Getting dolled up for garden parties, weddings and summer soirees is all part of the fun, but no one wants to be touching up their make-up constantly, because their foundation is battling against balmy weather (and losing), or their lipstick has jumped ship onto the rim of a champagne glass.

In the face of such an onslaught, it's time to bring out the big guns - the products that will outlast toasts, tequila shots and even tears (happy ones, hopefully).

These are the cosmetics that are quick to use but slow to fade...

BE PRIMED AND READY

Preparation is everything when it comes to long-lasting make-up.

Adding a primer to your prep routine gives your base an extra layer of defence: the silky, almost dry-feeling formula doesn't sink into skin but it sits on the surface, meaning your foundation sits on top of that and won't wear off as easily.

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up, £33 (LookFantastic.com), is a leave-on mask, moisturiser and primer in one, so it's great if you're travelling and don't want to lug around a heavy cosmetics bag.

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield has been relaunched this year as a larger size Prince's Trust Limited Edition, £69.50 (www.johnlewis.com; £10 from every sale goes to the charity). With SPF30 and blurring properties, this primer boosts your complexion inside and out.

For infallible eye make-up, try a brush-on liquid like Arbonne Prime & Proper Eye Makeup Primer, £21, which leaves an opaque base and makes your eye shadow all the more impactful (www.arbonne.com).

SET THE TONE

Once you've finished the rest of your make-up, a generous spritz of setting spray will create an invisible shield, locking foundation and blusher in place.

Clarins Fix Make-Up, £23, is a cooling mist that contains moisturising aloe vera and anti-pollution actives (www.boots.com).

Avon Magix Prime and Set Spray, £6, is a light and hydrating vitamin-infused formula that can be used as both a primer and finisher (www.avon.uk.com).

LOCK YOUR LIDS

For eye make-up that won't crease or crumble, you need a highly pigmented formula.

Guerlain Ecrin 1 Couleur Long Lasting Eyeshadow in Taupe Secret, £22.05 (Escentual.com), has a powder matte finish but the gel-coated pigments ensure the colour stays put.

MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Colour Stick in Bleached Out Beige, £16, is a twist-up crayon that's chunky enough to sweep on all-over colour, but sharp enough if you want apply a concentrated dash, and it comes in 21 shades (www.maccosmetics.co.uk).

If a smudge of pencil on the lash line is what you're after, Clarins Crayon Khol Long-Lasting Eye Pencil With Brush in Smoky Plum, £15.40 (Escentual.com), is soft enough to blend but won't budge once in place, while No7 Stay Perfect Liquid Eye Liner in Dark Chocolate, £8.50, gives dense, precision liner that dries to fade-proof perfection (www.boots.com).

SEAL YOUR LIPS

Whether you want sheer or full-impact colour, there's a lip product that will linger as long as your need it to.

Smith & Cult The Tainted Lip Stained in Sweet Suite, £20 (Net-a-Porter.com), may look muted on the wand, but it's formulated to react to the pH in lips, bringing out a brighter (but still subtle) shade, that lasts even when the balm has worn off.

For ultimate pout staying power, however, you can't beat a matte lipstick.

Yves Saint Laurent has just extended the Rouge Pur Couture The Mats range, adding warm, summer-ready shades like Wood on Fire, £26, to the line-up (www.debenhams.com).

New to ASOS, Winky Lux Lip Velour, £13, comes in a host of jazzy hues, from bubblegum pink to vivid violet, and even black and blue (www.asos.com).

PERFECT YOUR POLISH

A UV-cured gel manicure is unbeatable for chip-proof nails, but some new beauty counter launches are giving the salon brands a run for their money.

Essie's new Gel Couture collection combines 25 shades with a tough-as-nails topcoat, for at-home colour that lasts up to 12 days. Essie Gel Couture in Spool Me Over and Topcoat, £9.99 each (www.superdrug.com).

Nailed London has just released its Gel Colour Polish summer colours, meaning the hard-wearing collection now totals 28 shades. Try Coral Chameleon, £5.25 (FeelUnique.com), for a soft peachy hue.

TRIED AND TESTED

:: At-home IPL devices don't come cheap, but do they really work? Katie Wright puts one to the test...

"The Braun Silk Expert IPL Hair Removal System promises a reduction in hair after seven weekly sessions, and although it takes a bit of practise, it's really simple to use and requires no charging. Skin must be clean, dry and fuzz-free (using any method you like) before use, then all you do is take the handheld device, place the sensor on your skin (making sure no light can get through), hold down a button and glide along your skin slowly. The device uses IPL (intense pulsed light) to zap the hair follicles every few seconds, and also has a button which provides a more 'sensitive' experience, for use on the face or more delicate areas. It's relatively pain-free and after the seven sessions I can see a noticeable decrease in the amount of hair growth on my legs. This system unfortunately won't be suitable for all skin tones, and I think it will take me a few more sessions to get the results I want, but as far as home IPL goes, I'm pleasantly surprised."

:: Braun Silk Expert IPL Hair Removal System, currently reduced to £299.99 from £399.99 (Argos.co.uk)

BUY IT NOW

America's number one skincare product has just landed on our shores, bringing intense hydration at attractive price points. The hero of Neutrogena's Hydro Boost range is the ultra-light Water Gel moisturiser, £12.99 (Boots.com), which contains a unique hyaluronic gel matrix that sinks into skin and draws in moisture like a sponge, keeping your complexion looking fresh and healthy all day.

BEAUTY BULLETIN

:: SHADES OF IMPROVEMENT

More than two-thirds of Black and Asian women feel the high street doesn't cater to their beauty needs, despite the fact they spend £137.52 more on beauty per year than any other ethnic group, according to new research from Superdrug. "This research just goes to show the lack of products and advice available on the high street for Black and Asian women, so we have made it our mission to offer women of colour the latest in beauty products at an affordable price," says Sarah Gardner, head of beauty at Superdrug. "Since launching the campaign, we've already seen an increase in foundation shades from Maybelline, L'Oreal and Revlon, and will be launching an additional 23 shades for darker skin tones by the end of July."

:: TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Did you know Urban Decay has just released a collection of a HUNDRED different lipsticks? To help you find your perfect shade (or 10), download the free Vice Lipstick app and use the live mirror feature to virtually try the whole line-up and share your picks and tips with pals (iPhone only).

STEAL OF THE WEEK

Looking for a summery scent at a price that's more budget airline that luxury villa? Try Marks & Spencer's Island Sunset, £16 for 95ml. Combining jasmine and ginger with sea salt and sandalwood, it's like a blast of tropical breeze bottled (www.marksandspencer.com).