The Christmas season is finally upon us, and it’s time to get out your best red-hot pucker lipstick, lush show-stopper lashes and sparkly eye shadow, so you’re ready for the festivities ahead.

This time of year can be crammed full with evening revelry, which gives you licence to be a little more adventurous with your make-up and hair looks, so that you razzle dazzle at every opportunity.

If you’re anything like me, though, the thought of moving away from the cosy sofa and warm fire to venture out into the cold and dark for yet another work do or family gathering can be a tad stressful and not so jolly.

But I think once you look and feel a million dollars, that takes the edge off. Certainly, once you have a glass of bubbles in your hand, you’re away.

So this month I want to share some easy make-up and hair party tips to set you on your merry way.

Give it a lash

Semi-permanent mink lash extensions (about €120 from your local salon) last four weeks and give a fluttery glamour to your face. They are simply applied to the top lid. You can ask the beautician to go “semi-glam”, using short extensions to give your own lashes a thickening effect, or “all-out glam” with longer-length lashes and flicks at the sides of your eyes. No need for mascara and very Marilyn Monroe, darling!

Lashaholic are another semi-permanent lash that I use (approximately €35 from your local salon). These will last two weeks if minded properly. I do wear mascara over these, so when removing your make-up, don’t rub at the eyes, but cleanse with gentle sweeps.

If neither of these appeal, however, having your lashes tinted blue/black will really lengthen the lash and open up your eyes in a natural way. The tint lasts a few weeks.

Let it glow

If you are going to don your best party frock, a sunkissed tan will give you a subtle radiance and also help hide any blemishes. L’Oréal Sublime Bronze One Day Glow is a great shimmery body moisturiser (stockists include www.boots.ie at €14.99).

For a quick, easy-to-apply natural tan, I love NO 7 Perfectly Bronzed Quick Dry Tinted Lotion from Boots (€17.50). This lotion glides on easily and gives you a natural glow without getting hot and bothered – but remember to always wash your hands after use.

I also love getting my spray tan done in the beauty salon, which can cost approximately €20 for an application.

My favourite is the He-Shi spray tan, which blends to your skin tone easily and develops in just a few hours, so if you are off to a party that night, you can get your tan done that lunch time, shower it off in the evening and look bronze-tastic for your event. Visit www.he-shi.eu/stockist-locator to find the closest He-Shi salon to you.

Nail it

My pet hate is chipped nail polish on finger and toe nails. If you fancy slightly longer nails for the party season, why not treat yourself to a set of gel nails (approximately €40 in your local salon).

CND Gel Nails are nail tips applied to your own nails, with a gel coating painted and set over the top with a colour or French manicure. These nail tips last two to four weeks.

Alternatively, Penneys has a fun range of PS Stiletto stick-on fake nails, which will look great for the night (at €1.50). Essence, also available from Penneys as well as selected pharmacies nationwide, makes a gel nail polish (RRP €1.80) that is quick-drying and will last a few days, with super bold colours and a really high finish.

Hair spray

Why not treat yourself to some highlights to brighten up your winter hair colour? A half-head of highlights with a full-bodied blow-dry will cost approximately €65, and having colour in your hair really can lift your skin tone and brighten up your face.

But even a wash and blow dry before a night out can lift your spirits. I use the Velcro rollers from Boots (approximately €6 per pack) to jazz up my hair after I have blow dried it.

I pop the rollers in once my hair is totally dry and still warm from the hairdryer and then lash on my make-up. The rollers give hair lift and volume.

I also adore wearing faux clip-in hair pieces to add volume and glamour to my fine hair. I wear the sassy synthetic clip-in pony tails and buns regularly, and they are so quick and easy to apply.

Hair Spray is an Irish-owned hair-extension company, and I love their shop in Wicklow St, Dublin (there are a few outlets in Dublin, and a new store in Cork). The friendly staff are brilliant at helping you match up the right colour and style hair pieces to add a bit of extra “wowzer” to your regular style. You can also purchase Hairspray products online at www.hairspray.ie.

Making faces

Why not treat yourself and get your make-up done at your local salon for your special Christmas party? Book well in advance, though, as they do get very busy at Christmas time.

It should take no more than 30 minutes to have full make-up applied with/without fake lashes and your look will last all night long. Prices will vary, but it should cost approximately €35 for make-up with lashes.

My advice is to get your hair done first and then your make-up. Make sure you wear a top that is easy to get off, as you don’t want to spoil your hairdo and make-up trying to get it over your head.

All that’s left to do then is slip on your party clothes and you’re good to go!

Wishing all my lovely readers a very merry and safe Christmas and a healthy and happy 2017. CL