IT'S tough facing up to winter, so much so that one can't really help slipping into denial. It's far easier to believe that your face is still tanned from that Cyprus holiday a few weeks (months? ) ago and that two minutes in front of the mirror with a bronzer is all that is required for your daily make-up regime.

But when people in the office start asking if you're feeling under the weather (on a daily basis! ) then it's probably time to call in the heavy guns. Your foundations, blushers and bright eyeshadows have most likely been gathering dust these last few months, but even if they haven't, do you really need an excuse to update your collection?

This winter, it's all about '50s' glamour: creamy porcelain complexions offset by dramatic smoky eyes and, crucially, bright lips. Sounds horrendous? Not at all, says Nars international make-up artist Sarantis Tsimilimis, who believes their new winter collection has something to suit all tastes.

"To get a smoky look we have introduced our duo eyeshadow Belly Dance ( 34), which has a gorgeous metallic jade and deep aubergine, " he says. "These shades are very this season and can be worn alone for during the day or mixed together to give a really contemporary night look."

Nars cream shadows work as a very good base on the eyes and their new grey shade Lili Marlene ( 23) gives instant smokiness which suits all eye colours. For the coming party season, Albatross Highlighting Blush Powder ( 29) is a must. This golden dust gives a subtle glow that will perk up even the most tired complexions.

It can be a tad bewildering trying to choose new eye and lip shades when faced with a virtual rainbow of colour at every make-up counter. It's also easy to pick a nice 'maroon' shade that turns out to be exactly like the four other pots of brown eyeshadow sitting in your make-up bag. This is where palettes can come in handy.

Stila has just launched its night flower deluxe palettes ( 42), both of which come with four eye shadows, a blusher, lip colour and lip glaze. Pout also does a good day palette for the office: Masque du Jour ( 38) combines a pale gold shimmer shadow, with chestnut brown and deep purple. Sounds hideous, but these colours have been put together for a reason and work really well.

Don't be afraid to experiment with new shades; even something as simple as a new eye colour can make all the difference to your face.

Meanwhile, Chanel has just released a gorgeous new lip palette, Levre Multifacettes ( 42) which is perfect for the party season.

Squares of creamy pink, red, apricot, nude, lilac and more can be mixed together or used on their own to create a natural day or dramatic night look.

Keep an eye out for new Colour Fever Glosses ( 18) from Lancome, which are launching at the end of the month. These little glosses give fabulous shine, but best of all is the heart-shaped applicator they come with . . . at last, something that actually suits the shape of our lips.

A good trick to employ, especially when experimenting with new colour, is to turn your face away from the mirror once makeup has been applied before turning it quickly back again. You might suddenly see your blusher is a ludicrous shade or that your face is ghostly pale. Bearing in mind that doing this makes you look like you've developed a neurotic twitch, you should probably only do it when on your own. . .