Remember when all those new year, new you spa specials in the glossies – the ones that take all weekend and suggest you start each day with a glass of hot water and lemon and a spot of stretching – actually inspired you to have a go (or at least buy a scented candle to stick by the bath) rather than turn the page?

For already flat-out mums, the notion of indulging in a spot of pre-party pampering (ho, ho, ho!) is, well, less than realistic. Rather, what's called for is a tried and trusted strategy for ‛scrubbing up well' and as speedily as possible. Here, the expert tricks and beauty products that will help you look and feel fabulously festive, in a flash.

Who says you have to say goodbye to all things pink and sparkly when your little girl outgrows her Sleeping Beauty costume (sniff!) and aspirations to be Angelina Ballerina? I still have a weakness for the shamelessly girlie shade and the pink proof is everywhere

With a ‛back to school' to do list as long as her arm, every mum deserves a fresh start, feel fabulous treat or two of her own.