence. You can only do it if you’re feeling all bright and bushy-tailed and want some kind of consolation for the fact that you had a quiet and actually quite boring night in.