Few of us have the luxury of popping home after work to prep for a big night out, especially now the social calendar is in overdrive. Cue jostling for every inch of mirror space in the ladies’, or making up your face ‘al desko’ in front of your colleagues. The good news? We have a few tips for a speedier transformation.

Make-up artist Lee Pycroft, who has painted some serious talent (including Anne Hathaway and Sienna Miller) knows a thing or two about A-list glamour. “Glitter, gold accents and velvet lips are the biggest trends this season. Highlight the lid or lash line with a gold or glitter eyeliner, and add 3⁄4-length false lashes for an extra flick. These are easy to apply using tweezers and a magnifying mirror. Tilt your head back and drop them on for a quick, dramatic look.

“Velvet textures, like Lisa Eldridge Plush True Velvet lipstick, look alluring and chic without being glossy or obvious, and blue- red tones are really flattering. I also use Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayons, as they stay put all night – and beyond.”

YOU’D BETTER NOT CRY…

But what if you’ve had a bit too much fun and slept in your make-up? No biggie, but
it isn’t going to do your skin any favours – especially with the season’s cocktail of late nights, liquid suppers, rich canapés and deadlines. Thankfully, Lee has a solution. “Skin absorbs more product at night, which is why we wear night creams. If you’re wearing an oil-based foundation to bed, double cleanse in the morning with a Clarisonic or Foreo device to exfoliate and buff the skin. Apply a sheet mask if you have time, as low hydration results in lacklustre skin and grainy pores.”

Back on the tiles the following night? “Moisturise well and layer up with sheer foundations and light textures, like cream blush and eyeshadow. And choose a nourishing mascara, like Perricone MD’s 2-in-1 No Makeup Mascara which is kinder to lashes.” Back it up with Sisley’s Instant Glow Primer for a luminous make-up base. High on the shine wish list is Chanel’s Le Lion de Chanel Highlighting Powder that enhances brow and cheekbones with a golden glow. Or if there’s time, By Terry’s Palette Factory at Selfridges – a custom eye shadow experience – will leave you like a kid in a candy store.