You didn’t think party season was all about the clothes, did you?

Well, for the lipstick-loving amongst us, it’s a well know fact that the presence of a beauty bag filled with products worthy of face decoration is just as important as that Stella McCartney dress and those Nicholas Kirkwood (sample sale, cos’ we’re savvy like that) heels.

So, to put to rest any party make-up bugbears you may have, we’ve picked out our top five essential beauty buys that’ll transform you into the belle of the festive ball in no time!

Here what we’re loving and why we’re loving it…

Classic red lipstick

Just like the Chanel 2.55, YSL’s Le Smoking Tuxedo, and well, Pat Butcher’s ear chandeliers, any beauty enthusiast worth their bronzer will know red lipstick is an absolute must-have. Ideal for adding a jolt of colour to an all-noir evening ensemble; make the perfect Parisian pout in Chanel Rouge Allure.

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Coromandel , £25, available at Selfridges

Firm hold hairspray

Want hair of Cheryl (Cole) proportions, but end up with tresses as flat as Jen Aniston’s? A firm hold hairspray will be the answer to your anti-humidity prayers when it comes to attending those crowded It parties. We love the hair-protecting and environmental friendly qualities Aveda Control Force hairspray offers.

Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray, £18.50, available at John Lewis

Statement false lashes

Done with lazy lashes? Un-PC eyes are the way to make a statement at your next soirée, especially if you’re not sporting a head turning dress. Snap up these Illamasqua false lashes and flutter those eyes to your hearts content!

Illamasqua False Eye Lashes (Lash 17), £12, available at Asos

Hydrating facial mist

Late nights, countless cocktails and a canapé diet can really parch skin, but it won’t stop us enjoying the culinary delights the festive period has to offer! A cheats way to a healthy, 8-hour-sleep glow is a spritz of hydrating facial mist that’ll help keep make-up fresh and replace moisture. Benefit offers the perfect pick me up.

Benefit Ultra Radiance Facial Re-Hydrating Mist, £19.50, available at House of Fraser