THE days are getting lighter, and so too are the make-up trends on the catwalks, with harsh, dark shades of brown and plum, and heavy metallics leaving the scene.

One constant that’s set to continue throughout the spring and into early summer though is the trend towards red lips to match the vintage vibe that’s everywhere at the moment.

Looking best on brunettes, there are some incredible shades of red lipstick and gloss on the market at the moment, from light colours with peachy undertones, to shades pigmented with blues and plums.

If you’re too shy to go for the full red effect invest in a light red lipgloss, or, to take the harshness out of your favourite red apply it, press it away with tissue slightly and apply clear gloss on top for a hint of red and a bee-stung look.

Neutral lips are also ‘in’ this spring, with beiges reigning supreme in a range of superslick and glossy colours with terracotta and pink undertones.

They say the eyes have it, and yours certainly will if you apply the season’s key colours of purple and silver to your blinkers.

For a daytime look that’s bang on trend invest in a pale lilac cream shadow with a shimmer, layering a deeper violet colour over the lid and on the bottom lid to take your eyes into the night.

For a hint of silver pick-up a luscious liquid liner and apply thinly to your lids for a touch of magic.

On the face, and powders are making a comeback over cream foundations, with natural mineral formulations from Maybelline, The Body Shop and L’Oreal flying off the shelves and giving skin a luminous appearance.

To make your skin look perfect use a gentle exfoliating scrub daily, apply a light-reflecting concealer over red patches and under eyes right to the lash line.

Tap some mineral foundation into the pot lid and dip the brush in before applying it to the skin in circular motions to achieve coverage. The key here is to apply the foundation little by little, gradually building-up colour.

Finish the skin by smiling and sweeping this season’s bronzed blusher across and up your cheeks for a fresh-faced look.