Brighter nights aren’t the only enlightening thing to look forward to this month.

Every spring, there’s a beauty trend that knocks the winter socks off gothic eyes and dark lips and leaves us craving something fresh and pretty.

This season it’s the turn of the power pastels to deliver some light relief.

Beauty counters are awash with mouth-watering sherbet shades to seduce your inner girly-girl, whatever your age. Think lavender lips, baby blue eyelids, and minty green nails.

Banish notions of garish Eighties make-up, this trend has been given a modern twist, as seen on the catwalks at Dior, Viktor & Rolf and Versace.

The key to pulling off pastels is all about finding the right shade for your skin. Lighter colours will pop on darker skin, while warmer tones can add vibrancy to paler complexions.

Add some sweetness and light to your look this spring with this season’s sherbet pastels.

Eyes Peepers were transformed into a pastel playground on the catwalks.

Eyes don’t have to be OTT, a subtle wash of your favourite hue is all you need for pastel playtime.

“The trick when using pale shades is to apply a base of sheer concealer and loose powder to lids and under eyes first to brighten eyes and allow shadow to blend smoothly,” advises Max Factor make-up artist, Caroline Barnes.

TRY: Boots No7 Limited Edition Natural Radiance Pastel Eye Palette, £13.50; Max Factor Earth Spirits Eye Shadow in Lush Lilac, £4.45; BeautyUK Pastel Eyeshadow Palette, £3.49 at Superdrug.

Lips Last year’s neon has been ousted for its pastel-inspired prettier sister.

Lips are going the same way as nails on the catwalks with ‘unnatural’ shades such as violet, sky blue and mint green for a contemporary feel, but you don’t have to be a model to work a pastel pout.

Barry M’s make-up artist, Amy Sachon, recommends seeking out wearable shades like baby pink, peach and apricot shades: “Pastels with a citrus twist are a key look for this season,” she says.

Avant-garde pastel fans will make more of an impact with matte lipsticks. Keep your chosen statement shade in place with a primer and apply the edges soft, but not smudged, for a modern look.

Feeling less adventurous? A gloss will give your pastel pout more of a subtle sheer tint.

TRY: Estee Lauder Michael Kors Very Hollywood Lip Gloss, available in Starlet Peach or Rose, £15.50 (0870 034 2566); Barry M Lip Paint in Baby Pink, £4.25 (barrym.com); MAC Tinted Lipglass in Lavender Wind, £12 (maccosmetics.co.uk).

Nails Last year, Chanel’s sell-out Jade polish became the must-have of the beauty season attracting bids on eBay over £150 and prompting nail bars to stock up on alternative minty shades for 2010. Lilac is proving to be another pastel pleaser for spring.

“It’s all down to individual preference, but pastels work best on short nails,” advises celebrity nail technician, Andrea Fulerton (andrea fulerton.com).

“Mint green is a warmer shade, so it’s easier to wear, but if you prefer lilac, which has a whiter base, wear darker colours so it doesn’t fade into insignificance.”

Whatever shade you plump for, Andrea’s convinced pastels will be sticking around beyond spring. “They’re here to stay,” she says. “I’m often asked if pastels are just a trend for younger people, but you’ve got to feel the fear and do it anyway.”

TRY: Revlon Nail Enamel in Minted, £6.29 (0800 085 2716); Illamasqua Pastel Nail Varnish Collection, £13 each (Selfridges); Nailgirls Blue 4 pale denim polish, £10 (0207 3592772/nailgirls.co.uk).