Fendi: strong eyes

This look might be about the eyes, but you need a good base. DuWop’s Youth Skin Rejuvenating Foundation (£26, www.hqhair.com) comes with a brush on the end. Go as fair as you dare.

Don’t ignore your cheeks. Bobbi Brown’s Cheek Tint in mauve (£16, 0870 0342566) is as sheer as you can get.

Now onto the fun bit: choose a medium shadow shade such as Paul and Joe’s number 15 (£13.25 asos.com). Work it into the crease, towards the bridge of your nose and, finally, a light sweep under the eye. To add some oomph, run a line of Sue Devitt’s Eye Intensifier Pencil in Kenya (£17.50, 020-7235 5000) along the lash line and then smudge to your hearts content.

Don’t be shy with Urban Decay’s Skyscraper mascara (£14, beautyexpert.co.uk ) and then work some Benefit Instant Brow pencil on, um, your brows (£13.50, benefitcosmetics.co.uk).

Gucci: nude

Aceing the nude looks requires a flawless base: mineral make-up is gentle on the skin and has a uniquely natural finish. Start with Bare Minerals Prime Time (£17, 0870 850 6655) as you’ll need a good base. Then, using its Flawless Brush (£24) and colour matched SPF 15 Foundation Powder (£22) buff on to the skin. The more you move the powder, the warmer it gets and the creamier the finish.

The Multiple by Nars (£27, 0800 123400) is a cult product that works — use the stick in “Maldives” to add warmth, but not too much colour, to your cheeks and lids.

Don’t abandon your eyes; add subtle definition with Lancôme’s Oscillation mascara (£28, available nationwide).

Natural lips can be tricky to achieve but one way is to bypass lipstick and use a natural-looking liner covered with balm or gloss. Try Stila Lip Glaze liner in Nude (£11, hqhair.com ) with a slick of Vaseline on top.

Dior: Strong lips

The look at Dior was actually more Forties than Eighties, so add a pair of Shu Uemura falsies (£13.70, spacenk.co.uk )

These eyes work because the lilac isn’t of the Pat Butcher variety, the richness keeps things from looking tacky. Work Illamasqua powder eye shadow in Fallen (£14.00, illamasqua.com ) along the lid and out in a subtle flick.

Keep your base clean and natural, nothing too heavy: Dr Perricone’s No Foundation Foundation is a winner (£41, perriconemd.co.uk Now on to the lips. For such a classic look, you have to choose a classic brand. Guerlain has the most beautiful matte red called “Gala” (£25, 01932 233887), which will look best if you apply with a lip brush. Now blot and then pout.

Times recommends

• The Boxing Day tsunami: five years on
• What took place in 2010...
• Can you really cure a hangover?