Paintbox Pretty Make-up

“If you’re hesitant to go bold, go pastel instead”

It may be something of a sweeping statement but we’d posit that either you see makeup as a conduit to exuberant, artistic and creative fun or, well, you’ve missed the point. Yet to be convinced? Feast your eyes on this rainbow of magnificent colours.

Lips are the most obvious place to go big or go home and a lip stain can be considered fairly entry-level. Mulac’s range includes a liquid lip stain in a gratifying range of colours from vibrant coral to full-on deep purple. The formulation is quite watery but in the best way, so that one coat will give just a wash of colour but two will seal the deal giving velvety matte coverage. Velvet Ink £13.34, mulaccosmetics.com

KVD’s Technicolor Crayon set might look as if it’s appealing to the inner child but once you start experimenting with these surprisingly wearable almost-neon shades you will be smitten. To be used anywhere on the face, so a pink lip, blue eye and tawny cheek would be perfectly possible. Equally present is the potential to mix it up. Try a swipe of orange on the upper lid. You may well be converted. £26, debenhams.com

Apparently, when Fenty Beauty launched their prettily practical Snap Shadows earlier this year, the New York beauty editors went wild for the pastel set. If you’re hesitant to go bold, go pastel instead with this charming set of six shimmeringly soft shades. £21, boots.com

If you’re craving arty but lack the precision skills, splurge on these super-cute nail stickers by Ciaté London. The Cheat Sheets comprise 425 stickers in a variety of adorable designs which look equally effective layered over coloured or sheer nails. £16, ciatelondon.com

Cruelty-free 3INA makeup stands for self-expression, promoting democratic beauty to a global community. Their website is inspiring, their nude ranges inclusive and their colours pop. There’s a huge choice here, but we’re focusing on their mascaras mainly due to the unusual and rather fabulous inclusion of vivid blue and purple amidst the more commonplace browns and blacks. £10.95, 3ina.com

Barry M have been coming up with the goods for decades and for sheer playfulness they are pretty hard to beat. This summer has seen the launch of their hi-vis neon range of liners, pencils, palettes and polishes. OK, so they’re not a prestige brand but who cares? For the price, the quality is fab and the shades are blinding. From £3.99, barrym.com