It’s the time of year we all look forward to. Whether you’re young, mature or too busy to care, we all make an effort at Christmas.

This Christmas I am going abroad, so I want to make an extra special effort to look my best.

Makeup trend 2009 has seen black lipstick, illuminated eyes, some of the best palettes and collections but there is one more look in that everyone should have under their tree this Crimbo - gold eyes and chocolate lips!

The best way to play it is bold on the eyes - use your normal base eye shadow, all over (hopefully a cream long wear one so you don’t have to top up later). Then use your chosen gold all over the lid, just higher than the lid to elongate your lid shape.

Spikes recommend:
- Bobbi Brown’s chrome compact Sandstone Shimmer Brick £42. This wonder product is the perfect gift for your eyes and cheekbones, giving you a tinsel shimmer
- If you want to keep it real humble, grab yourself a GOSH Waterproof eye shadow in ‘love that gold’ £6.00. This wonderful stick glides over the eye and is virtually crease free.
- If you’re a bit of a eu natural chick and want to keep it understated, you can skip the eye shadow and line the corners of your eyes with a golden eye painting liner by Shu Uemera £20.

Pat on your chosen eye shadow for a stronger gilded finish and line the eyes with a chocolate brown liner.

Lips, glorious lips! My favourite piece of makeup is always a lippy! Now, choosing the right one can be a joy or a total nightmare.
This Christmas treat yourself to a carefree, slim line, sultry slice of chocolate! A beautiful rich one, without shimmer, full bodied colour and line it to emphasise its grandeur.

Spikes recommends:
- M.A.C has the great pro long wear formula, which will stay no matter how many mince pies or mulled wines you get through. Grab one in Betwixt £15.50.
- Bobbi Brown has a way of making your lips feel silky like a chocolate mousse. Indulge in Chocolate 15 £15.00, with lip liner in Dark Chocolate £13.50,
- SLEEK are a brand on the up! With True Colour lipstick Jaguar £3.70, you won’t be short of offers under the mistletoe… Line it with Blackberry £1.99.

You are literally glistening like a golden star. Your lips are a present in their own right, your friends and family will wonder how your lips escaped the chocolate box. Have a fantastic Christmas holiday!

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