Illamasqua's stand-alone store in Soho offers make-up classes for beginners right up to professionals. In its backroom, where the classes take place, there are individual make-up stations equipped with light-up mirrors and tools for make-up artistry. I went along to its Night Time Diva course which is more about fun than serious learning. With a glass of champagne in one hand and a cupcake in the other David (our teacher for the session) took us through different ways to make-up eyes (shadow and lashes), cheeks (contour and blush) and lips.

Once he’d demonstrated the looks I was given free reign of the store's samples (I was like a kid in a sweet shop). Products selected and back at my station I tried to recreate some of the magic I had just been shown. 45 minutes later I left the store a little tipsy with a goody bag in hand, containing my favourite product and a party look to rival any I had attempted before - navy eyes, sculpted cheekbones and soft pink lips. Sadly I wasn't off to paint the town red, instead I was off to do my weekly supermarket shop. Don’t make my mistake book the class as a pre-party pitstop for you and the girls before Christmas.

Night Time Diva Course, including drinks, cupcakes and your free product, £50 for 2 hours. Illamasqua.com

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