Unless you're 13, this season's bold, sparkly colours will probably cause some concern. But when it's done well, bright make-up delivers a fresh, summery look. Oranges and turquoises look especially good paired with a dusting of bronzer.
But first, some tips to help you pull off the look without straying into
fancy-dress, clown-on-a-day-off territory:
Use colours in moderation - less is definitely more when it comes to bright make-up.
Use only really bold shades on one feature at a time. Team a really vibrant eyeshadow with a nude lip colour. If you want to have full-on, fuchsia lips, keep eye make-up to a minimum.
If you're nervous, dip your toe in the water rather than taking the full plunge. Mix bright lipsticks with clear gloss for a more subtle finish, or apply the lightest smear of eyeshadow.
Eyes are the most striking feature to highlight, and the easiest to wear bright colours on every day.
Put several coats of a high-voltage colour on your eyelid, with a more neutral colour up to your browbone. Line the eye with bold black liner and finish with a couple of coats of mascara.
Consider eyeliners if you do not want to go all the way with bright eyeshadow - a swipe of colour on the rim of the lower lid is striking.
Put bright colours on your nails instead of your face: turquoise, orange or purple look especially good against tanned skin. Keep your nails nice with regular manicures - this sort of colour will draw attention to any snags or chips.
My picks: Maybelline New York Shine Sensational Juicy Gloss in Berry Dazzle; Mac Prismique Lustre 09; L'Oreal Color Infallible in Permanent Khaki; Maybelline New York Express Finish Nails in Timely Turquoise, Grape Times and Denim Dash.susan.edmunds@northernadvocate.co.nz
