With all the Xmas parties coming up and the Secret Santa faffing around drawing closer, it’s a wonder that people do not take leave from work for the sheer mental exhaustion of it all.

This Christmas, make life easier for yourself by grabbing a makeup kit.

Take a good look around and sample the features of the kit before committing.

Clinique - Best of Clinique 2009: Containing best sellers for 2009, this kit offers a little bit of everything (Deep comfort Body Moisturiser, Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad, Clinique Happy perfume) to keep you refreshed on a night out and perfect if you’ve had to stay out all night long; £125.00.

Nars - Palette 9941: Nars always have a way of making women stop, look and smile. With a range of cute palettes that coordinate colours for the eyes, the lips and the cheeks in warm sultry shades ready to warm you up this Winter, packaged in a sleek case; £53.00.

Guerlain - Volga Princess Palette: This beautiful petite eye and lip palette is so chic and classy; the Russian theme will make you feel a touch of regal. The eye shadows have a true pigment, with non-sticky glosses for long lasting plump lips; £48.00.

Estee Lauders 2009 Makeup artist colour collection kit is an excellent set, which provides a 15 eye shadow palette, eye liners and a glitzy gold bag to dress up any outfit. You cannot get much better than that! Available for £49 - with any fragrance purchase.

Bobbi Brown - Chrome Palette: It’s a wonder Bobbi are on top of their game, the amount of limited edition products the brand produces. This winter do not miss out on the Chrome Palette - a sexy fusion on monochrome eye shadows with bare and nude lip colours with a lip and eye brush; £59.00 - if you miss this, try to grab the Earth Metal palette (Just as gorgeous); £48.00.

So there you have it. Why pack up your clutch bag with single items, when you can have all your needs compact in a cute palette? Before you take your kit off, put your makeup kit on!

By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.