THE summer season is definitely upon us - and soon enough we'll be discarding the thermals of winter for the floaty fabrics of summer.

And to accompany any outfit is the make-up range to match. Whether it's lip gloss, nail enamels, eye liners or mascaras - the High Street has them all in an abundance.

But what should us girls be doing to achieve those hot summer looks?

Well, if there's one lesson we learnt from the 80s, it's that tribal stripes of blusher should never ever see the light of day again.

Thankfully, this season's catwalk trend is for subtle cheek colour that makes you look healthy rather than hidden under make-up.

Following this trend is a host of celebrity stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Minnie Driver. Apparently if you think along the lines of a love glow you'll get the idea.

According to Mattese NYC, one of New York's best-loved make-up and accessory ranges, there are ways of create the right shade.

Firstly, dab the brush on the back of the hand to remove excess blusher. Then place the brush over the apple of your cheek and, using anti-clockwise half circle strokes, apply the blusher.

Pull back the mirror after every application to see the results before making the decision to apply a little more colour. Build up the intensity slowly to avoid going over the top.

If you have applied too much, dip a cotton wool ball in some translucent powder, blow away the excess and lightly go over your cheeks which will tone down the blusher.

Mattese NYC has 13 shades of powder blushers with a formulation what leaves cheeks dusted with natural-looking colour.

The blusher costs £8.99 and is available from leading department stores in this country.

Once you've got the blusher sorted out it's time to tackle the lips. With the Charlie's Angels revival, it's no surprise that lip gloss has once again become the hottest accessory for mouths since the 70s disco fever era.

While most of us couldn't or wouldn't venture back into Farrah-style flicks or larger- than-life curls, you can still get in on the latest trend by adding to your make-up bag.

Lip gloss is this season's make-up must-have. And it's not just because it's trendy that makes gloss such a great buy - it's also the fastest way to colour up your lips. Mattese NYC is urging women to forget pencil outlines and lip brushes. Instead, apply gloss with a finger and head straight for the door.

The make-up company recommends women with fair skin to opt for sheer pinks and creamy berry shades. Women with olive skin should choose beige or brown pinks and reddy browns and those with dark skin should wear plum and deep red.

The big news for eyes this season is shine and shimmer. A cream shadow is the only way to get eyelids glistening. Apparently Mattese NYC Cream Eyeshadow range means that colour stays where you want it rather than smudging or creeping into creases.

Simply smudge over the entire lid up to the brow bone with a finger for a sheen that lasts. The trick is to apply in good light. Try pulling back the mirror to see the whole face, not just the eye.

For a day look, choose flattering earthy shades, but for a night out, follow the catwalk trend for drama and add colour.

And to top it all off if you're having a bad hair moment before a night out - why not opt for a wig or a hat?

Celebs like Posh Spice and Meg Matthews change their hair colour and wear cowboy hats to give themselves a different look and to keep their style ever-evolving.

Cowboy hats continue to be a big fashion statement and colours are ever more daring.

Hillery Conroy, spokeswoman for Clinique make-up, in Beatties, Worcester, said the hot trend this season was the bronzed shimmery look.

"The range is very popular at the moment and looks set to be one of the key looks this summer and autumn.

"Gloss lipstick is also very trendy. Another popular look this season is the natural appearance with tinted moisturiser and cream eyeshadows.

"The one to look out for though is definitely the bronze look. A lot of people are also buying fake tan."

Whatever look you're trying to achieve, it seems the choice is out there. Be bold, be versatile and wear plenty of lip gloss!