First Look! Estee Lauder Beach Goddess 2013

Yup, that is exactly what I looked like wearing this collection. Exactly.

Finally, I can breathe a happy sigh, safe in the knowledge that summer is definitely on its way. No, nothing to do with the weather forecast, worse luck, or any impending holibags, but something just as fabulous: this year's Bronze Goddess is a-coming, and I have seen it with mine very own eyes.

Estee Lauder's summer collections are just sublime (check out some previous incarnations here) - all sultry shades and vibrant, sunset hues, they really are evocative of basking on sandy beaches and are something I look forward to each year.

Headed our way next month is the Pure Colour eyeshadow palette in Batik Sun along with a liquid eyeliner duo (€28.50), with bronze at one end and black at the other, two rollerball glosses (€19.50) and some gorgeous looking lipsticks in Solar Crush, a tangerine, and Fuchsia Fever (which looks more like a hot plum; both are €24).

The collection also includes what is probably the most beautiful highlighter I've ever seen.

The brand's gelee powders are brilliant (check out Tease here) - the 'tribrid' technology ensures a true colour finish as well as a soft, creamy texture - and this year's offering, Heat Wave, is a gorgeously gleaming pale gold.

It's so easy to work, blends beautifully and catches the light in a subtle but flattering way. Loving that art deco sunburst pattern, too. It's €39.

I am also digging the eyeshadows - there's a sparkling platinum/beige, deep bronze, coral, turquoise and gold and I can see myself getting lots and lots of wear from them over the next few months.

It's so versatile - the colours look great separately or together and you can easily use them to create a warm, neutral eye or something a little more dramatic. The texture of the shadows is great, you can't fault 'em, and considering you get five of them the €46.50 pricetag is a little more justifiable.

Wearing the Illuminating Powder Gelee in Heat Wave and all 5 shades from the Batik Sun eyeshadow palette: bronze on upper lashline, turquoise on lower, coral in the crease, gold on the lid and platinum on the inside corner. Phew!

And of course there's the scent itself, released each summer as a limited edition - this year's offering is the Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche Skinscent which comes in a beautiful semi-transparent golden bottle. It's €65, and there's a matching body oil, too.

Snapped at the launch

Spot something you like in the line-up? Do tell!