I have in the past been guilty of trying to be low-maintenance on a night out. But having a ‘kit’ that consists of a solitary tissue in your coat pocket can backfire at 1am when photos start appearing on Facebook. And you’re the one with the haystack hair and ghostly tequila face, while your girlfriends are all dewy cheeks and glossy lips.

This year, get your iPhones at the ready, because I’ve got some handbag essentials that will not only squeeze into the smallest of clutches, but they will transform you from cocktail casualty to Her Imperial Hotness in one quick trip to the Ladies.

Shine is great if it’s on your hair – but not your face. Paul & Joe’s Blotting Paper (£10.50) comes in a cute mirror compact, and a couple of dabs on your forehead will stop it looking like the star of Bethlehem in any snaps.

Next is the inevitable ‘tired eye’ look, which usually hits about 9pm – or earlier if you’ve (erroneously) chosen red wine as your drink of the evening. Perricone’s No Concealer Concealer (£37) comes in a teeny pump dispenser and has a way of blurring lines and brightening shadows, without being too cakey. And because you pat it on, it doesn’t mess up existing makeup.

Blusher is such an instant boost to complexions, especially when the dim lights of the bar wash you out. I pop this teeny tube of Illuminare Perfect Colour Blush (£14.95) in my bag. It’s designed to mimic the colour of a natural blush, and is super-moist and really easy to smooth on in the loos.

While you’re at the mirror, dig out a dinky pot of Natio Lip Butter (£7). I love the way that these have a hint of peppermint, the perfect antidote to gin breath, and the colours are so pretty. Great for moisturising cracked winter lips, too.

And finally, that hair of yours. You might think there’s not much you can squeeze in a handbag that will save you from looking like the only person in the photo with a poodle on her head but try this fabulous mini from Lush – Shine So Bright (£4.50). It’s a hair balm that smells gorgeously coconutty, and a quick tease through your locks will smooth them down, leaving you ready for your close-up. Tag me all you want, I’m ready…

Click here to see StyleNest’s roundup of the best office to party makeup.