I’ll say it – winter make-up can be drab. Plums, blacks, heavy formulations – it all gets boring after a while. Now that March is here, there’s a feel of summer on make-up counters.

Everything is getting a bit lighter and more colourful. You can update your make-up bag for summer simply by refreshing your lip or eye products. This season, there are four brands whose collections stand out from the rest, offering everything from practical basics to screaming red lips. Although I think a red lipstick should be on the everyday make-up list.

Mac Charlotte Olympia Lipstick in Starlett Scarlet (€21.50 from March 24th)

Sometimes a matte red lipstick just calls to you and this one sings like a siren.

It’s not subtle, it’s 1950s movie star glamorous.

Clarins Limited Ed. 5 Colour Eye Palette (€41)

Rich hues and varied textures make this pocket-sized palette the perfect investment for those who love a smoky eye.

Chanel Dimensions de Chanel Mascara (€31.50 from March 11th)

This is the perfect daytime mascara. With a big old-fashioned bristled brush and a subtle formula, you get blacker-than-priests-socks lashes which are lengthened and volumised, but not ridiculously so.

Chanel La Palette Sourcils de Chanel Perfect Brows (€45)

If the convenience (and cuteness) of the tiny tweezers and brushes in this brow kit don’t have you swooning, then the powders will. Use the lighter shade at the start of the brow and the deeper one toward the outer edge.

Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude Eye Palette (€46)

The Malibu Nudes collection is another example of understated perfection from Bobbi Brown. This is a lifetime palette - it transcends seasons, occasions, and time of day.

Mac Charlotte Olympia Liquid Eye Liner in Nearly Natural (€23 from March 24th)

This limited edition collection will sell out fast, so make sure to pick up the deep brown liquid liner. It’s easy to apply, wonderfully matte and lasts all day.

An understated alternative to black, it makes for the perfect flick.

Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Hot Orange and Bare (€26.50)

These fat lip crayons are endlessly convenient but have all the bang of a traditional lipstick. Try Hot Orange or Bare for the perfect sculpted nude lip.

REN Keep Young and Beautiful Instant Brightening Beauty Shot Eye Lift (€40)

I’m not normally one for eye creams - many of them are overpriced, fussy and ultimately ineffective. A dab of your facial serum will do the same job. However, this one is an exception. The hyaluronic acid-rich formula perks up the eye area without slipperiness and, as it dries, it has an instant tightening effect - which is temporary, but no less magical for that.

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (€19)

Matte, opaque lip colours are classic and luxe, but they’re also hard work.

This soft, glossy balm comes in natural shades and finished a make- up look with no-fuss polish.

lkennedy@irishtimes.com