Products containing glitters and shimmers are popular and it's worthwhile experimenting with some different eye looks to play up your inner vamp!

>> Try an illuminating foundation.

They are great for giving the skin a glow that may be lacking due to dehydration from central heating, cold weather and all the partying. Most brands make these foundation types but avoid those that contain glitter.

Glitter is a good thing, but not all over your face. I like the illuminating liquid foundation by Stila or Hyper Real by Mac.

>> The key to a long-lasting foundation is in the application.

First of all, use less moisturiser underneath. The majority of women use too much moisturiser so the foundation hasn't a hope of lasting as it is sitting on a layer of grease.

Apply the foundation with a brush for a sheer, even finish, starting at the centre of the face and blending outwards towards the hairline.

Apply concealer under the eyes to brighten them and to cover any blemishes that may be on the face.

Lastly, apply a sheer, silky powder over the entire face with a brush.

Powder is the essential step to your make-up lasting all night. Get one of the cute compacts that are around at this time of year and bring it in your bag to touch up.

>> When it comes to eyes, smoky eyes are always sexy for night time.

You don't have to use blacks, a smoky eye can be achieved with greens, bronzes, purples and greys for a lovely effect. Just remember to wear make-up that you feel comfortable in. If your make-up is wearing you, not the other way around, you will feel self-conscious.

It is very worthwhile to do course to find out once and for all what colours and products suit you.

>> To avoid looking over-done, try to emphasis one feature at a time. If you are doing a strong lip colour, keep the eyes neutral with lots of mascara. Conversely, if smoky eyes are your thing, keep the lips nude.

This keeps the look balanced and is much more sophisticated.

>> If you are going to experiment with glitter this season, keep it to one area of the face only. You don't want to look like a disco ball. Mac and Nars make some brilliant glitter eye liners that give a lovely flash of colour and sparkle.

>> Visit the make-up counters to see what their seasonal offerings are this year. The packaging is never cuter than at Christmas . . . just don't be swayed into buying colours that you will never wear just because it's in a pretty box.

www. boylanandbalfe. com FILMS Ryan Tubridy's favourite Christmas film There's only one for me that's the generalissimo of Christmas films and that's It's a Wonderful Life.

It's become a cliche, which is horrible but it wasn't always. In fact, it wasn't a success when it first come out but it became one because it was shown on Christmas every year; it's become a sort of selection box to me, as important as the tree or the cake and it's become part of the wallpaper.

It's as beautiful as it is grim and while it's seen as schmaltzy and mawkish, of course it's not.

It's about unfulfilled dreams and a small town boy suffocated by circumstances. Jimmy Stewart running down the street shouting "I want to live again Clarence" never fails to bring a tear to my eye, but not in a weeping in seven boxes of tissue kind of way. More of a 'You gotta ride again'. It's gorgeous and it's life-affirming and for me it's the only one.

GUESTS Joanne Byrne, Presence PR, on how to get rid of unwanted guests >> Always have the number of a local taxi company on hand. And don't feel embarrassed to use it if you have guests outstaying their welcome.

>> Blowing out all the candles, switching on all the lights and deciding to put on the dishwasher is subtle. . . albeit noisy! Take out the shake 'n' vac before beginning to hoover around your guests!

>> Nominate one friend who you know well enough to ask them to start moving people out of the house . . . all the better if he is big and broad . . . no one will argue with him.

>> Changing into your pjs and taking off your make-up is often a clear sign for those who can't seem to take the hint.

PARTY TRACKS DJ Mo Kelly on the tracks that will get any party started 1. Cut &Run 'Murder in Jam Rock' (Damien Marleys 'Welcome to Jamrock') Rework of a classic, never fails to get the dance floor moving, it's quite a hardcore track, but the vocal hook, means you can get away with it 2. Sharon Phillips 'Want to Need to' (Trentmoller Remix) Bloopy electro, great vocal, highly original. This track generates interest every time I play it 3.Gang Starr 'Full Clip' Classic old school hip hop, always puts me in a good mood everytime I hear it 4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs 'Gold Lion' Not a traditional party tune, but I love this song and this band.

Their Electric Picnic gig was brilliant 5. Peaches 'Shake Yer' (Tigas' Where Were You In '92 remix) Peaches AND Tiga, what else do you need! ? This sleazy electro punk coupling works really well, reminds me of great parties past