HOLLYWOOD'S best kept beauty secret has been staring us in the face for years but now the truth is out - coloured contact lenses are an easy and dramatic way to transform your look.

Stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Isabella Rossellini and Charlize Theron are all fans, as are leading men Brad Pitt, John Malkovich and Robert Duvall.

Now top UK make-up artist and beauty expert Liz Collinge has put together a set of step-by-step guides which show how the right combination of coloured contact lenses and make-up shades can help you achieve the look you want.

She says: "Changing the colour of your eyes is as easy as changing the colour of your lipstick. Contact lenses come in a huge range of colours for creating a subtle or dramatic look. Giving yourself a mini makeover with colour contact lenses can produce stunning effects - I think everyone should try it."

It couldn't be easier to try out a new look. Just visit your optician and choose from a range of colours, including blue, green, hazel, sapphire, grey, blue or violet, from just £20 a pair. Whether you need a prescription to correct your eyesight or not, you can now change your look in the blink of an eye.

The glossy guide charts are available in selected opticians but The Northern Echo has ten to give away to readers. Simply send your name, address and daytime telephone number to Contact Lenses, Features, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF. First out of the hat get a copy...