Beauty: spring 2012

Spring has made me disproportionately cheery already. Winter was more of a bind than usual, and I'm turned off by the last remnants of winter make-up (seeing glittery shades in April is like seeing the last, sad, crumpled party frocks on the January sale rail). The new season's products are of an unusually good vintage. First, I have developed a new and crazed obsession for hot pink lipstick – I've never worn it in my adult life, yet it suddenly feels absolutely right for 2012. Although it's not new, I'm wearing Nars Schiap lipstick, which is all the more pleasing for being named after the signature colour of the great dressmaker Elsa Schiaparelli . For days when I'd like to stand out a little less, it's Chanel's new Glossimer in Désir . Another major crush is Givenchy's Hydra Sparkling balm (£20), a super-hydrating but not at all oily cheek and lip balm that works with your natural pH to create the perfect peach (there is also a pink option). I hurriedly pop it on in seconds, blending with my finger, and it makes my face look much less dull from winter hibernation. Those are just two of my favourite spring launches. Here are another five, though I could easily have chosen 12. I've decided this spring is going to be colourful and happy. Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder £40, bobbibrown.co.uk A new obsession – and a must if you find bronzer too dark for spring. Revlon Lip Butters £7.99, boots.com Tinted lipbalm nirvana: 14 shades that keep lips soft and moist, and deliver colour with no sticky jamminess. L'Occitane Cherry Princess from £7.50, uk.loccitane.com This scent and body range is fruity but not sickly, and the packaging is stunning. Mavala nail colour in Pistachio and Lemon Cream £4.30, lookfantastic.com At last, pastel nail shades that don't make my hands look like ham. Chanel Glossimer in Désir (in shops early May), £20, boots.com A warm but sexy hot pink that looks fabulous with nude eyes. Leighton Denny Nail Colour in Coconutty £11, leightondenny.com Five days in, this beautiful nude polish shot with gold was chip-free. Remarkable.