At this time of year you have to move like superwoman in her transforming telephone box (a.k.a. the office lavatories) to get to the evening's soirée - on time and looking gorgeous. Not always easy, but with the right bag of tricks it can be done in a flash...

Ideally, you'll be able to stash your cumbersome, file-filled boat of a handbag in the cloakroom and only take with you your petite, life-saving dinghy bag - big enough for all of your goodies but small enough so you don't knock the drinks over when you turn around.

It's best to take your standard "day" make-up and add a pinch of glitter, a dash of colour and hint of shine. But before you get to the good part, you must start any proper beauty session afresh with a quick cleanse followed by an essential moisturiser. Unless you want big, red spots in the morning, you don't need to be burying the day's dirt on your face. Cleansing wipes are an ideal way of wiping off the grime. Round off with your usual moisturiser.

Now, which Wonderwoman would be complete without her set of trusty tools to help her on her way? It might not be an invisible lassoo, but a brush set can assist your every make-up need. Having the right brushes will assure you aren't dabbing silver eye shadow on lips or vice-versa when you've forgotten which finger you were using.

So, regardless of the look you want to achieve for the night, from fifties Hollywood screen legend, to sixties sex kitten, seventies disco diva, or modern-day, drop-dead gorgeous, there are some basic guidelines you should watch for. You want your skin to have a light, powdery, luminous complexion with rosy cheeks and a healthy glow. For the eyes, a sultry, smoky something, set off with a bit of sparkle. And for the lips, it has to be red.

Handy hint
Now's the time to dig out those free trial sizes and samples you get as gifts from cosmetic companies. The colours were made for "outings" and the size will fit perfectly into your party bag.

For some, layers of shadows and red lips are a bit too much, but once those lights are dimmed, the depth of colour will give you a whole new dimension of glamour. After you've concealed any bags and perfected your foundation, start with your eyes. First apply a light creamy shade from the crease to the brow. From there, gradually apply darker colours downwards and outwards to the lash line. Use a coloured shade between the crease and the eyelashes and then either a dark liner (try wetting a tiny brush and using the colour as before, but as a liner- this is easier than trying to use a liquid liner) or a light white or silver pencil liner to open up the eyes . Once you've put your eye colours in place, it's time to highlight.

This is where you can dazzle 'em on the razzle. Use glitter to line your eyes or focus on the outside edges. Remember that subtle is sexy and if you choose cooler silver or warmer gold, stick with one or the other but not both. Your other highlights come in the form of luminescent face shimmers, powders and blushers. After the tiny specs of light have landed in their place, apply your mascara, paying special attention to lengthening the ends of the lashes.

For your perfect party pout there are two good colour routes to follow. One is to choose a shade of red that suits your skin tone. The other is to create your own by blending. Apply, blot and reapply. Mwah! You're gorgeous.

Spritz on your favourite perfume and all that's left to do is kiss your daytime look goodbye, slip into your stilettos and dash out the door to dance the night away.