LINDA ROBERTSON takes a shine to this summer's futuristic, sci-fi-inspired metallic make-up

FUTURISTIC chic, all sci-fi shades and shimmering metallics, beamed on to the fashion radar this year, and found its way into our make up bags too.

All those shiny leggings and hi-tech fabrics that were showcased on the catwalks just wouldn't have cut it with neutral eyes and pale lips - it's a look that requires serious dazzle.

Sparkling metallics are hot for summer, think a thick sweep of gold eyeliner, a liberal smattering of shimmer or molten nails.

"We only had to look at Nicolas Ghesquiere's metallic leggings at Balenciaga or the sculpted metal at Dolce & Gabbana to know that make-up for this season was going to be about texture and sheen,"says NARS make-up artist Jayne Richardson.

"With the 60s influence running through most of the shows, we were drawn back to the contouring on the eye, pale skin and neutral lips."

And don't think metallics are best saved for evening, they work for the minimal face during the day and can be layered for a dramatic after-dark look.

"Focus on the eyes using shine or texture to get the look, be inspired!" advises Jayne.

Make-up artist Mary Greenwell, who has worked with Kate Moss and Penelope Cruz, adds: "Keep any metallics in pure clean shades - with shimmery white silvers and pure warm golds - anything too steely grey or yellow looks cheap, not chic."

Eye Lingerie Eye Shadow in Lace Negligee (gold/bronze), £15, Pout Miss Canada Eyeshadow Duo combining deep pebble and light grey, £13 and Laura Mercier Metallic Cream Eye Colour in Platinum, £17, give a subtle sheen on eyes.

You can even mix the new metals. Silver eyeshadow on the eyelid would contrast beautifully with gold liner underneath the eye, Mary suggests.

Try The Body Shop Shimmer Cubes, £14, above, Chantecaille Eye Shade in Shine, £21 both at Space NK, Lancome Ellipse Eyeshadow in Songe Argente, £15, or DuWop Shadowlift in silvery Tide, £17.

Metallics don't have to be concentrated on the eyes. You'll get an all-over gleam on complexions with Paul & Joe Face Colour Powder in Magnolia (crisp white), £14 and T.LeClerc Banane Loose Powder, £28.

For the evening, you can be a bit more daring and brave with molten metals and flashier hues.

Go all out with sterling silver peepers. GOSH Glitter Dust, £6.49 at Superdrug, B Big Shot, £14.95, and Hard Candy Eye Bling, £10, are loose powders.

Use a small amount in the inner corner of the eye to instantly brighten tired eyes, or get skin glowing with a sweep across cheekbones for an eye-catching look.

For a more intense take, swipe Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Dime, £9, or the Heavy Metal Liner in Pyrotechnics, £11.

Contrast cool eyes with a warm orangey red lip colour. Sisley Phyto-Lip Star in Precious Coral, £22, Aveda Papaye Lip Glaze, £11.50, and TIGI Bedhead Pucker Up Lip Duo in Spice, £10, all look great on beach goddesses.

Embracing the metal scene doesn't have to involve buying a whole new make- up bag - if you pick the right things to invest in.

Hero products such as Chanel's limited edition Lumiere D'Artifices £29 and MAC Iridescent Powder in Silver Dusk, £15.50, are so versatile that they can be brushed on eyes, cheeks, lips or skin with little danger of overdoing the bling.

All About Face Shimmer Powder in Shade 1 (glistening gold) from Tesco, £1.97, and Barry M Fine Glitter Dust in silver, £4.50 at Superdrug are bargain buys.

NARS Sparkling Pressed Powders, £22, comes in three shimmery hues to suit light, medium and dark complexions.