Hot Thing: Coloured Mascara

EIGHTIES REVIVALISM is creeping back, but it's sharp rather than silly: more Brian Ferry than Boy George. Coloured mascara is everywhere, but the starting point was surely the McQueen Autumn/Winter show (pictured), with white faces, pink lashes and contact lenses. This "albino chic" is a little high-maintenance but many cosmetics companies have caught on and toned it down.

Miners' "Double Trouble" (pounds 2.49) resembled cottage cheese once applied. "You look like you've got pig's eyes!" gurgled my flat mate. Not wanting to be mistaken for a Tamworth sow, I thought I should opt for something more colourful. Rimmel's bright blue (also pounds 2.49) reminded me of my school disco days and its nostalgia gives it full marks.

Other great options are the Stila coloured mascara (pounds 14), out this month along with matching eyeshadows in more grown-up colours like grey and lilac. Miners' other range, "Cry Baby", has very good purple and blue waterproofs for pounds 2.49. If you want bright, Sweet Georgia Brown (pounds 4.50) has a wide choice. Finally, for a great McQueen red, there is Helena Rubenstein's "Spectacular" mascara, (pounds 14).

Miners, 01264 350379; Rimmel, 01233 625076; Sweet Georgia Brown, 0171- 836 3955; Stila from Space NK: 0870 6077060; Helena Rubenstein: 01732 741000