Picture Perfect

Being a slightly vain, beauty product obsessed woman I admit that I like to look good in photos and while out with friends.... As we all do! Unfortunately sometimes the reality is not so pretty, especially after a few glasses of champagne and some rather enthusiastic moves on the dance floor. Not to mention other potentially damaging conditions such as unpredictable weather, hot nightclubs, smoke and general fatigue that accompanies such partying.

So what is a girl to do? The answer is be prepared. It takes a little bit of effort, and a few touch ups through the night but there's no reason why you can't look glamorous right through until the small hours of the morning, and in every photo that you're snapped in. You never know, you could end up on the A List, and you'll thank yourself if you've touched up your make up and look fantastic!

Before heading out

• Prepare your skin well and take your time applying your make up. Use a primer under your foundation to help it last the distance (MAC do a great one).

• Set your foundation with a translucent powder to keep shine at bay.

• Use a waterproof mascara to avoid smudging. There are also fantastic waterproof/long lasting eyeliners available which are excellent for a big night out.

• Use a bronzing powder on a big fluffy brush to give skin a healthy glow and to help prevent that white washed out look that can occur in photos (this is due to titanium dioxide which is used in cosmetics and is also a sunscreen).

• Give your hair a light spritz with a good hairspray, preferably one that protects against humidity. Spray hairspray on the palms of your hands and run over hair to smooth down fly aways.

The four things you should always have in your handbag

• Blotting papers or pressed powder

Use these to keep your complexion matte,especially forehead, nose and chin. Shine looks great on cheekbones and lips but not so great on your t-zone!

• Lip Gloss or Lipstick

Self explanatory really, with all that champagne swilling a girl has to keep her lips looking perfect. With gloss, less is more, even just a touch in the centre of your lips will look beautiful in photos. Too much and it can look like you're drooling. Not a good look ladies.

• Whitening eye drops

My secret weapon! The best way to instantly look fresh and awake. Great for the early hours of the morning when you're feeling a bit worse for wear.... There's also nothing worse than bloodshot eyes in photos. (If you wear contact lenses these aren't suitable while your lenses are in, so try a moisturising eye drop that's compatible with lenses instead, red eyes are often caused by dryness).

• A mini hairspray

Or at the very least, a comb or brush. A purse sized hairspray is great to help keep curls in, smooth down frizzy hair,and keep your style in place. Stashing a few bobby pins and a hair tie in your bag is a great idea too, that way you can tie your hair up if you get caught in the rain (or get too hot on the dance floor!).

• Additional extras (for those of us who like to be prepared for every situation)

Kohl eyeliner to touch up eye makeup, concealer to hide dark circles, a mini bottle of your favourite scent, a multi purpose product like Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream (can be used as a lip gloss,eye gloss, brow tamer, and so much more), blister plasters, and breath mints.

Pop all your touch up items into a little make up purse to keep them all in one easy to find place. With all these goodies you'll probably need to upgrade your clutch bag for something a little more substantial (That's right girls, another excuse to shop). Remember, a little effort goes a long way. While this may sound a touch high maintenance, there's nothing better than feeling and looking good when going out, and you'll be grateful for your extra effort the next day when you see the photos....

Happy partying ladies!