Candy coloured treats in the beauty department

Chanel Cruise collection. Photo / Supplied

Chanel's latest makeup look is a perfect pointer for prettiness.

Every so often, fashion throws up a look so moreish you just know it will be endlessly emulated in photo shoots and adopted by pretty young things everywhere. Chanel's hair and makeup look for its cruise collection last week is an example, with its single-wash shades of pastel colour set to be a key influence come spring.

The inspiration for the collection may be Versailles circa Marie Antoinette, but the make-like-a-macaron makeup has a modern twist, while also recalling the highly stylised, colour-saturated Sofia Coppola film about the doomed French Queen. By grounding the fairytale look with beauty's prevailing liking for a strong boyish brow and flawless skin, Chanel's creative director of makeup Peter Philips has ensured there is nothing dusty and dated about the period aesthetic. It's a "pink" makeup, between "girly" and "rebel", he explains.

He has even incorporated a beauty spot into his artistry.

Whereas once these were used to cover smallpox scars, now thanks to being fashioned from the house symbol of interlocked Cs they will be coveted by a new generation. The black velvet beauty spot stickers are unlikely to make it to New Zealand, but the eyeshadow and complexion highlighter used on the models will be launched as part of the Collection Versailles de Chanel in December.

For those wanting to try the look early - we reckon it would be fabulous for school ball season - try using Chanel's Joues Contraste in Pink Explosion as an eyeshadow until Philips' purpose-designed eye colour comes out. From the existing range he used Joues Contraste in Rose Petale ($95) as the blusher and the soft pinkish lips were thanks to the Rouge Coco Shine colour Evasion ($59, pictured right). The delicate nail shade was Tendresse ($47, pictured right).

INSTANT UPDATE

A fresh face is the foundation for any effective makeup, especially if you are wanting to carry off statement colour without looking like a clown. The best results come from combining primer with a foundation that leaves skin looking unmade-up while providing light to medium coverage. A little concealer used only where needed disguises flaws more effectively than wearing heavy foundation. There's some excellent new choices out there - these are a few that have caught our eye. Once the base is sorted, then the fun with colour can begin, in doses to suit the wearer's confidence and colouring.

1. Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup $80

Lives up to its billing, being difficult to detect on the skin, while improving its appearance without a masking effect. Estee Lauder's latest foundation also offers excellent colour matching for a wide range of skin shades.

2. L'Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Base $37.99 and Highlighter Pen $30.99

Bringing an upmarket look and technology to the mass market, this primer and highlighter pen make achieving an airbrushed effect easier by smoothing skin and illuminating dark areas. Combine with the new Lumi Magique foundation or try the BB cream instead.

3. Chanel Joues Contraste in Pink Explosion $95

This is the blush used on the models for the Chanel cruise collection, as shown above. The colour can also be used on the eye and built up from a soft flush to a more intense shade.

4. Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Colour in Sunshower $49

This lightweight but lasting shadow comes in lovely soft shades including this translucent orange and soft pastels. Easily applied with a finger for everyday, or dress up with eyeliner for a more intense look.