By Louise Emma Clarke
Founding Editor of The-Beauty-Pages.com

It’s been a while since I worked in an office – but when I did, the party season was my favourite time of year. I loved the sense of excitement as darkness fell and the girls in the office crowded in the communal bathrooms to do their makeup, climb into their party frocks, and step into their stilettos (not exactly the most glamorous changing room, but there was something really fun about getting ready on mass).

If there was one thing I learnt from those hurried and cramped pre-party moments, it was to keep the day to night transformation as simple as possible. Rather than caking on more foundation and slathering on extra coats of mascara, I streamlined my beauty routine to just a few key products – it’s all about enhancing your day time look, rather than creating a whole new one.

Here are the products that helped my transition from desk to dance floor…

1 – DRY SHAMPOO

Wear your hair pulled back into a loose ponytail during the day – and release it before you leave the office. Before brushing through, spray dry shampoo into the roots to boost the volume.  A complete hair transformation in a matter of seconds.

Try: Klorane Oatmilk Gentle Dry Shampoo, £7.20

2 – BRONZER OR BLUSHER

It’s amazing how a sweep of bronzer or blusher can instantly perk up the complexion by adding much-needed radiance. It’s quick and easy – and can be applied at your desk if mirror space is lacking in the ladies.

Try: Daniel Sandler Powder Bronzer, £22.50, or Givenchy Le Prisme Blush, £29.

3 – HIGHLIGHTER

The natural look is great for the office – but when you’re heading to a Christmas party, a little shimmer doesn’t go amiss. Keep it simple and classy, by applying a little liquid highlighter to each cheekbone to catch the light.

Try: Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer, £14.

4 – LIPSTICK

Bright lipstick might not go down too well in the boardroom, but it’s entirely appropriate for a party – and there are few easier ways to completely transform your look. Vivid bright colours are bang on trend this season and I will be rocking neon pink.

Try: DIOR Addict Lipstick Vibrant Colour Spectacular Shine in It Pink, £21.33.

5 – FRAGRANCE

Finally, no party look is complete without a spritz of perfume.  Treat yourself to a 30ml bottle to keep in your desk drawer and apply to pulse points before nights out – and if you have enough room in the ladies, spray a cloud of scent into the air and walk through to add a hint of fragrance to clothes and hair.

Buy: Prada Candy Eau de Parfum, £33 for 30ml.