Blame it on Sandra Bullock. But ever since I saw her sashay down the red carpet in her diaphanous Bottega Veneta gown at the Golden Globes, it’s been purple on my mind.

If there’s one colour to pay attention to this season (apart from red, of course!) it is purple. It’s a huge beauty trend for Spring 2010 – from the lilac-washed smoky eyes at Versace, to the fierce violet nail polish at Givenchy, to burgundy-stained lips at Bottega Veneta, the colour is the reigning star shade of the season.

And how will I rock the colour? I’m already doing it – as sweet as lilacs are, I’m more a royal purple kinda girl. I prefer them bold, whether on lips or the eyes.

And thanks to Ms Bullock, it’s been all that these last two days!

Have a look.

The lipstick: Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Electric Plum. 

The look

• Cheeks: Rimmel Powder Blush in Pink Sugar.
• Eyes: M.A.C Eye Shadow in Truce, Maybelline The Magnum Volum’ Express Waterproof.

The eye colour: Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Night Butterfly.

The look

• Cheeks: Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Wild Bouquet.
• Lips: Laura Mercier lipstick in Aurora.

Top tips:

1. Most make-up artists say that a bluish lavender is the most flattering people, while fuchsia is the least flattering. In general, blue-based purples keeps you from looking bruised.
2. Pick one feature, whether eyes or lips, and keep the rest of your features neutral – use golds, beiges, browns, etc.
3. Stay away from pink blushers, or matching purple eyes with pink lips – that’s just plain overkill.
4. Really, the new way to wear purple is to match it with neutral shades. This also applies to purple outfits. If you’re wearing something purple, keep make-up neutral, or vice-versa.