eyelash growth

If last winter’s dark gothic looks and pared-back neutrals were a reflection of the recession, this season’s beauty is all about upbeat optimism.

Think zingy fluoros, glossy complexions and bold bright lips that pack a punch. “this is a really exciting season for make-up,” beams Sharon Dowsett, make-up director for Maybelline.

“Colour, experimentation and a punky attitude pervaded the shows and make-up artists bought into it all in a big way.”

Take a peek in your make-up bag and if your current collection of cosmetics doesn’t prompt a smile, it’s time to upgrade quick-smart to the new season’s sunny looks.

As Dowsett says: “this is make-up for your playful side.”

Wave goodbye to winter gloom, the future’s looking bright with beauty’s top summer trends.

With Seventies fever flaring up on just about every international catwalk, skin was buffed and beautiful a la Charlie’s Angels.

This is by no means a running-out-of-the-door look – every detail counts with skin, cheeks and eyes all polished to perfection.

“most of the models showed off super-luxe complexions, exuding a healthy glow,” Dowsett explains.

“It’s a flattering, creamy complexion with an enhanced bone structure and plump nude lips.”

Get practising with your brush strokes, this is about being buffed beyond belief.

If you regularly gorge on Ladurée pastries, gelato scoops and pick ‘n’ mix, overindulge with the iced pastels trend.

With a chalky rather than pearlescent texture, the new season pastels have a fresh and futuristic feel.

Choose from delectable shades like lilac, lemon, pistachio and marshmallow.

“the modern pastel is all about technology and technique – it’s to do with changing up the texture with a gloss or a super-matte finish,” says MAC make-up artist Nadine Luke.

“It really taps into the feeling that this is very much a brave and experimental season.”

Lips pouted in mouth-watering shades of orange, pink and red on the catwalk.

“we did so many lips this season, from fuchsia to burgundy and matt velvet to super, super glossy finishes,” says Pat McGrath, Max Factor make-up artist.

Classic red has been updated for spring/summer with eye-popping edgier shades like hot chilli and punchy pillar-box that still exude glamour.

“we mixed up a different shade of red for each show and sometimes a different shade for each girl,” says McGrath.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with mixing different shades of lipstick with a brush to create your very own bespoke summer colour.

Precious metals shouldn’t solely be reserved for your jewellery box this summer. Get into Olympics mode with reflective gold, silver and bronze shades.

Think Seventies-inspired luxury with sculpted cheekbones, shimmering eyelids and glossy lips – a look that’s easily updated from day to night.

“Blend a metallic gold and soft brown together on the top of your eyelid creating a classic glowy spring look for daytime,” advises 17 make-up artist Vanesa Guallar.

“for night-time, define your eye bone and bottom lid with a darker shimmering brown to create a soft and elegant smoky eye.”

Hold back on the sparkle and add dimension and contours to your face with creamy toffees and warm browns for sun-kissed radiance.

As temperatures gradually climb, expect the colour volume to turn up accordingly.

Use the tropics as inspiration with technicolour make-up in hues of tangerine, lemon, lime and vibrant purple.

“Careful consideration of textures and placement when using such statement colours is so key or the look can quickly become theatrical,” warns MAC make-up artist Lyne Desnoyers.

“It’s about a canvas that’s minimally perfected and illuminised and placement of colour that’s really about pure beauty statements.”

Eyes are the easiest way to carry off a bold bright – wear as a block of colour for maximum impact.

Blink Eyebrow Shaping, £17 for 15 minutes, locations nationwide (www.blinkbrowbar.com)

When it comes to eyebrows, I’m a self-confessed tweezer addict. but after leaving my beloved tool behind when I jetted off on holiday and allowing my brows to get a little unruly, I decided it was the perfect opportunity for some threading SOS. Turns out forgetting those tweezers turned out to be a good move…

‘You’ll never let anyone touch your brows again,’ a pal remarked about Blink. Speedy enough for a lunch hour express treatment in under 15 minutes, I was shown to a comfy reclining chair by my therapist and asked about my skin type and the shape I wanted to achieve.

Next, my chair is tipped back and a cotton reel is produced to pull away my stray hairs with impressive precision. It’s an uncomfortable sensation, but nothing compared to the tug of waxing, and it’s over in record time by my therapist who has 20 years’ experience of threading. There’s a particular focus on the fine baby hairs around the side and top of my brows which, once removed, make a dramatic difference to my brows looking immaculately preened.

Next up, a relaxing head and eye massage with soothing Pure Rose Gel (£24) and then any gaps are filled in with an eyebrow pencil for a pristine finish. Red skin aside, my brows are the best they’ve ever looked and my only task is to refrain from those tweezers for three weeks minimum until my next beauty date with Blink.

Finally, an answer to eyelash envy. the new Lush Lash System by Urban Decay promises longer, thicker eyelashes in two weeks. the double-ended wand includes growth-accelerating serum and conditioning mask. Available for £28 from February 15 at selected Debenhams and House of Fraser stores nationwide.

• Supermarket chic

• Recessionista alert

Spring fever « Shropshire Star