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.

Glow getter: one of the cleverest bits of party beauty kit, complexion-illuminating, pre-make-up bases can work wonders when you want to look party-ready rather than end-of-the-day worn out (no small feat, we know). The make-up equivalent of the sparkly top that takes a pair of jeans from daytime to after-dark glam, apply your illuminator underneath your usual foundation for an instantly ‛lit up' look. But don't be tempted to overdo it, or you could end up outshining the decorations. Try Clarins' Instant Light Complexion Perfector (¬£22) in the new, limited edition Gold Shimmer - subtle, but less is still more - or Yves Saint Laurent's brilliant Top Secrets Flash Radiance Skincare Brush (¬£34).

The eyes have it: when you're up against the clock, the idea of doing ‛party eyes' is a bit daunting. That said, the simplest sweep of sparkly shadow - in understated yet festive silver or gold, or something more bold and jewel-like - can be really effective. Pricier party palettes abound, but we love myfacecosmetics' new Blingtone Singles (¬£9.78 each), which come in an array of modern, shimmering shades (at Boots, or www.myfacecosmetics.com). If you want to try something a bit cleverer with shimmering or metallic shadows, try this fast-track trick: apply a neutral shimmer over the entire lid, keeping below the browbone. Next, define the upper and lower lashes with a little black or brown eye pencil. Apply a touch of lighter metallic/sparkly colour just to the inner corners of the lids and finish with a coat or two of mascara. Look out, too, for this season's irresistibly sparkly lash-lengtheners, such as The Body Shop's new Define & Sparkle Mascara (¬£10) in Silver or Black, or Lancome's Oscillation Sparkles (¬£28) in Gold or Silver. We also love the fun, glitter glue-look (if not texture!) of Barry M's new Glitter Lashes (¬£4.95), available in six shades (at www.barrym.com).

Pucker up: the perfect red pout is a high-maintenance look, whereas a tinted shine, with a dash of sparkle, perhaps, looks fresh and is quicker and easier to apply in a hurry (and on the go). Try Collection 2000's Love Your Lips (£3.91) in Honeybunch or Tender, or Nivea's Glamorous Gloss (£3.45) in Red Ruby. Or, perfect for popping in your handbag and dabbing on with fingers, L' Oréal Paris' Studio Secrets Glass Shine Lip Lacquer (£7.99) in 410 is a clear, glittering gloss.

Party polish: as ever, this is no shortage of gorgeous nail colours to choose from this Christmas. Among our favourite, knockout newbies are Estée Lauder's Pure Color Nail Lacquer (£12) in Burgundy, available nationwide and at www.esteelauder.co.uk, L'Oréal Paris' Resist & Shine (£5.99) in 734 - both perfect metallic reds - OPI's Nail Lacquer (£9.45) in Dear Santa, a sparkly holly red (at salons nationwide and www.beautyexpert.co.uk); All About Face's Nail Polish (£1.49) in Fudge, a shimmering light bronze, and Mavala's fantastically glitzy new Diamond Collection of glitter-packed shades (£3.66 each, at Debenhams nationwide). To speed up drying time - converting any polish to a quick-drying formula - and for an extra-glassy finish, we love Seche Vite's Fast Dry Top Coat (£8.95, at salons nationwide and www.nailsbymail.co.uk).

The gleam team : give skin a festive gleam all-over with Tess Daly's gorgeous new Daly Body Glow (£9.50, at www.marksandspencer.com), or Montagne Jeunesse's new Party Shimmer Sparkling Leg & Body Moisturiser (£1.25 per sachet, or www.montagnejeunesse.com).

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