CHAMPIONED by the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge, Keira Knightley and Kate Winslet, it's a natural look that exudes British beauty in the most subtle of ways.

The cosmetics world has cottoned on to its timeless appeal too. Bobbi Brown has recently launched a Rose Gold collection, while pale-skinned beauty Lily Cole is the model face of her own Limited Edition make-up range for The Body Shop, packed with pretty pinks and radiant peaches.

"The English rose look describes a woman with what I call 'stealth make-up', as it ensures you look fabulous but not at all made-up," says make-up artist Jemma Kidd.

"The effect is tidy, polished and groomed, with neat brows, curled lashes and subtly defined eyes."

Sound like a winning look? Time to make your face blossom with beauty.

ROSY GLOW

Before you begin your transformation, make sure your make-up bag is pretty enough for the job.

It needs to be planted with creams, pearls and oysters with a slight sheen for eyes and sheer or slightly glossy nude or pale pink shades for lips.

Don't feel excluded if you don't have a pale skin and pink lips complexion: "Although it's typically associated with fair skin, the English rose is a look all skin tones can draw inspiration from," says Kidd.

"Olive-toned skin would use pale neutrals in buttery creams for the eyes.

"Darker skins can draw from chocolate brown, coffee, praline and taupe for a 'no make-up' look, with lips glossed with sheer apricot or soft brown shades."

HOW TO BLOSSOM

The English rose will have added celebratory appeal for this summer but it's a perennial look you can create over and over again. Jemma Kidd reveals how, step-by-step:

:: Even out skin tone using a light liquid foundation and touches of concealer as needed.

:: Cheeks are key, so blend a fresh pink powder blush from the apple of the cheeks along the cheekbone, or for a more youthful finish opt for a cheek stain, and blend onto the apples of the cheeks for a pretty, fresh, doll-like finish.

:: For a dewy finish, blend a little ice gold crème highlighter along the cheekbones.

:: Neaten the brows and lightly fill in the shape.

:: Neutral eye shadows with a gentle shimmer are very flattering - use all over the lid from the lash line to the socket and brush a deeper shade into the socket crease and blend well.

:: Curl the lashes and define with dark brown lengthening mascara.

:: Apply rose-tinted balm with SPF to protect and moisturise the lips, then layer shell pink gloss on top, which enhances their natural colour and makes them look full and glossy.

:: A touch of non-shimmery highlighter at the outer corners of the eye and lips will give the face a flattering lift.

SMELLING ROSY

An uber-pretty face doesn't sit well with a heavy, overpowering fragrance. Keep your scent as light and feminine as your face with a rose perfume.

This summer's rosy offerings include Stella McCartney's Summer Rose, Paul Smith Rose Limited Edition and Givenchy's Very Irresistible Electric Rose.

TRIED AND TESTED

Forget the Botox and plump for a wrinkle relaxing potion. Our testers sample a couple of skin smoothers:

:: Balance Active Formula Wrinkle-Freeze Serum, £5.95 (Sainsbury's)

This serum felt light to apply but I didn't notice any dramatic reduction in my wrinkles. After four weeks, my skin felt smoother and looked fresher but my reflection still bounces back the same expression lines.

2/5

:: Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Relaxing Complex, £29.99 (Boots)

I didn't notice any miracle disappearing acts with my wrinkles, but my skin did feel plumper and more radiant. After about a week's use, it did seem to soften lines on my face, and my skin and neck felt as if they'd had a lift.

4/5