THE psychedelic flower-power element of the '60s mightn't have been so hot, and the introduction of stick-thin models a la Twiggy have had repercussions to this very day, but no one can deny that '60s' make-up was incredibly beautiful.

That's why we're all so delighted that it's back in vogue. Not only is it simple to achieve (once you've got your head around the terrors of liquid eyeliner, that is), but the result is both glamorous and elegant. So what are you waiting for?

One of the most important elements of '60s' make-up is the base . . . skin should look naturally flawless, with foundation shade blending naturally into the neck and cheeks looking naturally flushed. In other words . . .

leave the false tan at home for this one and embrace your natural skin tone.

"We're all very excited about this look, as Lancome is all about having naturally beautiful skin, " says make-up artist Jane Daly. "I would recommend our new Colour Ideal foundation ( 34).

This blends in nicely with all skin tones, giving a lovely, flawless finish."

Foundation should be applied with fingers or a brush to achieve maximum blending, then problem areas such as under eyes, around the nose and any blemishes should be covered with a good concealer such as Pout's Blendable Concealer Duo ( 20). This contains aloe vera to calm redness and its creamy texture prevents any flaking.

Follow up with some pressed powder to keep skin matte and add coverage. For normal skin, any high-street powder will do . . . Rimmel translucent powder ( 5.69) has long been one of my favourites . . . but for skin that needs a little extra, try splashing out on Estee Lauder's new Re-Nutriv powder ( 80). This compact feels like pure silk on the skin and gives fantastic coverage.

Now that skin is looked after, it's time for the important part . . . the eyes. A '60s' look wouldn't be complete without lashings of liquid eye-liner, but I for one, have always been deeply terrified of putting the equivalent of a marker all over my eye. Time to be bravef "A lot of people are nervous about putting on liquid eye-liner for the first time, " says Daly, "but it's all about practice. A good way to get used to it is to put on your pencil liner first and then follow the line with liquid. Before long, it will come naturally."

Sixties make-up is all about natural lids, so eye-shadow can be skipped over for lashings of mascara. Next, try some rosy blusher. Clinique has recently launched its new Fresh Bloom blush ( 34), which has a gorgeous pattern of flowers on it. Apply its pink shade to the apples of the cheeks for a naturally, rosy flush.

Finally, it's time for lips.

The nuder the lips are the better, but that doesn't mean they should remain bare. Instead, apply a small amount of concealer to the lips and rub in thoroughly . . . this gives a pale canvas to work on and also serves to keep lippie in place for longer. Follow with a soft pink or peach lipstick.

IsaDora has just released its Soft Beige lipstick ( 10.95 in pharmacies nationwide), which is a perfect shade for this purpose. If you find leaving your lip gloss at home too painful, however, then try Bourjois' brand new Eau de Gloss ( 10.70) in coral.

These lovely glosses give fantastic shine, without that nasty stickiness that often accompanies these products. No more detaching your hair from your lips on windy daysf