We have to admit that while this month is doing wonders for our social lives it’s playing havoc with our beauty regime.  Too much partying, not enough nutrients – mince pies, mulled wine and big festive red cup lattes contain none of your five a day and more than your recommended daily allowance of everything bad – and all part and parcel of the holdays.  But rather than be antisocial or celebrate the festive season with water and carrot sticks we’ve decided to fake it.  Here are three of our best seasonal beauty tricks.

Estee Lauder Spotlight Skintone Perfector, £25, House of Fraser

This sheer lotion is designed to make you look healthy and glowing so even after Christmas Eve’s frivolity you can face the family on Christmas Day looking rested and serene.  Apart from the one-off effect this product has the added benefit of working over time to give you even more of a glow with its high dosage of anti-oxidants.

Charles Worthington mineral hair rescue, £5.49, Boots

We might not have time to get to the salon for a full makeover but we’ve got 15 minutes to give our hair a little TLC.  Charles Worthington’s mineral hair rescue is a bargain at £5.49 and, when combined with a hot towel treatment – directions: take one towel, heat it, wrap it on head – this is a real treat for your tresses.

This Works Tired Eye Serum, £30, Boots

One of the most obvious signs of a late night or a series of late nights is of course the tell-tale dark circles under the eyes.   Sleep and plenty of water are one way of battling the dreaded dark eye but if that’s not an option we’ve found something which is almost as good. 

Bobby Brown, Treatment Lip Shine, £17, House of Fraser

While winter has its obvious high points, few will avoid the dreaded cold particularly as our immune systems get a bit of a battering at the hands of the parties and if, like us, your body sees a holiday coming and says – aha, that’ll be my cue to get ill now – chapped lips are a given so a moisturising lipstick that stays put without drying out is a must.  We love Bobby Brown’s Treatment lip shine, lipstick which doubles up as a moisturiser for lips.