Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys and Amanda Bynes are among a host of stars to showcase the bold look, which can be achieved by using Urban Decay, the cosmetic brand which isn’t afraid to use colour and sparkle.

Wende Zomnir, founding partner and Executive Creative Director of the firm, said: ‘If you’re new to wearing colour, I always recommend picking a look you like out of a magazine and practice the application on yourself right before washing your face at bedtime. Feel free to experiment, be bold and try something new because it’s going right down the drain. And when it’s time to rock Spring’s colourful new make-up, you’ve already taken the guesswork out of achieving a celeb-worthy look.’

For head-turning lips, Wende recommends red shades, a colour which has recently been sported by Rachel McAdams, Sandra Bullock and Natalie Portman.

She told US TV show ‘Access Hollywood‘: ‘Jilted and Gash from Urban Decay are beautiful shades for giving you a bold lip that looks pretty and dramatic. Just remember, keep the eyes sheer, neutral and slightly shimmery. Lining only the upper lash line in black or dark brown adds a little drama without adding weight and doesn’t compete with a sexy, strong lip.’

But if women want to accentuate their eyes rather than lips, Wende thinks glitter is the way forward.

She said: ‘Eyes are also in full bloom. I got up this morning and felt drawn to a vibrant, iridescent purple eye-shadow called Flash and rimmed my entire eye (upper and lower lids) with it.

‘Recent fashion spreads featuring supermodel Lily Cole showcase her eyes with thick smudges of rich violet and a generous helping of violet glitter all over the lids. Colour is everywhere, it’s easy to wear and creates an instant update for your look.’

The 45-year-old beauty – who has been nominated for Best Actress for her role in ‘The Blind Side’ at next month’s ceremony – admits she is losing track of time and needs to get herself prepared.

She said: ‘I’m so behind. Today was the first time that I actually saw one dress and then looked at some sketches.

‘I’m pretty good about finding something and sort of circling around it and then I’m oddly relaxed about it because it’s someone else’s job to finely stitch thousands of pleats and jewels into a gorgeous thing to make you look divine.’

However, the confident star even admits she would be comfortable in a less than glamorous creation.

She said: ‘Look, if I have to wear a trash bag I’ll belt it with rhinestones and I’ll make it work, but I’m not panicking for some reason because there are so many beautiful things out there that someone will not want to wear and I’ll get it.’