Shadow of the spring

There may be snow on the ground but the new beauty season is upon us. Brighten up, says Rebecca Gonsalves

It always seems rather perverse that the spring/summer season starts in January – the fact that there's still snow on the ground doesn't seem to stop retailers getting the sandals and swimwear ready. Plummeting temperatures or no though, a fresh start in the new year is always welcome and one of the easiest ways to dip a toe in the new trends is with make-up. After all your body may be swathed and swaddled, but unless you've opted for a balaclava your face is one of the few body parts uncovered.

The candy colours and pastels sprinkled throughout the spring collections carry on into eye make-up for the new season, making the palettes launching about now almost good enough to eat. There's something of a darker side to the sugar plum fairy this year though, as brands such as YSL and Smashbox veer towards a slightly duskier version that can be worn for evening as well as day. Glitter and shimmer finishes are a more wearable way to emulate the rhinestone-sprinkled lids of the Christian Dior catwalk.

Blue was a big beauty trend on the catwalk too with eyelids washed or pencilled in shades icy to inky. As well as making you long for a tropical holiday, Nars' blue and green duo is perfect for playing around with this look. Don't be afraid to experiment with off-kilter lines – try tracing along the lower lash line or even above the socket as seen at Michael Kors.

For those who find a set colour scheme too restrictive but like the convenience, Bobbi Brown's single sparkle shadows can be added to a palette of your choice.