Bedroom eyes and nude lips: it's in the mix

Making it up

Once asked why she had never had her famous nose "done", Sophia Loren replied, "Women don't need to get nose jobs. They should learn to make up their eyes." If that's true, women with huge honkers everywhere can give thanks for this year's catwalk preference for heavy, smoky bedroom eyes. We're talking sophisticated and romantic, not the heroin-addict's darkened orbs of last year.

A Nineties take on the Eighties power make-up, this year's look balances dark and light, made-up and natural. For those of us who don't have all morning to blend eyeshadow, pencilling in a dark eyebrow and leaving the eyelid nude is also an option. But whatever eyes you decide on, serve them up with glossy red or shockingly naked lips.

Go for Francois Nars if you're confident enough to experiment with his ultra-strong colours. Or opt for Bobbi Brown if you like a more classical look.

For dark lids, head for Nars Single Eye Shadow in Kiki - a slinky, smoky colour that goes on without arguing (pounds 12.50). Or try Bobbi Brown's Eye Shadow in Mahogany. It looks terrific on the brows and blends like a dream (pounds 12.50).

Sure, you've got your own favourite mascara already, but Nars Mascara in Black Orchid (pounds 16) gets your lashes alarmingly dark - just this side of silent film star Theda Bara.

The nude look still requires lipstick. That's why Bobbi Brown Bare Stain is a wise purchase: a nude colour that suits everyone (pounds 11).

One terrific wicked glossy red - one that Sharon Stone herself slaps on - is Nars Lipstick in Red Lizard (pounds 15.50). Not for the faint hearted or the shaky of hand: this one's dangerous.

Bobbi Brown Essentials are available at Harrods, Dickens & Jones, Kendal's in Manchester and at House of Fraser in London and Glasgow. Francois Nars can be purchased at all Space NK Apothecary locations and Liberty.