So what if the World Cup isn't top of your priorities? Revelling in this summer's Brazilian-inspired beauty turns the football thing into a whole different ball game...

Forget team colours, cosmetics have adopted a bright, Rio-inspired carnival vibe. That doesn't mean cracking open the face paints but embracing colour with a statement feature, whether it's bright lips or eye-popping nails .

"Rio summer fever is about to hit. With the World Cup looming, Mardi Gras-inspired beauty is set to be a big trend this summer," says Louisa Hart, creative trends expert.

Think Rio Carnival - on a restrained day. Kick off your tropical summer with these Brazilian beauties.

BEAUTIFUL GAME

You don't have to wear a national strip to feel involved with World Cup mania. Footie supporter or not, beauty brands have launched Rio-themed limited editions so you can still play ball.

Devised by make-up artist Gucci Westman, Revlon's Rio Rush Collection evokes the energy and atmosphere of Brazil. Up your hat trick to a quartet with the 16 Hour ColorStay Eyeshadow quad palette in Exotic, combining four impactful shades, £7.99 (Superdrug).

For something more muted, use Clarins' Colours of Brazil Quartet & Eye Liner Palette. The four summery eyeshadows reflect the sandy beaches of Brazil, while the splash of bright blue liner will ramp up your look, £32 (www.clarins.co.uk).

Kiko's Life in Rio Collection virtually has a full squad of bright cosmetics, from Tropical Waterproof Eyeliners to Exotic Shine Lipsticks, to brighten up your make-up bag, from £5.90 (www.kikocosmetics.co.uk). For statement lips, opt for a punchy red, like Topshop's matte lipstick in Rio Rio, £8 (www.topshop.com).

TACKLE TALONS

'The' perfect activity if you're bored stupid during a 0-0 draw game? Painting your nails with a Rio-inspired colour to embrace the carnival atmosphere - the brighter, the better.

Get creative with a team of colours using OPI's Brazil Collection Beach Sandies Liquid Sand set. The limited edition set includes mini nail lacquers in bold purple, red, turquoise and yellow shades. The star player? 'I'm Brazil Nuts Over You' red, £14.50 (John Lewis stores only).

Collection took the Brazil theme literally with nail polish colours celebrating the country's flag (minus the blue). Get a bright Mardi Gras mani with White Out, Canary Yellow or Green Envy, £1.99 each (Superdrug).

If you're celebrating your team's victory after dark, make an impact with Ciate's Corrupted Neon Shout Out kit. Sprinkle the glitter over wet polish for a sizzling finish and then light up the night with the clever topcoat, which glows under UV lights, £18 (Space NK).

EXTRA TIME

Don't score an own goal by missing out on the finishing touches of your Brazil-inspired look. In the searing tropical heat of Rio de Janeiro, hair is pulled back from the face to show off that Mardi Gras-esque make-up to the max.

For a touch of ostentatious carnival costume, dress up your hair with Mara Hoffman's designer accessory for Catwalk by TIGI. The bright pom-poms can be attached to a ponytail or plait for an instant statement. Free with any two Catwalk by TIGI products in TIGI salons nationwide (www.catwalkbytigi.co.uk).

Add instant cool to short hair by pulling back with a knotted fabric headband to keep your hair off your face. Go bright and printed, in keeping with the Rio vibe, wearing Topshop's Tropical Print Headband, £6 (www.topshop.com).

Before you leave the house to party Brazil-style, stock up your bag with Benefit's Beauty Score! The limited edition set celebrates World Cup fever with 10 mini beauty champions for face, eyes and cheeks, £29.50 but worth £73 - score! (www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk).

TRIED & TESTED

Cheat a Brazilian glow with a matte bronzer. Our testers take the shortcut to sun-kissed complexions with three powders:

:: 2true All Over Natural Bronzing Powder in No1, £1.99 (Superdrug)

This bronzer looks fairly dark but it's lighter than expected once applied. Best suited to pale/medium skin tones, the matte finish gives an enviable glow for the tiny price tag. 3/5

:: Rimmel London Natural Bronzer in Sun Light, £5.99 (nationwide)

I needed more product than expected to build up a bronze colour because of the lightweight formula. I like the natural-look bronze but probably needed a shade darker for contouring. 3 /5

:: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Medium, £27 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk)

This chunky compact with mirror contains exactly the bronze shade I'd like to be when I tan naturally. Currently available in seven shades (I went for Medium), the soft, matte powder blends easily and has serious staying power. 5 /5

BUY IT NOW

Molton Brown has gone via Brazil for beautifying inspiration. The limited edition Caju & Lime collection is inspired by Brazil's signature cocktail, the Caipirinha, to celebrate the World Cup host. Layer up Body Wash, £18; Nourishing Body Lotion, £25 and Eau de Toilette, £36, to intensify the Brazilian spirit ( www.moltonbrown.co.uk).

BEAUTY BULLETIN

:: MAKE-UP MAVENS

Are you starving for beauty? More than one in five women (23%) would sacrifice meals to purchase their essential beauty products. Almost half (43%) admit they rarely leave the house without a flick of mascara or a dash of lippy, according to a new survey by QVC. Top beauty armour of choice is mascara with 75% making it their top make-up essential, followed by foundation (60%). The research marks the launch of QVC Beauty Month running throughout June. For more information visit www.qvcuk.com

:: RECESSIONISTA ALERT

Show your dad he's one in a million on Father's Day with a cologne and man-bag. Buy any Paco Rabanne 1 Million fragrance 50ml or larger (from £33.50) and get a free Paco Rabanne Weekend Bag, while stocks last (www.theperfumeshop.com).