WHO says you have to downplay your daytime look? Jewel tones and dramatic hues work just as well as neutral shades for the day; it’s all a matter of using the right colours the right way.

The new Spring/Summer collection by Clarins called Nature Temptation, is all about using strong colours for a seductive daytime look. Hues based on the vibrancy of nature work with dewy lips and a fresh complexion to evoke modern femininity.

Clarins’ international make-up artist Frederic Reymond (right) said this new collection breaks away from the traditional idea of the natural look.

“It’s all about being daring in daylight,” said Reymond, who was in Kuala Lumpur recently for the launch. “We want to show that a daytime look can be bursting in colours as well.”

Reymond, who has been with Clarins for three years, said this collection sees the company going back to what it’s known for: skincare.

“You will see a focus on the complexion with emphasis on luminous and bright skin.”

To achieve this, the collection focuses on creating a pure, transparent complexion that is paired with gorgeous full lips and vibrantly coloured eyes.

As the perfect canvas for make-up, Clarins Instant Light Perfector smoothes and evens out the skin, creating a light but flawless base. Adding a luminous touch to the cheeks are powder blush in the new shades of Clementine and Raspberry.

The colour of this year, according to Reymond, is turquoise. With this in mind, the collection plays with a dazzling array of blues for the eyes.

Giving a dramatic edge is the Clarins Eye Pencil in the new shade of Ultramarine, which is a vibrant blue to highlight the eyes. The Single Eye Colour in Iris Blue and Clarins Wonder Volume Mascara in Wonder Blue are used to intensify the eyes.

Complementing these is the limited-edition Eye Colour Palette that features six beautiful shades in a silky texture that makes applying and blending a breeze.

Delicious colours like dusty rose, chocolate, amethyst and teal come encased in a sleek silver compact with floral motifs and pink arabesques. What’s more, the colours can be used not only as eyeshadow, but also as a highlighter, blush and eyeliner.

There is also an innovative new product to create unique, luscious lips – the Instant Gloss or iGloss. The gloss contains pigments that react to the skin pH level, thereby creating a different shade on every user.

“Since we launched our make-up line in 2002, we have shown that Clarins is able to play with colours, textures and pigment,” said Reymond. “But our identity comes from our complexion. So, we want to extend our expertise on skincare to our make-up collections. With our latest technology, there is no limit to our pigments or colours.”

The Summer collection, for example, takes its inspiration from the Sahara dessert, featuring warm, sunkissed colours like burnt orange and glowing yellow.

“It will be a very original collection that has an accessible look, like you just came out of the sea and made yourself up,” said Reymond.

And for Christmas this year, it will be a splash of glamour as a collection based on the Palazzo Dario in Venice will make its debut.

“It will be gold, gold, gold everywhere!” gushed Reymond.