If there's an optimum time on the calendar to experiment with colour, it's high summer.

Sporting naturally sun-kissed skin, you can be more experimental with brights and venture outside your cosmetics comfort zone.

"This summer's hottest make-up trend is all about eye-popping colours teamed with a bronzed glow," says Collection make-up artist Francesca Neill. " A bold wash of colour can instantly brighten your face."

For maximum impact, play on one feature with an intense bright and avoid the rainbow effect. Time to pick your colour of summer 2014 and get creative.

ACCENT EYES

If you're going super-bright, you don't have to pile on the product to make a statement.

"Vivid or bright colours can be used on either the upper or lower eye areas and are best applied in minimal quantities," suggests make-up artist Rae Morris.

"Try applying your colour as a fine line very close to the lash line or a corner accent on the inner and/or outer corners, for that extra impact."

Think of your bright eye as accessorising, like with a striking handbag or piece of jewellery that will ultimately be a key focus of your final look.

ELECTRIC LIPS

When it comes to bright lipstick, you either fall into the cool or warm category. If you have pinkish undertones to your skin, try fuschia pinks or pinky corals. If you have yellow undertones, experiment with orangey reds for a flattering pout.

"Bright lips bring a new lease of life to any look," says Seventeen make-up artist Vanesa Guallar.

"The paler your skin, the bigger the pop, so go light on the eyes and the blush. Leave the rest of your face fresh and luminous and your eyes bare. To go bolder, use a lip liner for extra definition, or for a more subtle wash of colour, try a tinted lip balm or gloss."

If you're looking to try out a new bright, test the colour on your actual lips, rather than the back of your hand, to achieve a true-to-life tone.

NOTICE-ME NAILS

The non-committal way to work the boldest of colours? Via your fingertips. Because your hands are below your waist, there are no restrictions on the shade you choose or how bright you go.

"Bold, bright and neon nails are always popular in the summer months because they complement a golden glow," says Laura Maddock, Orly manicurist.

"The key with bright shades is to use a good base and top coat, as chips show up more easily than on dull or nude shades. To really make the bright colour pop, paint a layer of white polish underneath your shade for the ultimate stand-out look."

To make a fashion statement, match bright nails to statement rings or a clutch bag to work some coordinated colour.

TRIED & TESTED

Goodbye white bits. Invisible sun sprays eliminate laborious applications on the beach. Our testers try three transparent sprays:

:: Nivea Sun Protect & Refresh Invisible Cooling Sun Spray, £16, available in SPF 10, 20, 30 or 50 (Boots)

I tried this SPF in a high factor 50 and I was amazed how sheer the spray was. It's super-fine, non-greasy and smells like holidays on application. Although it's suitable for face and body, I did feel that I wanted a different consistency of sun protection for my face.

4/5

:: Eucerin Body Sun Spray Transparent, £17.50, available in SPF50 (Boots)

This lightly scented spray only comes in SPF50 but its transparency is impressive. It's quick and easy to apply with a non-greasy consistency that absorbed effortlessly into my skin.

4/5

:: Piz Buin Wet Skin Transparent Sun Spray, £18, available in SPF15 or 30 (Boots)

Ideal for water babies, this can be applied directly onto wet or dry skin. The spray (I tried SPF30) disperses the SPF evenly and it blended into my skin with minimum effort around the pool. The only downfall is that is doesn't last quite as long as a cream.

5/5

BUY IT NOW

Bend the make-up rules with Lancome's revolutionary new mascara wand. The new Grandiose features a 'swan-neck' wand stem to enhance your eyelash curves with a flick of the wrist, from corner to corner and root to tip. Put it to the test from August 1, Lancome Grandiose Mascara, £24.50 (www.lancome.co.uk).

BEAUTY BULLETIN

:: FUSION FURORE

Join the beauty queue for YSL's latest launch. The new Fusion Foundation, fronted by model Cara Delevingne, has attracted a waiting list of 12,000 eager customers. Why? The weightless but longwear formula promises to stay put for 24 hours. "Fusion Foundation is a ground breaking response to modern demands for trustworthy, perfect coverage that lasts for up to 24 hours without compromising on texture," says Caroline Negre, YSL's scientific communications director. Priced £30.50, YSL Fusion Foundation is available exclusively at Debenhams from August 10 and nationwide from August 20 ( www.yslbeauty.co.uk).

:: RECESSIONISTA ALERT

Give your summer outfits a juicy pop of colour. Get a Juicy Couture neon pink clutch bag free with the purchase of any Juicy Couture fragrance 50ml or larger, from £39.99 at The Perfume Shop (www.theperfumeshop.com).