If you're short of beauty inspiration this summer, just look towards the horizon. The hottest palette of the season takes its influence from blazing sunsets, with sultry pinks, reds, oranges and yellows.

A shade of orange has even been crowned Colour of the Year by Pantone industry experts.

"Reminiscent of the shadings of a sunset, 'Tangerine Tango' marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red, with the friendliness and warmth of yellow to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy," explains Leatrice Eiseman, director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Lips, cheeks, eyes or nails, these vibrant tones are easier to wear than you think.

Add some zest to your make-up routine with our guide to sunset chic.

BRIGHT BEAUTY

If you're not a fan of wearing bright clothes, make-up offers a non-committal way to inject colour into your life.

"A pop of bright colour adds instant drama and impact to any outfit," says make-up artist Jemma Kidd.

"Achieve your own signature style by taking inspiration from colour blocking trends and mixing and matching bold shades."

These bright new beauty statements are an instant pick-me-up, meaning minimum effort on accessorising and, indeed, the rest of your make-up. Simply add a slick of mascara.

A lively take on traditional autumnal hues, the trend is sure to live long into next season too.

EVERYDAY RADIANCE

If you're seeking subtle colour for daytime, a soft peach or magenta is a fresher alternative to classic red.

Just as there are many sweeping pastels and intense brights to a sunset, there's a multitude of shades to choose from with this trend.

"It's as much about playing with texture as colour with these lollipop shades of candy pink and orange crush," suggests Lizzie Dawson, Topshop make-up designer.

"Experiment with transparent sheer shades and matte velvety finishes."

A shade like apricot orange flatters most skintones. Sweeping a sheer apricot blush on cheekbones will soften the intensity of a strong apricot eye for daytime.

Play on one feature. Bright eyes look best with subtle lips and vice versa.

SUNDOWN STYLE

The rules change at nightfall. Bold make-up highlights will ensure you're still firmly in the spotlight come dusk.

Intensely pigmented lips are the easiest way to work a hot hue. Stick to the same concept if you would rather play up your eyes.

"Keep it 'blocky' on your lids," suggests Pablo Rodriguez, M.A.C senior artist.

"Don't complicate it by using many different hues, go for one but go intense. If you over-blend, you'll lose the impact."

It's no surprise uber-bright shades really make their mark in the summer months - a hot hue is infinitely more wearable accompanied by a tan.

"These warm colours work better on darker complexions or tanned skin. If you're quite fair, a bronzing powder can be the solution," Rodriguez advises.

GLOW WILD

This scorching new way to wear colour is perfect for summer parties and festivals when you can let your hair down and go wild with your make-up bag.

M.A.C Cosmetics, who create festival looks for celebrities and guests at V Festival's Virgin Media Louder Lounge, has these top tips:

 

  • Forget just accentuating lips with a bold colour. For festival fun, play on everything with brights; lips, cheeks and eyes.
  • Don't be afraid to wear multiple sunset shades together. They can look great mixed, especially in metallic tones.
  • Glitter is fun and summer festivals are the best opportunity to be playful with make-up. Choose your favourite colour and sprinkle around the eyes and on the body.
  • Dramatic lashes will finish off a bright festival look. Apply them top and bottom for a Sixties look and match them up with a Gaga-esque graphic liner.