In fact, it's quite possibly snowing as you read this. All the same, it's officially February, and you know what that means. It's spring!

Okay, what it really means is that it's still winter for the next two months, but at least you get to update your make-up collection. Every cloud and all that? This season, make-up counters everywhere are embracing - wait for it - purple. We're talking ultra violet shadows, lavender blushers and heather pink lips.

Feel like running away, screaming?

Because it sounds awful and - I'm not going to lie to you - most of those shadows look pretty terrifying.

But, as usual, the make-up gods know what they're doing and when handled with a bit of care, this is actually a really good look. Take Bobbi Brown's new range.

He has just introduced a violet face palette (Euro55) which includes three eye shadows, one blush and three lip colours.

Brown has cannily mixed violet shadows and blushes in with nude shimmer lip glosses and ivory and mahogany shadows. This way, the purple look can be achieved without being too, well, purple.

"This new look is all about adding a hint of violet to the face, " says senior make-up artist Trevor O'Keeffe. "So, for instance, our new glosses just have a touch of violet shimmer, while the blush is very warming on all skin tones. This can look great on just about anybody."

Deep purple eyes look fantastic at night and Shiseido has just introduced a range of Hydro-Powder eye shadows (Euro23).

These cute little pots contain pure glazed colour shadows that blend beautifully into the lid without creasing.

The violet vision shade is a great base to kick-start a dramatic look. Just add a touch of pale shimmer such as Pout's Magic Mist (Euro24) to add depth and you're ready to go.

Sisley has also gone all-out on its concept of violet for this season by accentuating underneath the eyes with lashings of its new Ultra Violet shadow (Euro27). This is very Lily Cole, but beware when trying this at home. It can end up looking a tad more coke-head than fashionista.

If you want to play around with purple but aren't willing to put too much of your money where your mouth is, why not have a look at the new Bourjois shadow range, definitely the best on the high street right now. For just Euro10.50, you get two shades in a cute palette. Try Mauve a Croquer, soft violet and taupe - they go beautifully together.

If violet isn't your thing, have a look at the Benefit counter. It's just launched a very exciting new blusher to its collection yesterday and it's guaranteed to be snapped up quickly this season. 10 (Euro33.50) is one-half bronzer, one-half pink highlighter. By sweeping across your cheekbones, ('sweep, don't swirl!' scream Benefit advisers), you get a fantastic shimmer and glow all in one go. Magic.

Estée Lauder is also steering clear of purple this spring and instead, going for a tropical holiday look. New to its lip range is Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Stain Duo (Euro23), a two-in-one lip colour in cheery and coral. Keep an eye out also for its limited edition jade eye shadow - a lovely turquoise that looks great when teamed with its Forest Writer green eye pencil (Euro20).

Finally, remember that if you decide to give purple a bash this season, bear in mind that less is more. Much more. You don't need to watch Ugly Betty to know that purple eye-shadow, purple blusher and purple lipstick on one face is pretty scary. Go for one, or a maximum of two when using pale violet shades, and all will be well.