Zoe Foster Tuesday 12 June 2012 1:09pm

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Zoe Foster

BY ZOE FOSTER

Is it possible to look good when it’s raining and windy and bleak? – Cally.

Better question: is it even worth trying?

We all know the moment you step out into that mess of rain and gusty wind and those quite frankly OTT gutter puddles that it’s all going to turn to shit. From your lace-ups to your lashes. And let’s not even start with the hat hair and frizz and those ruddy cheeks. Seriously. Let’s not. Let’s skip it all together, because it will only make us feel more despondent.

Instead, allow me, the grand priestess of hoodies and trainers, heralding from Grim City, UK to offer you, the brave dames of cold and blustery Australia, a few stealth techniques to look tasty instead of pasty.

1. Only dinguses wear gloss in horrible weather.

Wind will force your hair to stick to it and don’t tell me that’s not up there with excessively beepy microwaves in the annoyance stakes. Go for lipstick, or lip butter, or lip stains and hydrating tints (which will protect lips from the wind) instead. (You know how I feel about the Korres lip butters.)

2. Use stains and tints.

A prod such as like Benefit Benetint (red) or Posietint (sweet pink) or ChaChatint (peachy coral) is perfect in this weather, because it won’t budge, and you can use it on your lips AND cheeks.

3. Pull out all your waterproof stuff.

It’s not just for summer, you know. It’s wonderful when it’s rainy, too. This is mainly of relevance around the eyes: mascara, liner and shadow. I like MAC paints smudged on the eyelids, with some Prestige waterproof liner, and some waterproof mascara like the very excellent (and not too hard to remove) Bourjois Paris Liner Effect Waterproof Mascara.

4. Try the Rich Lady In Winter look.

Which involves looking expensive, and like you are not even remotely deterred by the disgusting weather. Blow-dry, smooth and style your hair as much as you can be bothered. Use mousse to create a good framework before you start, and set with a humidity-fighting hair spray or lacquer, like John Frieda Frizz – Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray. Wear a high-collared coat, cape and chic beanie or hat over your nicely done hair. (Trucker caps are discouraged.) Apply brown shadow and liner, lashes, simple blush and a nude lip moisturiser/balm/tint like Clinique Chubby Sticks in Mega Melon.

5. Start with primer and set with powder

Your usual (liquid especially) foundation will not last with wind and rain and you constantly wiping your face.

6. Play up the lips.

I am partial to a bright matte orange lipstick with bronzer and lots of lovely black lashes (waterproof, of course) on a backdrop of full, semi-matte coverage (eyelids included.) Red and wine-coloured lips also look devilishly good in winter.

7. Put the hair well away, or let it crazy loose.

Anywhere in between will not behave, especially regular ponytails or perfectly groomed or straight hair. I recommend slicked-down ponytails, (the wet look is very in right now, which is handy) high, taut topknots or thoroughly incorporating your natural, wild curls and setting them free. Very cute with a beanie. And always take bobby pins and a hairband for quick-fixes/updos.

8. Consider lash extensions.

Saves a whoooooole lot of fussin’ around the eyes when weather is foul. I usually get them if I am going on very cold/snowy/wet trip, as all I need to add then is foundation, blush and lips.

Zoe is an author, columnist and porridge fan. Her books include the beauty bible Amazing Face, dating and relationship guide Textbook Romance, and three novels, Air Kisses, Playing The Field and The Younger Man. Find more info on her here, or supervise on her daily procrastination here and here.

Please understand that Zoë cannot respond to ALL your questions – but never fear, there are readers that are bound to know the answers, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Do you have any drowned-rat (actually a horrific saying when you think about it) proof beauty tricks? Tell us. FOR THE LOVE OF INSIDEOUT UMBRELLAS, TELL US.