The party season can be cruel. Forget the hangovers and heartbreak that can pop up; I'm speaking on a purely superficial level.

I am naturally pasty white and my skin and hair can get oh so dry when it’s cold out. My cuticles? I don’t even know why I bother with manicures in December. The weather just makes me want to curl up, forget exercise and fill my belly with carbs and dairy. So the fact that this is also the time of year for one party after another makes looking presentable that much tougher.

Thankfully as a person obsessed with knowing the best products for the job I am constantly trying things to help a girl get her glow on during the holidays – or any time of year. Don’t expect any miracles of course, but here is my latest list of beauty must haves:

1. Nuxe – multi usage Dry Oil: ($35.00) This gem is one of my all time favourite primping products. It’s extremely moisturizing, quick drying and has a bit of a shimmer (but not too much). Combine it with tinted body moisturizer for a healthy looking body glow. You can use it on your face and it’s even light enough to use in your hair.

2. Crest white strips: (starting at $29.99) In addition to a bit of a tan the next best way to give your look some oomph is to whiten your teeth. No need to spend the money to sit in a dentist’s chair, white strips show a difference in a matter of days and are quick and easy to use.

3. Kiehl’s Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish: ($39.99) A long hot shower and a good scrub down with this exfoliating elixir will leave your skin primed to absorb moisturizer. The final result is smoother then smooth.

4. Pantene Advanced Keratin Repair Shampoo, Conditioner and Split End Fuser: (starting at $7.99) Anyone who’s addicted to hair colour, a blowdryer or a flat iron knows the price we pay is hair like hay in winter. I noticed an improvement after just one use of this system.

5. Clarisonic: (starting at $139.00) Cleanses better than anything else I’ve tried. Pores look smaller. Skin looks more even. How I ever survived without this is beyond me.

6. YSL Touche Eclat Foundation: ($62) Creates an even, dewy complexion without looking oily. A little goes a long way. A make up artist once taught me the importance of using a make up sponge for even application. A great tip.

7. Beauty Blender make up sponge: ($26.00) It will make all the difference for creating a professional, polished makeup application. And it’s washable.

8. MAC Haute & Naughty Mascara: ($21.00) Two mascara’s in one. You can either go for a more natural look or the full va va voom. Personally I prefer the smaller brush as it allows for precision work. Plus I think we’ve all gone crazy with long eyelashes painted with a triple coat of tar like black.

9. Premier Nail Beautifying system: ($39.99) These products claim to have “captured the nutrients” of the mineral rich Dead Sea, which is believed to have extensive healing and rejuvenating powers (I’ve been there and I tend to agree). I don’t know what it is about these products but they work better than others I’ve tried in their class. Especially the nail buffer. It’s a great system for maintenance and for when you don’t have time for a manicure.

10. Fisherman’s Friends: ($2.29) With all that close talking you’ll be doing as you work the party circuit you really, really don’t want stale breath. And even if you’re a regular brusher and flosser (everyone, please floss! It plays a role in your breath not to mention your overall health). Even though this is technically a lozenge it is also a very effective breath mint. Stock up.

I’m always looking for new products to try so please send me your recommendations!