The beauty spy: party perfect

Get ready for seasonal parties with these tips for ideal preening.

This morning I was delighted to hear my doorbell ring and have the lovely Aramex man deliver my Liz Earle Super Skin Concentrate. An aromatic blend of pure plant oils, this is a divine treat for thirsty skin. The packaging has also gone wonderfully festive, which reminds me that party season is only a few weeks away. But not to panic, there is time to look party perfect if you plan ahead.

Everyone needs a glow to kick off the seasonal festivities. That basically means addressing any areas of uneven pigmentation or dealing with breakouts. Hideous. Having a good base to work with means everything else is easy, so first head down to Cleopatra's Spa at Wafi and try their Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial. Of all the non-invasive treatments around to open blocked pores and smooth and brighten the skin, this may be one of the most effective.

I always have a "miracle worker" on standby for when social engagements are back-to-back and I need to stay fresh. Estée Lauder's new Nutritious Night Vita-Mineral Intense Nourishing Crème/Mask is packed with the anti-oxidant pomegranate, which leaves skin revitalised.

If you haven't managed to shed those last few unwanted pounds this year, try the Anti Cellulite Hip and Thigh Treatment at ESPA at the Yas Viceroy. It relieves water retention with a seaweed wrap, to shrink you to fit into your figure-hugging outfits. Applying Clarins Lift-Fermeté Crème Riche Régénérante (extra-firming body cream) on the nights up to a party will help skin feel tighter and target dimples. Get your limbs smooth with Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Treatment Scrub, and slather on the divine Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse oil before you get dressed. The oil will add a sparkly sheen to pale winter skin. I never leave the house - not even to go to the corner shop - without wearing my Spanx underwear. Making curves appear more wiggle than wobble, they cover a multitude of sins.

Forget a series of expensive blow dries this month. Instead, concentrate on getting your hair into excellent condition so you look glossy. If you don't have time to go to the salon, my little tip? Moroccan argan oil, a powerful vitamin-packed antioxidant from the southwest region of Morocco. When used as a hair treatment, it instantly penetrates to soften, strengthen and restore shine. All you do is wash your hair, then massage a few drops of the oil through your locks from root to tip, wrap your head in a towel, then relax in the heat of a bath while the oil works its magic. And voilà! A shiny, glossy mane that will make you the belle of the ball.

3 of the best

It's party season with these glamorous make-up palettes

BOBBI BROWN LIMITED EDITION CHOCOLATE & GOLD EYE PAINT PALETTE, DH270 Applied wet or dry, these gorgeous shades with a silky-smooth formula will ensure a perfect smoky eye.

ESTÉE LAUDER NEW PURE COLOR, FIVE COLOR EYESHADOW PALETTES IN FILM NOIR, DH262 Estée Lauder's eyeshadow experts have created an elegant gold compact of rich and enticing winter hues that are chic, appropriate and easy to wear.

BOURJOIS PARIS FANTASY CHRISTMAS COLLECTION IN REVELATION, DH80 A sea of colours that promise to even, shape, illuminate and highlight the eyes.

M loves

NEW ARRIVAL Cows have never been on our beauty radar - until we heard that the quintessentially English beauty brand Cowshed has arrived at Sisters Beauty Lounge in the UAE. We plan to indulge in such plant-based products with divine scents as Wild Cow Invigorating Bath & Shower Gel, Moody Cow Balancing Body Lotion and Lippy Cow Lip Balm. Plus, with spa treatments promised for early next year, heading to the cow shed never looked so good.

Cowshed products available from Sisters Beauty Lounge, Dubai Mall, 04 339 8500; Jumeirah Village Mall 04 344 2183; and elsewhere