Going out straight from work requires a certain amount of forward planning, but with the right kit and a little help from those in the know, you can perfect the transformation from desk to dance floor in less than twenty minutes.

Refresh and intensify
Cramped lavatories, limited mirror space and bad lighting often make applying make-up after work tricky. To avoid mishaps and save time it's best not to remove any make-up you're already wearing. 'First refresh your skin using a hydrating mist such as Mac Fix +, and reapply concealer. Then, you can just intensify the make-up you're already wearing by using the same products to add more contrast and definition.' Says Pablo Rodriguez, Senior Make-up Artist at MAC.

Quicky concealing
We can all look a bit tired and droopy-eyed after a hard day's work. Thank goodness for concealer! Rachel Wood, make-up artist at Benefit recommends dabbing a tiny amount of Benefit Erase Paste under the eyes to brighten and camouflage, followed by a touch of Ooh La Lift - a firming balm containing light reflecting pigments and cooling botanicals.

Lush lips without delay
For dramatic 40s-style lips Rodriguez suggests using a bright colour like MAC's Viva Glam I - 'a great matte brick red that suits all skin tones.' Forget lip liner. Simply prime the lips with a plumping gel and follow with a slick of lippy. Blot with a tissue and reapply.

Split-second smoky eyes
Smoky eyes are easy to achieve under pressure, since the look doesn't demand too much precision. Use a good quality eye shadow brush to blend a dark graphite or grey cream eye shadow just above and below the eye socket for sultry-eyed style.

Time-saving big hair
Celebrity stylist and Herbal Essences expert Ben Cooke advocates using the hand dryer in the powder room to give your hair a boost of extra volume. 'Flip your head upside down and blast with warm air. Stay upside down while hair cools to let it set and then flip head back, Use a flexible hold hairspray to help set your look.'

Celebrity smile short cut
For a dazzlingly white smile apply a coat of Pearl Drops Instant White - a brush-on minty tasting, temporary tooth veneer that makes your teeth look white straight away. It will last for up to six hours, but do reapply after eating or drinking.

Instant body glow
To give arms, legs and decolletage a subtle shimmer apply The Sanctuary's Bidadari Shimmering Body Oil containing sweet almond oil and moisturising coconut oil to hydrate and smooth the skin.

Tan top-up
Alternatively, if you're in need of an instant tan top up invest in Dior's Bronze Poudre de Soleil. A spray-on mess free powder tan that takes seconds to apply and is easy to wash off.

Plan ahead
Tidy brows are the key to good grooming. Book yourself a re-shape at least a couple of days before the big night. Check out Benefit's new walk-in Brow bars for a professional wax and tweeze.

The night before the event, make sure you've got everything you need in your bag. If you plan to change into a dress, pack a hanger so you can hang it on the office coat rack and avoid crinkles. Pick out any jewellery, accessories and make-up you may need and pack them carefully.

If you plan to wear strappy sandals, make time to paint your toenails or book a mani-pedi a day or so in advance.

If time and money allow there's nothing to stop you cheating on the day. Book yourself a lunchtime blow-dry at a nearby salon. Freshly quoiffed hair will really make the difference between well-groomed and glamorous.

Bag it up
Ditch the day bag and opt for an oh-so-now clutch. There's not much room in these chic little night bags, but luckily there's some clever make-up compacts that will slide inside for those essential touch-ups. We like:

• Laura Geller's Emerald Bejewelled Collection at QVC £20.50
  Four sultry colours suitable for lips and eyes together with double-ended lip and eye brush and mirror.


• Models Prefer Crown Jewels Ring Charm Compact a at QVC £15.00
  A totally blinging bit of kit with a faceted ebony-look stone and eight sparkling clear stones containing two emollient-enriched lip glosses.


• Justine Case by Benefit £22.50
  Contains four of their hero products for eyes and skin. Benetint for flushed cheeks, Some Kind of Gorgeous foundation, Eye Con for reviving tired eyes and California Kissing lip gloss for a gorgeous pout.

Don't sweat it
Obvious as it might sound, it's easy to forget things when you're in a hurry to get out and hit the town. Remember to keep some deo-wipes handy in your office drawer to freshen up under arms.

Quick spritz
Lastly, give yourself a quick spritz of your favourite scent and you're good to go.