Gold standard

5 April 2012

(Left to right) Nars gold eyeshadow, £15; Chanel nail colour, £15; Aquablush, £35
Above left:
Nars

Middle: Alternatively, keep make-up low-key and have fun with a new nail colour instead. Vernis Gold Shimmer from Chanel is spot-on for a Christmas bash. £15 (020 7493 3836).

Right: Highlight cheeks and eyes with Chantecaille's multi-use Aquablush in Brilliance. It gives a soft, glossy sheen. £35, at Fenwick (020 7629 9161).

STAR-BUYS

Right: Soothe and moisturise dry lips with Darphin Agedefying Lip Balm. £27 (0870 034 2556).

Far right: Nubo has just launched at Harrods.This handy set de voyage contains Cell Dynamic Day Performance (moisturiser), The Essence (a lightweight serum) and Overnight Recharge to rejuvenate the skin and boost cell turnover. £95 (020 7730 1234).

HOW TO CREATE SMOKY EYES

by Janine Bird, Prescriptives Head of Artistry

Start with a creamy eyeshadow base to give the depth and colour pick-up you need. Try Prescriptives Moonbeam Reflective Eye Color in Zodiac Beige.

Use a medium to deep tone of taupe or greyish brown across the whole eyelid. Dip into the eye colour with a blending brush, then apply under the lower lash line to create the illusion of a very soft shadow. Press rather than sweep to prevent it from falling on to the face.

Next, take a deep shade of coffee brown, such as Prescriptives Colorscope Eye Color in Mocha. Work from the outside corner into the crease.

With a small stiff brush, work the deep colour over the taupe, keeping close to the lower lash.

Using a large blending brush, work a matte highlighter (no shimmer) from the crease up to the brow. This will allow you take the deep tone and blend it effortlessly above the crease.

Finish with a chocolate brown eye pencil and a matching mascara.

Prescriptives: 0870 034 2566

The tools

(Left) Prescriptives
Moonbeam
Lash Envy

TRICK OR TREATMENT
Medical pedicure at Margaret Dabbs' foot clinic and nail spa

The promise Relax while getting your party feet prepped.

The process Every now and then you meet a therapist so talented you want everyone you know to make an appointment as soon as possible. Chiropodist Margaret Dabbs is one such therapist, and at long last she's opened a foot clinic in Marylebone Village. Her polish-free surgical pedicure will get your feet in order for the festive season (and last well into the new year).There are four foot treatment rooms - Margaret and her team can deal with any foot issue - and a nail spa offering anything from a quick file and polish to reflexology. After a scrubbing, scouring, clipping and preening, I couldn't wait to show off my feet.

The verdict You won't find a serious foot treatment that gives better results. My feet were soft and in excellent condition for weeks.

£125 for 45 minutes with Margaret Dabbs; from £45 for 35 minutes with a technician. 7 New Cavendish Street,W1 (020 7487 5510; www.margaretdabbs.co.uk).

Edited by Sophie Goodwin

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