Beauty rules dictate that strong eyes call for a subtle lip, and as bright shadows tend to come into their own in the summer, it makes sense that now is perhaps the time to step away from the matte lipstick.

Fashion favourite Sophia Webster’s new range of lipsticks for Revlon come with an added kick, says Rebecca Gonsalves

Whatever the formulation, a flush of colour will ensure you look in rude health, even when you're not feeling your best

Poor eyelashes. Two hundred or so hairs tasked with protecting the eyeball, they have the misfortune of residing where everyone can see them, and so bear the yoke of human vanity.

Some women can do lipstick – the ones you never see without their signature shade; morning, noon or night, it's still in place, no fading or feathering.

Chanel make-up, which in the past has included the sort of coveted treats that inspire waiting lists (see their nail polishes Jade and Particulière), has some rather daring new products in their summer 2013 collection, out next month.

Beauty, like fashion, feeds on novelty only to a certain extent. Cosmetics' shades and textures change seasonally with the clothes they accompany on the catwalks, but in the same way that there are some things in your wardrobe that thankfully stay pretty much the same year-in, year-out (the classic white tee, a trench coat, your pants… that kind of thing), there are a few essentials in your make-up bag that rarely alter.

The hair/make-up

Sometimes it seems that the world can be divided into two types of people – those who can live without lip balm and those who can't. I'm firmly in the second camp – and never more so than in the deep midwinter, when icy winds and drying central heating conspire to shred my lips.

We’re all feeling the pinch at this time of year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reboot the contents of your beauty bag

Take inspiration from Sir Cliff for your beauty look this season, with berry lips that are as bold as you like, says Rebecca Gonsalves

Cheap and cheerful or a luxurious treat, there are perfectly packaged stocking fillers to suit every budget and age

Bright colour on the eyes is tricky, even for the committed cosmetics-wearer.

The world of beauty may already have Christmas gifting wrapped up in the form of sets of smellies, but a host of brands has also branched out into crackers to ensure lunch goes off with a bang. Instead of flinging the usual cheap plastic keyrings into the nooks and crannies of your dining room, there are skincare and beauty miniatures to please the most discerning of guests.