Grease may be ‘the word’ for Frankie Valli, but NOT when it comes to looking beautiful like Olivia Neutron Bomb! However, Sandy’s first, well-scrubbed appearance in ‘Grease’ is quickly eclipsed by the transformation into vampish hottie by the end of the movie. In fact, Sandra Dee seems to embody every man’s fantasy of the girl next door: all sugar and spice, but secretly hiding her true colours as a gyrating, sex-kitten, clad in black satin and four inch heels. So, in order to achieve Sandy’s look, you firstly have to decide what mood you’re in: Wide-eyed Innocent, or Woman of the World?

‘Good Sandy’ is, believe it or not, the harder look to achieve; the ‘no make-up look’ is easy to get wrong by overusing concealer and foundations which are too heavy. Treat your skin to a deep cleanse , and then tone and moisturise with products that complement each other for maximum effect. Tidy eyebrows into a generous arch shape – nothing too severe – and once the skin has settled, apply a sheer foundation all over. The ones with light reflective particles are especially good at hiding small lines and blemishes to give a fresh-faced effect. Any problem areas, such as dark under-eye shadows, can then be dealt with by a good concealer such as Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Eclat.

Smooth a natural matt colour on the eyelids, and highlight the brow bones carefully just under the centre of the eyebrow to get that wide-eyed innocent look. Depending on your colouring, a fine kohl line around the base of the lower lashes may be all that’s needed to define the eyes, or if you’re very fair, a single coat of mascara (but definitely not the lash-building type!). The emphasis is on achieving a natural, wholesome appearance.

Brush on a peachy shade of blusher, directly on the apple of the cheek – don’t try and define the cheekbones by wearing the colour too low. By now you should be starting to glow with fresh-faced health, and all that’s needed is a subtle slick of lip colour, but only enough to add the merest hint of coquettishness when you give that Sandy grin.

Hair can either be worn fastened back in a high ponytail, tied with a girlish ribbon, or pinned back at the sides with slides or barrettes, but the important thing to remember is – bangs! ‘Good’ Sandy’s fringe is a hard one to carry off, but if you’ve got heated rollers you should be able to achieve that very distinctive girlish style, otherwise blow dry carefully around a large circular brush.

Finally, clothing has to be in pastel shades – lemons, pale blues – white shirts and full, below the knee 50s skirts, or cropped Capri pants. Cinch in the waist with a wide belt, and wear flat pumps or court shoes to complete the look. Oh, and start practising that butter-wouldn’t-melt look now …

© Anne Lawrence 2008