My first foray into the world of beauty writing just happened to be as a beauty intern for ELLE, one of the most sort after and commended magazines on the planet. It’s safe to say I was petrified. However, after being welcomed into the office by the wonderfully warm and friendly beauty team my fears soon subsided. I drooled over the copious shelves of artistically packed beauty products and a sudden urge came over me, I wanted to try them ALL, and fast. This initial craving made me think- it’s time I mixed things up.

In my day-to-day life I like to think I’m quite outgoing and adventurous, so why, when it comes to make up, am I so afraid to explore? I’m a self confessed prude when it comes to make up, sticking to the same staple products that have served me well for the past 5 years. Why do I shy away from the candy coloured MAC eye shadows and instead go straight to the counter reeling off the names of products that have always got me by. I’ve become accustomed to the way I look when I wear them, comfortable, recognisable but bland. But to my loyal gold eye shadow and nude lipstick I’m sorry but our relationship has become too dependent and needy- we need some time apart.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley graced the beauty pages of this months Elle trying different looks of the season, managing to embrace them all and look equally gorgeous on each. I empathise that for us mere mortals it is not as easy to take a leap into the unknown but it’s time to start surprising people, and yourself. After all what better way to freshen up your autumn look, while the weather toys with us and it’s not cold enough to justify spending a small fortune on that Prada winter coat you’ve had your eye on, than a splash of colour that wont break your bank balance?

Top tips to embrace the trends:

1. Confidence is key. Make up artist Lisa Butler emphasises the importance of taking control, in her Pucci shows the make up was used to create ‘identity and strength of character’ that strives to stand out from the crowd.

2. Have fun. Make up artist Lyne Desnoyers, for Mac’s AW 11 trends, described this season as ‘the return of power: of being chic, of being unique and having a signature style’ and quotes red lips as a key season trend. (Try MAC lip pencils in Cherry and Vino £10.50 and Lipstick in Runaway Red £13.50 for a full, precise lip colour).

3. Book in for a makeover to learn the tricks of the trade from the make up artists and the new season colour palettes straight from the catwalk.

4. Be creative with your look. Charlotte Tilbury, for MAC, uses signature Brows this season as ‘all part of the masculine/feminine thing’. Try Fling or Lingering £11.50 eyebrow pencil from Mac.

Click here to visit the MAC website.