It’s the time of year when you can try something a bit more daring with your makeup – and pass it off as ‘beachy’ or ‘summery’ if anyone looks dubious. Sunshine, sunglasses and a more relaxed way of dressing are all a perfect backdrop for a look you wouldn’t normally be brave enough for.

My nails have been all kinds of winter-inappropriate shades of late, and my new obsession is with coloured mascara. Is it on-trend? I actually don’t know. But it’s a really quick way of adding a pop of colour to your peepers before you head to the park or beach, and I am smitten. Here’s my top five.

First up is Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara in Plum (£16), ideal for easing yourself into the coloured mascara thing and not one I’ll be parking come autumn either, as it’s so subtle. The plum shade really sets off my green eyes and I’m guessing it would do the same with blue or grey too. You get a big volume boost alongside the lovely colour, too.

Upping the plummy ante is Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof Mascara in Violet (£24.50). This is more obviously purple and I went for it on top not bottom lashes so I didn’t look too ‘Prince fan’. The volumising formula is fabulous and it doesn’t shift until you want it too. Lovely.

Now for some blue. DIOR Addict It-Lash (£19.80) also comes in a pink, which worries me, a purple, which we’ve done, and a rather wonderful ‘It-Blue’. The packaging is super luxe and the colour is so fresh and zingy all you’d need is a pop of blusher and a slick of lip gloss and you’d be good to go.

For a purse-friendly version, try 2True Instant Colour Mascara (£1.99) in shade 3 (a brighter blue) or 4 (a navy). The formula is creamy but it doesn’t budge – hard to believe at that price, I know.

Finally, another steal, and a multi-tasker at that. Essence Colour Flash Volume Mascara (£3) comes in emerald-green, bright blue, petrol, purple and pink. I like these for adding a little bit of colour to outer lashes and you can even use them in your hair. I passed on this one, but couldn’t resist a little experimentation on my very willing daughter, who loves them. And they wash out a treat too.