Imagine it's New Year's eve, you knock off from work and you are rushing off for the first of the string of appointments you've got lined up for the evening of celebrations. Thing is, you want to look party-perfect for the appropriate occasions at the right time, for the right crowd - and not at the office where you certainly don't want your shimmery make-up to stand out like ornaments on a Christmas tree or be mistaken for a party hostess hired to usher in the New Year.

There are some things you might want your make-up to do for you, bearing in mind your need for speed and the marathon night you are going to have on the eve of New Year's:

- Quick and smart application for touch-ups and/or added glamour effect.

- Be lasting and not melt your face down as you party into the wee hours of the morning.

- Feel light and easy on your face if you stay out for extended hours (more than the 12 hours in a day).

It's time to arm yourself with some party-friendly make-up. We give you the low down on some nifty cosmetics that will do just the magic if you only have 10 minutes to doll up.

FACE

Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector

A pinky-beige complexion base with pearly gold reflections, this limited edition liquid foundation from Clarins helps to even skin tone and reduce visible lines and imperfections. When applied to skin, the luminous layer is light, yet provides adequate coverage, allowing skin to breathe throughout the day. It slides on smoothly when blended and does not have sticky after-feel.

We recommend that you apply this base in the morning along with your powders. Although, it shimmers, the effect is subtle and will not be too over-the-top for the office look. Plus, the application has a pleasant perfumed scent which will probably keep you feeling and smelling like a fresh bouquet of flowers throughout the day.

NAILS

Sally Hansen Insta-dri Nail Colour

Who says you got to forfeit nail perfection or leave it to the last when you have instant dry nail polish these days.

Sally Hansen's new innovation lets you get some colour to pimp up dull-looking nails in a fuss-free manner. Each bottle features the Perfectionist Brush, which paints quickly and evenly in just one stroke of the thicker-than-usual brush width. The nail polish formula dries in just under three minutes, so you can apply it even while you are multi-tasking with make-up. (You can run your fingers under a hand dryer to cut time by half!)

The new range, which comes in 12 striking colours, lets your nails - and lungs- breathe easy, as one coat of enamel suffices. It has a glossy finish, which means you do not have to spend hours at a nail bar for three coats just to achieve the same effect.

Available at Watsons, Guardian, BHG, Robinsons or John Little for $12.90.

EYES

Clarins Gold Attraction Eye Quartet & Liner Palette

The eye quartet comes in a harmony of iridescent, matte and satin shades. Two neat applicators that come in the luxurious gold case will help you blend with precision. The double-ended applicator for eye shades: silvery pink as base colour, chestnut and/or sparkling brown on the top lids and pearly yellow-gold in touches of light. The other, with slanted tip, is perfect for delicately lining eye with dark chocolate eyeliner.

Anna Sui Glitter Colour

For ooh-la-la finish, sweep this glitter colour across the upper eyelid over your eyeliner. While it gives a moist impression, the glitter dries quickly for the sparkling effect. Its water-based characteristics allows it to come off quite easily upon removal.

Avaiable at Isetan, Takashimaya and BHG Bugis for $35.

LASHES

Clarins Wonder Volume Mascara

The mascara, in Black Reflections (07), has a shimmery black shade that gives eyes a deep, smouldering intensity. You can reach your lashes at ends quite easily with a few slicks of the lengthy brush. The texture of the mascara is thick but not heavy. Because of that, it will not weigh your lids down like a tonne of bricks after a night-long of celebrations.

CHEEKS

Tsumori Chisato limited edition Planet Ribbon Palette

This limited edition collection, exclusively designed by Tsumori Chisato for Shu Uemura, is a compact which includes pressed eye shadow, cream eye shadow-liner and blush. It is the perfect solution for lazy girls - or practical chics, as some might argue - with its three-in-one offering. Most outstanding is the glow on peach-pink blush, which is the blush colour of the season - the peachier the better.

Available at ION Orchard boutique or Shu Uemura beauty counters in department stores. Retails at $133.

Clarins Gold Attraction Face Palette

For a little shimmery effect, you can opt for this soft beige powder. This palette pairs well with earthy or nude make-up choices, creating just the right amount of glow to the face by drawing light to the cheekbones with the gold glitz. What's wonderful is that it gives a matte finish when blended well to take the cake off the layers previously applied.

LIPS

Tsumori Chisato limited edition Rouge Unlimited Lipstick

The lip colour in Venus Pink is charming and flirtatious. The look will certainly stand out and leave a lasting impression with the opposite sex. And even as you appear in photographs during camwhoring moments, it will accentuate the perfect smile or pursed lips. For a more muted look, go for the shade of Jupiter Brown.

Available at ION Orchard boutique or Shu Uemura beauty counters in department stores. Retails at $45.

Anna Sui Mini Rouge

This is an accessory which serves two functions. Encased in a black rose, it opens up to a lip gloss that is available in natural or glitter colours. Simply apply with a small lip brush or use your fingertips. It also doubles up as a key chain so it is definitely something you want to have when you are on the go for whenever your lips need a moisture booster.

Avaiable at Isetan, Takashimaya and BHG Bugis for $33.