Get a seasonal glow with this season's sunset-inspired palette. Lisa Haynes shows you how to experiment.

 

If you're short of beauty inspiration this summer, just look towards the horizon. The hottest palette of the season takes its influence from blazing sunsets, with sultry pinks, reds, oranges and yellows.

A shade of orange has even been crowned Colour of the Year by Pantone industry experts.

"Reminiscent of the shadings of a sunset, 'Tangerine Tango' marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red, with the friendliness and warmth of yellow to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy," explains Leatrice Eiseman, director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Lips, cheeks, eyes or nails, these vibrant tones are easier to wear than you think.

Add some zest to your make-up routine with our guide to sunset chic.


Bright beauty

If you're not a fan of wearing bright clothes, make-up offers a non-committal way to inject colour into your life.

"A pop of bright colour adds instant drama and impact to any outfit," says make-up artist Jemma Kidd.

"Achieve your own signature style by taking inspiration from colour blocking trends and mixing and matching bold shades."

These bright new beauty statements are an instant pick-me-up, meaning minimum effort on accessorising and, indeed, the rest of your make-up. Simply add a slick of mascara.

A lively take on traditional autumnal hues, the trend is sure to live long into next season too.


Everyday radiance

If you're seeking subtle colour for daytime, a soft peach or magenta is a fresher alternative to classic red.

Just as there are many sweeping pastels and intense brights to a sunset, there's a multitude of shades to choose from with this trend.

"It's as much about playing with texture as colour with these lollipop shades of candy pink and orange crush," suggests Lizzie Dawson, Topshop make-up designer.

"Experiment with transparent sheer shades and matte velvety finishes."

A shade like apricot orange flatters most skintones. Sweeping a sheer apricot blush on cheekbones will soften the intensity of a strong apricot eye for daytime.

Play on one feature. Bright eyes look best with subtle lips and vice versa.


Sundown style

The rules change at nightfall. Bold make-up highlights will ensure you're still firmly in the spotlight come dusk.

Intensely pigmented lips are the easiest way to work a hot hue. Stick to the same concept if you would rather play up your eyes.

"Keep it 'blocky' on your lids," suggests Pablo Rodriguez, M.A.C senior artist.

"Don't complicate it by using many different hues, go for one but go intense. If you over-blend, you'll lose the impact."

It's no surprise uber-bright shades really make their mark in the summer months - a hot hue is infinitely more wearable accompanied by a tan.

"These warm colours work better on darker complexions or tanned skin. If you're quite fair, a bronzing powder can be the solution," Rodriguez advises.


Glow wild

This scorching new way to wear colour is perfect for summer parties and festivals when you can let your hair down and go wild with your make-up bag.

M.A.C Cosmetics, who create festival looks for celebrities and guests at V Festival's Virgin Media Louder Lounge, has these top tips:

:: Forget just accentuating lips with a bold colour. For festival fun, play on everything with brights; lips, cheeks and eyes.

:: Don't be afraid to wear multiple sunset shades together. They can look great mixed, especially in metallic tones.

:: Glitter is fun and summer festivals are the best opportunity to be playful with make-up. Choose your favourite colour and sprinkle around the eyes and on the body.

:: Dramatic lashes will finish off a bright festival look. Apply them top and bottom for a Sixties look and match them up with a Gaga-esque graphic liner.

:: Think outside the box and explore new colours and finishes for festivals. It's about individual taste and personality and there are no rules.


Tried & tested

Lisa Haynes limbers up for an Olympic themed beauty package.

I'm no Jessica Ennis but recently I've been diving into deadlines, clearing life's hurdles and sprinting around appointments trying to achieve my own personal best. What better way to kickback than Elemis's timely Olympic Silver Package (Gold and Bronze also available). Silver combines a Modern Skin Facial and Sole Delight foot treatment, in one indulgent therapy. The treatment kicks off with my weary feet - sadly more accustomed to painful heels than trainers. If you love your feet being scrubbed, soothed and massaged this is heaven - 30 minutes of toe attention, and my lower legs and ankles also reap the benefits. Easing my feet into the warm Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath scattered with rose petals feels luxurious and transports me back to exotic holiday massages. While the Lime and Ginger Salt Glow buffs away dead skin, the Frangipani Monoi Body Oil, combined with the therapist's heavenly massage, makes my feet feel soft and supple.

Having already undergone an in-depth Skin Lab facial assessment in the waiting room, the results tell my therapist exactly which areas of dehydration, sensitivity and imperfections she needs to focus on, during the Modern Skin Facial. Genius. My skin is cleansed and toned but the key element is the layering of Visible Brilliance Serum together with the Peel-Off Mask. Rich in minerals, vitamins and super-hydrating, as the mask is left to work its magic, I'm treated to a head massage. Applications of Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and Oxygenating Night Cream complete an Olympic programme resulting in glowing skin to rival any winning athlete. If the 2012 competitors need a post-Olympic retreat, I know just the place.

:: Elemis Olympic Silver Package, including Modern Skin Facial and Sole Delight, £99 for 90 minutes throughout August at Elemis day-spa, London (020 7499 4995).

:: Create your own Silver Package with the Modern Skin Facial and Sole Delight at spas nationwide, prices vary on location (0117 316 1888).


Buy it now

Rain or shine, protect your hair against the temperamental summer elements with Big Sexy Hair's new Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray, £14.99 (0138 772 1826/www.sexyhair.co.uk).


Beauty bulletin

:: Sea scent

Dive right into Davidoff's Love The Ocean campaign. A new limited edition Cool Water fragrance is available, supporting National Geographic's Pristine Seas initiative to create marine protected areas. The EDT scent for men and women is available now for a limited time nationwide, from £34. For more information visit www.love-the-ocean.com

:: Recessionista alert

Enjoy a summer treat with Liz Earle's Wish You Were Here offer. From August 13 for seven days only, Liz Earle is launching a special online Everyday Favourites offer. The Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner and Body Wash are all available for £39.50 (RRP £54), saving £14.50. Register your interest at www.lizearle.com/wishyouwerehere