A little in-flight wisdom we heard from a former flight attendant: she advises wiping tray tables with antibacterial wipes ('they're rarely cleaned'), and travel with your own pillow or pashmina/blanket. Her observation on airline issue pillows and blankets is: 'They're only washed when they look dirty.'  

We love the way that rollerballs work to make eye products more effective, helping to get rid of puffiness by physically moving the retained water or blood from around the eyes, while ‘pressing’ the de-puffing ingredients into skin. But we also love this tip – to keep rollerballs in the fridge between use, since the cold makes them super-soothing.

We love the timeless wisdom of our make-up artist friend Trish McEvoy, who suggests spending five minutes on our faces each morning. ‘Taking that time in the morning, without distractions, can change your mindset for the rest of the day. There’s not one size, or look, that fits all. Instead, look at yourself objectively and decide where you need to enhance your features. Don’t be critical; be positive. Everyone is born with their face; you own yours, so enjoy it.’

If you're prone to broken veins, think less about camouflage and more about cutting down your alcohol intake or curry consumption. Facialist Eve Lom long ago told us that 'drinking and eating spicy foods are key factors in broken capillaries.'  

Eye make-up removers which contain mineral oil may leave residues on the eyelid, causing the next day's liner, shadow and mascara to slip, slide and smudge. Check the label.  

Two potent places for applying perfume that you may not have considered: the oil on the scalp helps grab and hold onto fragrance, while the warmth of your palms encourages fragrance to expand so you can enjoy fragrant wafts whenever you touch anything. (The one caveat: beware of wearing perfume on your scalp in the sun.)  

Hairdresser Josh Wood advises taking advantage of long-haul flights to give your hair a deep treatment. 'When else are you going to spend 10 hours sitting still?', he asks. Apply before you go through security and leave in until you arrive. Ideally, book yourself a blow-dry at your hotel or a spa as soon as you arrive. (We certainly do – and then swim like Loch Ness Monsters for the duration of the holiday!)  

Swimming in a pool, this summer? Reach for the cider vinegar. Putting 50ml in a large jug of rinse water helps restore the pH, which can be altered by the harsh chemicals in swimming pools.

Bunions can be incredibly painful. To relieve the symptoms, do this yoga stretch regularly: weave the fingers of one hand between the toes of your opposite foot. With a firm grip, stretch and massage the toes and the ball of teh foot, encouraging mobility and opening the space between the toes.

Experts have long recommended adopting a Mediterranean diet for health and wellbeing – but the high antioxidant levels can also help to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Be sure to eat plenty of foods rich in essential fats and antioxidants. Beneficial fats are found in oily fish (tinned or fresh), nuts, seeds and their oils, while dark berries and vegetables are the riches source of antioxidants you can find. Aim for three portions a day. (And bring on the tomatoes…)

We’re mad-keen on creamy blushers but at this time of year, they can disappear faster than you can say ‘Mr. Whippy’. Gels are best for stay-put power, right now.

It may be gin season – but beware, if you care about your skin. Alcohol is a vasodilator; a couple of cocktails are enough to rosy up your face but anything beyond that can lead to complexion trouble. Heavy use of alcohol will definitely backfire; skin will appear dehydrated and look more aged. (You could try Jo’s ‘no-drinking-on-school-nights rule – with just a couple of glasses of something special, on a Saturday or Sunday.)

Do you have frizzy hair? Boar bristles are best. These natural fibres have a smooth surface; they run through strands without creating tears, while distributing natural oils from root to tip. You’ll find they actually make hair shinier and cut down on frizz even if you don’t use styling products.

This, from our old make-up artist chum Trish McEvoy: ‘If you’re going to take the time to apply mascara, make time for it to really make a difference. I see a lot of women fluffing at their tips! You need to take the wand and work it right into the base of the lashes, building from the base to the ends. That’s what gives impact.’

Have you smudged your manicure? Try dipping your finger in nail polish remover for a few seconds. The colour will liquefy just a bit and even out on its own.

Primers can be really helpful for ensuring make-up stays put, in summer. But how to apply? The best way is to let your moisturiser sink in, then rub a pea-sized amount of primer all over your face using your fingertips. The warmth of your hands will help push the product into your skin. Leave it to dry, as foundation will go on best once primer is absorbed.

It can’t have escaped your notice how darned windy it’s been. Did you know that strong breezes can ‘lift’ the hair’s cuticle, damaging texture and even allowing colour pigments to escape? The best reason we can think of to tuck a headscarf in your handbag for protection, when it huffs and puffs out there.

Are you going to be filmed anytime soon? HD cameras manage to pick up even the tiniest bit of oil on the face. Translucent powder is the answer – but avoid the stuff that makes you look ghostly-pale. (We’re long-term fans of By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder, NB.)

Did you know that Himalayan Salt Lamps emit a warm glow that signals to the body that it’s time to wind down…? This can induce a deeper, more restful sleep without interfering with the body’s circadian rhythms.

Do you tend to power through your lunch hour, never leaving your desk? Take a leaf out of our friend Liz Earle’s book. ‘Try walking meetings,’ she suggests. ‘Natural daylight and fresh air increase our sense of wellbeing, happiness and ability to focus, so be sure to get outside in your lunch break – or even rope in colleagues and set up walking meetings or a lunchtime running club. Our offices are a stone’s throw from a park and I encourage the team to have walking meetings there whenever possible. We find two or three people is the optimum number for this and it is a great way of focusing the mind on what needs to be achieved on a 30-minute walk with quick notes scribbled down on a pad as you go, or a swift park bench stop.’