Underwear as outerwear: Max Factor style.

Lingerie lust was evident at this season’s biggest shows with bloomers, bras tops and bustiers hitting the catwalks in proud parade. But while smalls might be big news for summer, there are many ways to expose your undergarments and the key to this trend is to stay on the right side of sexy.

A quick rifle of the high street’s rails will reveal undies as outies aplenty. From corseted tops with boned bra cups to sheer paneled pieces plus lace, satin and silk in swathes.

To keep your look fresh and romantic rather than explicit and vampy, opt for a soft palette of playful pastels and muted nudes.

If you are feeling particularly daring, but want to keep it chic, plump for a midriff baring floral zip bra top with skinnes and ladylike flats or a sheer dress with a structured bra and a pair of this season’s Fifties style knickers.

Modest lingerie lovers can opt for items with corseted seaming and for more timid trend testers, there are always laced edged pieces and pretty camisoles.

The lingerie look does run the risk of seeming slightly girlish. If you’re looking for a tougher, more tailored edge, finish with a mannish blazer or cropped jacket.

When it comes to beauty, this trend works best paired with a fresh, understated face rather than anything over-groomed, sculpted or painted. Here are my top tips for working this look to the max:

1) Prep the skin with an illuminating face cream or gradual tanner then apply Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation using the specially designed sponge.

2) Conceal dark circles and cover blemishes using Mastertouch Concealer, which can also be used as an additional prep coat on the eye lids.

3) Apply Earth Spirits Eyeshadow in Pale Pebble in an even wash across the lids.

4) Illuminate your eyes by applying Masterpiece Precision Eyeshadow in Pearl Beige to the inner corner of your peepers.

5) Open the eyes with two voluminous slicks of Masterpiece Max Mascara in Black

6) For a pretty flush that looks as sweet as candy, apply Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in soft pink to the apples of the cheek.

7) Give lips a flirty gloss finish with Vibrant Curve Effect Lip Gloss in Fashion Leader.

Power Pastels

From candied pinks to frosted mints, sherbet shades reigned supreme on Spring/Summer 2010’s runways, but it was lilac and lavender that took the throne as fashion’s power pastels.

Yes, the beauty world is officially in a purple haze, but what’s the best way wear the hottest hue of the season?

The good news is that purple complements every skin tone and hair colour, which means that anyone and everyone can rock an ultra-violet moment.

With sun-kissed skin in full swing, you can easily confine a flash of colour to eyes or lips, while keeping the rest of the face pared down for a fresh, dewy appearance.

Follow this catwalk-inspired Power Pastel look, which pairs lilac and lime – two suit-all shades - for a fashion-forward finish that’s easy on the eye:

1.Prep the face with an illuminating face cream or moisturising gradual tanner.

2.Apply a naturally flawless base of Second Skin Foundation.

3.Take Colour Perfection Duo Eyeshadow in Sunset Mood (440) and using the lighter of the two shades, create a colour wash across the lid.

4.Using a wet brush, apply the darker hue in a fine sweep close to the upper lash line. This will create a more intense colour pop, for a more muted finish, apply the shadow dry.

5.Using a dry brush and the same hue, contour the eye socket and shade the outer corner of the eye.

6.Take Masterpiece Colour Precision Eyeshadow in Golden Green (006). Run the wand carefully along the lower lash line from the inner to the outer corner.

7.For a graphic look, complete the upper lid with a fine application of Masterpiece Glide and Define Liquid Eyeliner in Black, then add a fluttersome coat of Lash Extension Effect Mascara.

8.Leave lips bare or naturally glossy with a quick slick of Vibrant Curve Effect Lipgloss in Smart.

Your beauty & style scoop from an industry insider

Welcome to your all new style guide from the fashion front line.
Over the coming weeks I’ll be rifling the rails and ransacking the runways to give you the scoop:
Whether you’re looking for ways to work the latest in catwalk cool, or after the low-down from the underground.
Get your make up brushes ready to perfect the summer’s sexiest looks. Make room in your wardrobe as we master the season’s trickiest trends.
As an industry insider, I hear the behind-the scenes secrets first and am about to tell all - From celebrity style hunting, to in-the-know events. So get ready - it’s going to be a fashion forward ride!