Trend-spotter: spring fashion and beauty tips

Colour blocking: make it work

Colour blocking is big for this season; imagine each article of clothing as an opportunity to inject some colour into your outfit. Match two bold shades together in a two-piece ensemble or opt for a two-tone dress. Contrasting block colours can be very slimming so don't dismiss the idea too quickly! Electric blue is a must - it's on-trend and suits most skin tones and, if you are feeling daring, team it with hot orange to embrace the trend (but stay away from the fake tan!). You can get the paint box look on a budget by investing in a few pieces to mix and match.

A bold pair of heels will get you far, especially if you wear them with a block boy-fit t-shirt from the high street. Kurt Geiger is showing off some gorgeous red heels in-store this season. A statement bag in a flirty pink, purple haze or zingy tangerine will work wonders, especially when you match-up the colour with your manicure.

Beauty tip: I would recommend that if you are going to opt for serious colour don't overdo your hair and makeup; keep hair sleek and chic with a no-fuss plait or a simple bun. Makeup should be neutral but, to ensure you don't looked washed out, apply a liberal lick of mascara so your eyes become the centre of attention and bring your face to life with your outfit.

For inspiring colour buys, see our Be bold with colour at every age feature.

Fashion trend: eastern chic

There is a nod to the orient this season with some gorgeous textiles that give you instant glam day or night. Colours are unashamedly bright and uplifting, and not for the faint-hearted.  Prints are big - and surprisingly wearable when you know how. Look for pieces that incorporate a statement print into a delicate fabric so you can hold on to a feminine, floaty feel and be print perfect!

Beauty tip: Take the most prominent colour from your print, translate it into an eye shadow pigment and apply a streak of colour to the eye upper lash line, flicking up and out for a wide-eyed streak of drama.

Pyjamas are back!

Channel your inner Studio 54 and make like Bianca Jagger. Loose separates and playsuits in fluid pastel silks and clean white linens, secured in place with a micro belt in a hot bold shade, are great for warm evenings or balmy nights. You may think this look isn't easy to pull off but the minute you slip into some leg-lengthening heels, you will be surprised with the outcome - and it will give you a great silhouette.

Beauty tip: This look is perfectly finished off with pastel eye shadow at the inner and outer corner of the eye in an ice blue, sugar pink or lemon but don't overdo it - think glamorous goddess, not disco diva.

Fashion alternative: feminine florals

If all this sounds a little daunting, there is an easy opt-out. If feminine florals are more your thing, check out the influx of full-length gowns in vintage ‘70s prints and Victorian-style roses hitting the stores, inspired by the likes of Gautier, Kenzo and Erdem.

Beauty tip: ‘70s slick beehives finished with a stretch Alice-band perfectly complement this girly look, giving it a more grown-up edge.

Nicky's beauty buzz for 2011

Hot on the beauty counters, these are the ingredients to look for in your beauty products this year. Scientifically formulated ingredients that have been inspired by the sheer power of nature have revolutionised the way we look at skincare, providing significant results instantaneously.

What is it? Niacinamide - an incredible ingredient which repairs sun damage, smoothes skin texture and reduces the appearance of hyper pigmentation.  Also known as Vitamin B3, this potent ingredient is perfect for anyone who suffers from lack-lustre skin, acne scarring, sun damage or age spots.

Where can I find it?With brands such as Nia-24 and Karin Herzog's new Erase & Raise Serum both already including Niacinamide as an active ingredient, I predict many more skincare lines to follow suit.

What is it?Syn-Ake - an advanced neuropeptide which mimics the effects of a snake bite to instantly freeze muscles for up to nine hours. If used over a longer period of time, it can actually reduce fine lines by 52%.

Where can I find it? Glamoxy Snake Serum by Rodial and Sarah Chapman's Skinesis range both include this active ingredient to enhance the anti-ageing benefits of the products.

Anti-ageing skincare: ingredients that work

Coenzyme Q10 is a substance naturally found in our cells and provides energy for healthy cell growth. However as we age, our CoQ10 levels decrease causing cells to weaken and reproduce less rapidly, as well as slowing down the production of collagen and elastin - both of which are essential for supple, plump and firm skin. Using products rich in CoQ10 will diminish fine lines as well as protect from harmful free-radicals due to its anti-oxidant properties.

Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, penetrates the upper levels of the skin to stimulate as a night treatment, as it also has exfoliating properties that can cause your skin to be extra sensitive to UV rays.

Get more expert advice from Nicky Hambleton Jones at www.lookandfeelyounger.tv