This spring it’s all about bright, brave, bold colours. It’s not a look for shrinking violets, and it does take some skill to apply, as there is a very fine line between girl in the know and eighties throwback. So, book in for a free makeup lesson – plenty of beauty counters offer them – and then take time to practice at home, before venturing outside.

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For those who love to experiment with make-up, the Bobbi Brown Brights Palette, £40, is your spring must-have. Admittedly, it is a little pricey, but then you do get 35 different delectable shades of eye shadow at your fingertips, to complement pretty much any outfit you wear. Ditching neutrals has never been so appealing.

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If bright eyeshadow is just too much of a step into the unknown, try a sweep of a long lasting liner. I’m a big fan of the MAC Liquidlast Liner, £12.72, which stays put for hours and is one of the easiest liners to apply that I’ve tried. The aqualine shade is the perfect complement to a purple top.

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A great multi-tasking product in this credit crunch age, Bella Pierre Shimmer Powders, £12.99, come in more than 100 colours and can be used in a whole variety of ways. Sweep across lids as an eyeshadow, mix with a drop of liquid balm for lip colour, or add to a clear nail varnish. Buy online from www.bellapierre.eu

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A bright lipstick is a great pick-me-up and can really lift an outfit. Be bold with full on fuschia or this season’s tangerine. Try The Body Shop’s limited edition True Pink lipstick, £10, which is rose scented and formulated for full on shine.

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Can’t bring yourself to go for full on eye or lip colour? Nail varnish is a great compromise. Bright colours work best on nails just slightly longer than your finger tips, and they’ll need to be pretty perfect, as they will draw attention, so make sure you spend some time shaping them first. There are a ton of eye catching varnishes around. Leave the red for another time, and try bright teal, turquoise or tangerine. Rimmel's Professional Finish range promises to last up to 10 days and it won't break the bank at £4.49.