Clearly the singer's pregnancy cravings didn't stretch only to a daily tub of Häagen-Dazs or Marmite dolloped on top of a bowl of pasta shells - it would appear that the lure of the St Tropez “glow” proved too hard to resist. And recent motherhood has done little to dull the Eighties glare of Aguilera's postnatal comeback.

Despite reports that her husband asked her to ditch the orange-y skin tone, she seems keener than ever to maintain her “winter tan”. Plus a full head of bleach. And that gloopy eyeliner. And did I mention the pale pink, frosted lipstick? This is a lip shade that should be firmly locked up, alongside similar crimes from the Eighties - that other decade that style forgot. And would Aguilera have come over all brassy barmaid had she heeded the adage that one shouldn't do eyes and lips at the same time?

She's possessed of a fairly decent haircut and snappy fringe, but that white blonde mane against Tango-ed skin and a hefty dose of bronzer looks particularly harsh. Nothing however, that a few lowlights - to break up the block-y texture and soften the face - wouldn't sort out. Face coverage that looked less trowelled on would be another welcome addition, for which one should head to Chantecaille, whose range of Just Skin tinted moisturisers (£52 at Harrods, 020-7225 5758; www.spacenk.com) are sheer and light on the skin yet provide coverage that is intense enough to disguise blemishes or uneven skin tones.

To create the smoky eye effect, apply gradually from the outside in with a shadow building up the intensity - Shu Uemura produces some of the best shades of grey/black/brown - and resist the urge to layer on the liner on both lids or draw around your eyes with a marker pen (£13, 020-7240 7635).

Blusher rather than bronzer is best at this time of year. The By Terry range, particularly the Rose de Rose liquid blush, gives you a wonderful, dewy glow that doesn't look too obvious (£49 at Space NK). Apply it lightly to the apples of the cheeks, rather than in diagonal stripes under the cheekbone.

As for the lips, if you must wear pale pink, then try Chanel's Hydrabase in Magnolia Rose (£17.50, 020-7493 3836). Not only is it very moisturising, but it also gives your lips a healthy, rosy flush - and is great for those of you who are addicted to lip balm.

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