With Halloween now a memory and TV schedules full of adverts for pre-Christmas sales, it's time once again to start planning your smokey eye make-up.

While in the past the work Christmas party might have been a small affair, involving little more than having a few drinks with colleagues in the office, these days it's yet another excuse to get glammed up.

Fortunately, breaking away from your nine-to-five look and wowing your workmates has never been easier, not least when it comes to choosing the right make-up for the party season.

Above all, one Edinburgh-based beauty expert advises, you should realise that Christmas is no time to play your make-up down.

Instead, it's all about the glitz and the glamour.

Speaking to the national broadcaster STV, beauty consultant Sam Grieve explains: "Christmas is a time to shine, and this style is focused around a strong, glittery eye, which will make your peepers pop, giving you a truly stunning look."

In particular, she advises opting for purple, noting that not only can this add a little festive cheer to any look, it may also help make the whites of your eyes look brighter still.

That said, she adds that you should always remember to blend your make-up into the rest of your face and, if you're plumping for purple eyes, then consider choosing a neutral lip colour, for example either pink or peach-toned lipstick.

To make sure your foundation is perfectly suited to your colouring, why not try one of Sleek's tester kits? That way you can decide which shade is best for you.

These festive tips come soon after make-up artists Sarah Brook advised on the importance of perfect foundation, particularly for brides.

According to the expert, no matter what gown she opts for, every bride should aim for a "flawless, radiant and natural looking complexion", even if you're thinking of getting hitched over the Christmas period.