Key fashion trends of the season: Pastel makeup

When Miu Miu endorse a trend you KNOW it's big news, and their new campaign has gone heavy on the sugared almond shades. The good news is that pastels don't just look great in the packaging; they work on all shades, from pale to bronzed to deep, dark skin. Our beauty expert, international makeup artist Alex Byrne, takes you through the fondant fancy-hued must-have treats for this summer Photograph: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Use a hint of Barry M dazzle dust, applied at the outer corners of the eye, for an extra-special sparkling look. Tip: hold a tissue under your eye as you apply to catch stray drops of glitter.
Dazzle dust, £4.50, from barrym.com Photograph: PR

Every beauty queen worth her salt has this blush in her makeup bag. It's a failsafe perky pick-me-up that works on all skin tones. After you've finished with your fake tan or bronzer, save some room on the apples of your cheeks for a swirling of dandelion. It adds a little bright-eyed bambi every time.
Dandelion blush, £23.50, from benefitcosmetics.co.uk Photograph: PR

A transparent wash of pastel pink or peach brightens eyelids on all skin tones. Look fresh with a splash of pink or peach cream blush and a wipe of lip balm.
Eyeshadow duo, £23.50, from narscosmetics.co.uk Photograph: PR

Rarely has a nail colour caused such big waves. This groundbreaking mint splashed on to the Chanel runway and has to be the summer's most chic accessory. Use a base coat, such as Sally Hansen's, and a top coat to prolong the life of your manicure.
Nail varnish, £16.50, from Chanel; 0207 493 3836 Photograph: PR

At Derek Lam's S/S10 show, makeup artist Tom Pecheux created perfect pastel eyes. Do your own DIY version with this trio of pencils. Apply along the water line of the lower lashes surrounded by heaps of mascara, or smudge into the outer corner of your eyes and blend outward for feline eyes. Tip: lilac works on all eye colours.
Eye pencil, £2.95, from barrym.com Photograph: PR

This delicious peachy pink looks romantic on any skin tone. It adds a bit of love to a clean daytime look, and softens smoky eyes in the evening. Turn up the heat by adding a dab of lip gloss at the center of your pout.
Lipstick in Lovelorn, £12.50, from maccosmetics.co.uk; 0870 0342676 Photograph: PR

This pale green cream shadow from Nars really holds its pigment on the eye. Apply with fingertips to a naked eyelid to create a sultry metallic wash, or press it into the centre of the eyelid on top of eyeshadow for a shimmery glow. Perfect for sizzling summer nights.
Cream eyeshadow in cyclade, £16, from narscosmetics.co.uk Photograph: PR

If there was a competition for most-seen-on-nails this summer, this lavender nail varnish would win. It adds modern pizzazz to toes peeking out from sandals and flip flops.
Nail varnish, £2.50, from marksandspencer.com Photograph: PR

This brand-new product from Shu Umera is perfect for recreating the Miu Miu look at home. It can be layered with pressed eyeshadow for a textured, high-impact look; applied alone for a smooth, natural finish; or blended with another cream eyeshadow for a bespoke shade.
Cream eyeshadow, £18.50, Shu Umera from spacenk.co.uk Photograph: PR

This delicious tart au citron shade looks great on tanned toes or darker skin tones. Avoid if you are pale and interesting.
Nail varnish, £12.50, from illamasqua.com Photograph: PR