When it comes to seductive make-up I've always believed in the saying "It's all in the eyes". There's nothing quicker that can change your look, add drama or go from day to night than simply adding some oomph to your lashes and lids.
Ever since I watched Brigitte Bardot - all smouldering curves and dark eyes that could render any man powerless - I've loved the smoky-eyed look. I'm in love with the new range of jewel-toned eye shadows - precious-looking teals, emerald greens and sparkly golds, proving that smoky doesn't have to be all black and heavy.
Dior Blue Tie Palette, in Smoking Blue, is my favourite go-to. It's a gorgeous compact that offers silver, navy and greyish-blue tones that guarantee to suit all and make your eyes "pop" with colour. Rimmel London Glam'Eyes, in Speeding, defies its affordable price tag as its silky, creamy texture looks seriously expensive. Its deep emerald hues also have maximum colour impact. But tread carefully, because if you apply too much you could look more panda-eyed then smoky-eyed. To achieve perfection, make sure colours are blended together flawlessly, and pair light base colours with rich dark ones. If this all sounds like too much faff, then a safe option for novices is Benefit Smokin' Eyes Sexy Eye and Brow Makeover Kit. This little gem contains everything you need for that smouldering look in one go. Easy!
Next, to ensure those eyes really do take centre stage, brighten them up with eyeliner. Black can be too dark and dreary for this time of year, so again, go for a splash of colour or shine. Those clever people at bareMinerals have developed a fabulous trio of long-wearing, dazzling eyeliners. Aptly called Light Show Eyeliners, they come in shades Orbit, Galaxy and Comet. The mineral-infused formula glides on smoothly and delivers a metallic finish. Smashbox Soft Focus Powder Eyeliners in Heather and Gun Metal are another great option for those who find gel eyeliner too crisp and stark. Quick and easy, the soft powder base gives you a smoky look in 30 seconds.
Finally, showstopping lashes require some serious mascara. The ultimate one and my find for 2012 has to be the latest launch from Guerlain. I have not stopped drenching my lashes in this smudge-proof beauty since I was given a sneak preview. I am so enamoured with it - as you will be - it deserves tribute on its own. See M Loves below.
M Loves
Michael Kors Gold
As the Michael Kors brand turns 30, the fashion house celebrates with the release of this limited edition fragrance. We were always huge fans of the original Michael Kors perfume - the combination of tuberose, orange blossom and woody notes always took us back to playing around with the trinkets on our mum's dressing table. The "Gold" version has more subtlety than the signature fragrance, lasts for hours and works for day or night.
Dh305, Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates, 04 409 8888
Three of the best
ESTÉE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR STAY-IN-PLACE FLAWLESS WEAR CONCEALER SPF10, DH129 A beauty classic. This cream concealer reduces the appearance of lines and imperfections, plus it's long-lasting without cakiness.
MAC IRIDESCENT POWDER/LOOSE IN SILVER DUSK, DH121 The finishing touch before slipping on your cocktail dress. A finely milled powder filled with silver shimmer that sets to a pink-nude colour. Perfect for face and décolletage.
CLINIQUE UP-LIFTING LIQUID ILLUMINATOR, DH146 A few drops is all you need of this sheer, light-weight liquid. It instantly highlights and contours cheek and brow bones to give your face an all-over dewy glow.
