The catwalks were saturated with colour this season: tropical hues of red, orange, pink, yellow and green drenched the collections at Versace, Gucci, Dior and Ralph Lauren.
Even in make-up products, colour is having its moment in the sun.
Reliving the '70s may be every fashionista's worst nightmare, but make up trends are definitely leaning towards that charmed decade. Eyes are wearing electric blues and neon greens, lips are stained or smudged with pinks, burgundy and deep reds; the mascara is heavy and eyebrows are well defined.
The overriding trend this summer, says Jenny Battiss, product development manager at cosmetics company Mikyajy, is colour clash.
A lot of colours will be making their presence felt in combinations: acid greens and blues, for instance.
But can this trend for retina-popping hues work in the Middle East given the harsh sunshine and dizzying temperatures?
The good news is that you don't have to wear all these colours at once.
"The big trend this summer is about looking fresh," says Battiss. There are many ways of interpreting this love of strong colours. Follow the old make up rule: if you do up your eyes, underplay the lips, and vice versa.
So if eyes are wearing bold shades, let the lips be soft pink or glossed over. Similarly, wear minimal eye makeup if your lips are on-trend with the dark red, cherry-stained look.
Bright and bold
"While there are softer, floral-inspired tones coming through, largely it is the bolder interpretation of colour that will shine," says Battiss. An affordable addition to the beauty kit is Mikyajy's 22K Tropical Paradise collection, inspired by exotic beach parties. It comprises a palette of sun-drenched tropical shades. Pinks, reds and corals dominate with dramatic black definition for the eyes.
The brand has launched two new product categories in the collection.
In keeping with the trend: the Creme Lip Palette and Entrancing Creme Blush. Both are cream formulations, which can be blended into the skin for a natural sunkissed look.
Light yet bright, the Creme Lip Palettes come in four combinations with a velvety texture and glossy finish. The Entrancing Creme Blush comes in a classic compact format, and can be blended with a sponge or finger tips for a natural look.
"The great thing about the 22K collection is the versatility. When used dry, the eye shadows give a shimmering effect. To take the look from day to night, all you literally need to do is dab with a damp sponge. That deepens the colour and texture instantly. Just by changing the way you use the product, you can completely change the look," advises Battiss.
Don't throw out the nude glosses and taupe shadows just yet though. The big summer trend is still on achieving a light effortless look, using colour as an artist would, in ways that will create maximum impact.
