A new season means a whole host of hot make-up looks to experiment with. Here are the top catwalk trends for spring/summer '06 plus some handy hints on how they can be adopted for the glamorous girl on the go...

The look: Precious Metals
As seen at: Chanel, Matthew Williamson and Alberta Ferretti.

What is it? An ethereal mix of pale golds and mercurial silvers. Heavenly hues such as these usually look dramatic and flashy but for spring/summer '06 the vibe is subtle and romantic thanks to the fact they're contrasted with nicely natural faces and nude lips.

How can I make it work for me? This is all about creating a luminous as opposed to luxe look which can be worn day and night so go easy on your glitter and play down the rest of your features.

Key products: Stila's Gold Eyeshadow Pot (£14, 0870 034 2566), Mac's Goldmine (£10, 0207 534 9222), Clarins' Soft Cream Eyeshadow in Silver Ball (£13.50, 0800 036 3558) and L'Oréal's Colour Appeal Platinum Eyeshadow in Real Silver (£4.99, Boots nationwide) will all instantly perk up your peepers. If you don't want to slick your sockets with sparkle then how about applying a little white eyeliner such as Nars' Iceberg kohl (£13, 0870 169 9999) to brighten them instead? Even if you've had a big night out it'll make you look angelic and oh-so virtuous. White and metallic shades are fabulously offset with a few coats of a gorgeously rich and velvety mascara such as YSL's Volume Infini Curl (£18, 020 7730 1234) or Benefit's Mascara in black (£13, 09011 130001).


The look: Purple Reign
As seen at: Roberto Cavalli, Sophia Kokosalaki and Oscar de La Renta

What is it? A new take on summer shades. Forget about traditional tropical or pretty pink and peach hues. Summer '06 is all about lively lilacs and lovely lavenders which look clean and fresh. Contrast against a glowing complexion for the most impressive results.

How can I make it work for me? The key to pulling off these new seasonal shades- whether it is on the eyes or lips - is to team them with a subtle tan. If you daub a pastel purple on a pale white skin you'll just look gothic instead of glamorous. And like everything only emphasise one particular area.

Key products: Chantecaille's delicate Freesia Eyeshadow (£20, 020 7629 9161) and Clinique's Touch Tint For Eyes in Lilac Frost (£12, 0870 034 2566) will embellish eyes perfectly and look really funky when teamed with one of the new season's metallic eyeliners or lots of glossy black mascara. For lips try Clarins' Colour Quench Lip Balm in Ultra Violet (£12.50, 0800 036 3558) or Lancôme's Juicy Tube in 'Petite Nymphe' (£12.50).

The look: Nicely Natural
As seen at: Dolce and Gabanna, Miu Miu and Jean Paul Gaultier

What is it? An homage to the effortlessly sexy country girl so think super healthy complexion, messed up hair and a barely there look.

How can I make it work for me? Just because this vibe is all about working the fresh faced look don't think that this means you'll be exempt from making up. If anything Nicely Natural actually requires more work than most, as the majority of us just aren't blessed with a perfectly flawless complexion. Use tinted moisturiser then simply dust or dab a small amount of blush onto the apples of your cheeks.

Key products: Prada's Hydrating Gel Cream Face Bronzer (£39, 020 7499 4420) for gorgeously glowing skin and Bobbi Brown's Pale Pink Blush (£16, 01730 232 566) or Guerlain's Bubble Blush (£19.50, 01932 233 909) for an enviably rosy complexion. Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream (£19 selected department stores nationwide) is a must for naturally enhancing your lips and cheekbones while a few flicks of Dr Hauschka's Brown Mascara (£14, 01386 791 022) will not only subtly emphasise your eyes it'll also protect your lashes thanks to its natural strengthening ingredients.





*borrowed info*