"Watercolour" isn't just for artists anymore. It's heading for your face.

Image: Supplied.

Art lovers see watercolour paints as the perfect medium for creating diverse colours, beautiful transitions and buildable intensity and now, they’re coming to a face near you.

Recently the big cosmetics companies (think Stila, Josie Maran and Laura Mercier) have been unveiling their versions of “watercolour cosmetics” that not only look great, but feel incredible to apply.

Related: The 6 ways you’re ruining your hair colour (without even realising).

So what exactly is watercolour makeup? Generally, oil is eliminated from the ingredients list (so it’s great for people with acne-prone skin) and is replaced with funnily enough, water. This results is lighter textures than traditional makeup products, that blend seamlessly into the skin.

Because of the water-based formulations, the colour pigments in the products are dispersed evenly giving a smooth, luminous finish. I put some of the newest watercolour contenders to the test to see whether they really are Archibald prize winners.

Eyeshadow

Strange concept, fantastic idea – especially in winter when some of us (*cough* me, *cough*) may be experiencing dehydration and flaking around the delicate eye area. Watercolour eyeshadows are actually liquid, so they’re great for disguising dryness.

Related: “Help” says Mia Freedman. Why do I have eczema around my eyes? 

I used Josie Maran’s Coconut Watercolour Eyeshadow in the shade Polynesian Purple as my first watercolour guinea pig. The product claims to provide the healing properties of coconut water to refresh and hydrate the eyes while providing intense colour.

When I first opened the bottle, I did find the formula a little strange. Unlike your traditional eyeshadows, watercolour eyeshadow is a bi-phase solution which contains both the colour and a clear liquid (coconut water) which you shake (like a polaroid picture) to combine the two.

Related: I made vagina art for my husband and ended up in hospital."

When you put it on, it's like painting cold liquid onto your eyelids: invigorating and refreshing. I was skeptical about the pigmentation due to it being a water-based product and didn't think that I would get a good colour pay-off but I was wrong.

It's a very buildable, highly pigmented product which is easy to blend with your fingers, but you do need to be quick because it sets fast. I wouldn't recommend using powder-based products with the watercolour as likely you'll experience the products breaking up after being combined.

Related: Bye bye balayage - meet "tortoise shell hair", the colour we're loving.

The watercolour eyeshadow is more of a wash of colour, perfect for daytime and more natural looks. (Post continues after gallery.)

Lip stain and gloss

Josie Maran, queen of all things argan oil, has delivered the goods when it comes to watercolour cosmetics.

Another product in the line is the Coconut Watercolour Lip Stain and Shine. This product promises to be a 14-hour long wear stain combined with a deeply moisturising gloss which is applied over the top. Not only does it contain the signature argan oil blend which made the brand famous, but it also has coconut water and antioxidants to give the watercolour effect.

In terms of hydration, I wasn't blown away by the product's ability to moisturise my lips. I do happen to be dealing with some serious Sahara Desert style kissers at the moment though so I don't want to judge it too harshly in this regard.

However, when it comes to colour and pigmentation this is wow. Wow. Just like an artist's watercolour, this lip stain starts off light but is very buildable and can be used to deliver a long wear vibrant pop of colour.

Related: Purple: the new blush colour we're obsessed with.

Just like the eyeshadow, the watercolour lip pen felt cool, light and refreshing to apply and the pen style applicator gives great control over where the colour goes so you really can build up to a shade you're comfortable with.

Blush

Stila's Aqua Glow Watercolour blush was the first product that I discovered when I was introduced to watercolour makeup.

Like a lot of products from this brand, my eyes were initially drawn to the gorgeous, wearable shades they offer. Bright without being offensive.

I tried the shade Shimmering Lotus on my cheeks and found it to have similar qualities to the other watercolour cosmetics I'd tried: lightweight and cooling.

Related: "Lived-in hair" - the new colour you only have to get touched up every six months.

The blush is similar to a cream blush but with an even more natural finish due to the almost liquid-like consistency. Like cream blush though, it needed a touch up throughout the day as the colour did seem to fade away slightly.

The result of the blush is very luminous, 'I've just been for a brisk walk' skin perfect for women who like the no-makeup, makeup look. I really liked that the intensity of the blush was customisable as I tend to prefer a heavier blush than some people are comfortable wearing.

Related: Found: The most universally flattering hair colour.

All in all, I have to say that I have well and truly jumped on the watercolour makeup bandwagon. It's perfect for winter skin but yet would also be great for summer fresh faces.

Would you try watercolour for your face?