You don’t have to invest bags of time or money to look a million dollars during party season. The sparkly and decadent beauty offerings illuminating shelves at this time of year make Operation Glam a breeze.

According to figures, two-fifths of women spend up to two hours preening before a big festive night but there are cracking shortcuts if you play up your best feature, whether it’s tinsel-inspired eyes or Santa-red lips.

“The rule in holiday make-up is about what makes you feel glamorous,” says make-up artist Bobbi Brown.

Give yourself the gift of glam this party season.

Mistletoe kisses

If your pout’s your party showpiece, look to matte, red lips that take mistletoe kisses and canapes in their stride.

“There’s nothing more chic than a red lip with neutral eyes,” says Bobbi Brown.

“Matte products last longest – they contain less moisture than other products, so they adhere to the lips and don’t fade as quickly”.

Like Christmas pudding on December 25, metallic and glitter eyes are a party season tradition you can’t avoid. Play up molten metallic eyeshadow by making it the focus of your look and toning down blush and lips.

To nail the metallic trend, try using two shimmering shades. Sweep a deeper metallic shadow on the lids, blending into the socket line and stay below the brow bones to create a halo effect on lids. Apply a lighter metallic shadow on the inner corners to complete the look.

For extra razzle-dazzle, adorn eyes with a sweep of sparkling eyeliner as a finishing touch.

Santa red

Ditch the monochromatics and take your eyes up a notch with a show-stopping colour; the perfect accessory for a LBD.

“Swap the traditional take on the grey smoky eye with a sultry yet subtle blend of purple and blue,” says Kay Montano, a leading make-up artist.

“These shades really enhance the colour of the iris so play with different shades this party season.”

For a subtle look, avoid an eyelid wash and try a fine line close to the lash line or concentrate your party piece colour on the inner corners of the eye.

Angelic glow

Fluttery false eyelashes are ideal if you want an instant glam transformation. Forget the natural-look and think showgirl eyes, with dazzling bold colour.

“Popping on a pair of false lashes can instantly transform tired eyes and make them look brighter,” says Amanda Elias, facial Therapist and Bravura London founder.

“If you’ve never applied lashes then practise, practise, practise – five minutes before you’re due to leave is not the time to try for the first time.”

Glitter bug

You might be the devil of the office Christmas do, but ensure your face says otherwise. Strategically placed highlighter can give you a wide-eyed innocent look and lift your cheekbones to rival supermodel Kate Moss.

Make-up artist Rae Morris says: “The golden rule of highlighting is that the colour you choose must be the same as your skin tone or lighter, and must always have a shiny or shimmery finish.”

Use a gold metallic cream or pencil in the inner corners of your eye, under the brows and on cheekbones to illuminate your face under the disco ball.

Seasonal smokey

Leave the rosy cheeks to Santa and the red nose to Rudolph this festive season.

“Alcohol makes skin look red or flushed, and regular consumption can permanently enlarge small peripheral veins, causing thread veins,” explains Tamra Compton, global education director at Pur Minerals.

“A colour correcting primer can help instantly brighten the skin’s appearance, while offsetting the look of redness from breakouts, sensitivity or irritation.”

Smokers and party hoppers beware, as you may be especially prone to redness if you frequently go from inside to outside during the night. Temperature extremes can cause skin vessels to contract causing red flare-ups.