Glad to be grey

BEAUTY:Understated grey is the cosmetic equivalent of navy clothing – a classic neutral that is a little less predictable than the usual blacks or browns.

Grey is also great when going from day to night, as you can easily upgrade your look with black liner, metallic sparkle and a jet mascara. It suits all colourings, but the key is to wear a shade that has a hint of pink or violet to warm it up, otherwise you stray into “undead” territory, and however much I’m enjoying True Blood, I’d rather not look like a vampire, thanks very much.

Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow in Slate, €24

Right-hand woman to her Bobbiness, Elizabeth Keiser applied this to my lids and told me that her boss wears this shade almost every day, and I can see her point. The fantastic texture of this cream shadow allows it to stay put all day and the shade is ultra flattering. A great basic.

YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils, €31

This award-winning “false lash effect” mascara is now available in a new shade, Sublime Grey. The varying diameters of the fibres ensure volume and length and the subtle colour gives great definition without too much intensity, making it perfect for day wear.

YSL La Laque in Stormy Grey, €24

Grey nail colour usually has a life-sapping effect on hands, but not this beautiful violet-tinged shade. The secret to wearing colour the modern way is to keep nails short (not going beyond finger tip). Echo the shape of the lunula (that’s the white half-moon shape at the base of your nail) when filing to get your ideal shape.

Clarins Eye Pencil in Grey, €15.50

The supple texture of this pencil means you can draw a precise line easily, with the added bonus of a sponge tip for easy blending.

Fruit cocktail

Berry tones were the big trend at this season’s catwalk shows, and the good news is it’s a very wearable trend for all ages and skintones, from a stained lip to the full-on purple eyeshadows, which look fantastic with brown eyes. The easiest way to update your look is with a lip or nail shade. For lips, the following shades all have the X-factor in that they are housed in gorgeous containers for glamourous touch-ups in public.

Dior Addict Lip Colour in Decadent Plum, €28,is aptly named for this bright shade. It works either as a full, rich lip shade for evening, or blotted back to a stained look for day – divine. Sisley Sheer Plum, €28, is a deep shade, but as the name implies, the sheer texture gives a more understated lip that's still on-trend. Armani Rouge d'Armani in shade 501,€26. This has been called the dream lipstick for its moisture- sealing properties and eight-hour hold in a velvet- satin finish. This pinky plum shade is a natural winner. Lancôme Colour Fever in 153, €23.50 The coral and pink tones in this beautiful red make it a flattering option if you want a more classic interpretation of the berry trend.

Nails are a great way to work this trend. Some berry good suggestions are: Dior Black

Plum, €21.50; YSL Extreme Purple, €24; Chanel Forbidden, €21; and Max Factor Ruby Fruit,€7.49.