Introducing the five must-try-now makeup trends…

Lovely in Lilac

No offence nanna, but soft purple shades have seemed a little mumsy in recent times. Although perhaps you were right all along because lilac, mauve and violet suddenly seem fresh and modern. Thanks in large part to Valentino, who eschewed the usual red lip look for this whimsical pastel palette. Laura Mercier is about to bring out some beautiful eye shadows in the violet spectrum for her ‘Seduction’ colour story (from selected Myer stores), while a great budget buy is Maybelline Dream Mousse Eye Shadow in Lilac Cloud ($14.95 from pharmacies). A mauve mani is also a must-have this Spring. Try: Zoya Nail Colour in Miley ($15 from Zoya).

Cherries & Berries

Okay so Valentino skipped the red lip – but many other shows (Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta, pictured here, to name two) nominated a berry-red pout as the defining makeup look for Spring 2008. If you’re a scarlet kind of woman, you’ll want to put your name on the waiting list for M.A.C’s Cherry collection and Dior’s Rouge Satin story (both set to hit counters in about the second week of September). Or a great all-time ruby lipstick is Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Cherries in the Snow ($19.95 from pharmacies).

Neon Lips

If a classic red lip seems a little too conservative, but you love the idea of playing up your pout – then you’re in luck. Vibrant orange (as seen at Temperely) and hot pink lipsticks are two of the new season’s have-to-try trends. Two lippies to love: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Shine Lipstick in #31 Tuxedo Pink ($48, from department stores) and Clarins Joli Rouge in #701 Orange Fizz ($40 from department stores). For a more budget buy, try L’Oréal Paris Infallible Lip Duo Compact in Fuchsia Fix and Enduring Coral ($31.95) or check out the super-colourful Flirt Chickstick lippie range at Target.

Jewelled Lids

More of an eye girl? Then it’s your season too. Anna Sui and Missoni (pictured) both played up models’ eyes with glitter, which hasn’t been seen much since the days of grade-four arts and crafts. The key to making glitter look grown-up is to layer it over a dark smoky eye for extra luxe and intensity, and pare all other makeup and accessories back. Jewellery too - a glittery eye is bling enough. Check out M.A.C stores and counters for a colourful selection of glitter dusts.

Au Naturel

If the thought of all the colour and sparkle is giving you a headache, this trend’s for you. As seen at Stella McCartney and Calvin Klein, the minimally made up is all about great skincare and a natural glow. Just in time: the new Palmer’s Olive Butter Formula Natural Bronze for Face SPF15 ($9.95 from pharmacies), which nourishes skin with olive oil, white tea and honey, and gradually builds up a natural-look tan. Just add a flick of mascara and a swipe of clear gloss, and you’ve got yourself Spring’s easiest beauty look.

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