Dressing table: The best lip glosses

Beauty rules dictate that strong eyes call for a subtle lip, and as bright shadows tend to come into their own in the summer, it makes sense that now is perhaps the time to step away from the matte lipstick.

While chic for the day, a completely bare lip – as long as it's nourished rather than flaky – leaves a made-up face looking somewhat unfinished. Instead, a light, pinky lip gloss is a good compromise – adding a bit of polish without fighting your other features for attention.

Finding the shade, and consistency, to suit can be trial and error, especially for those apprehensive of too jammy a finish.

(Pictured above) Barry M Lip Gloss Wand in Coral, £4.49, barrym.com

Dior Addict Gloss, £22, dior.com, 020-7216 0216

Smashbox Gloss in VIP Pink, part of the Heatwave Set of 4 shades, £22.50, smashbox.co.uk, boots.com

Color by Benefit ultra plush lip glosses, £14.50, benefitcosmetics.com.uk

Lancôme Gloss in Love, in Under the Spotlight, £20, lancome.co.uk

Bobbi Brown Tube Tint in Pink Cloud, £16, bobbibrown.co.uk