Oh, dear, you've only days to the big party, your dress is a tight squeeze and your skin is a disaster.

But don't despair, there are some things that you can do and we don't mean starving or emergency plastic surgery!

Drink plenty of water. Oddly, this will help with the water retention which can add inches to your body, by making your kidneys work harder. It will also flush toxins from your body to make your skin glow.

Ban coffee and tea for 48 hours. Caffeine, which is in both, can make you look bloated.

Try a body wrap. Tight bandages are wrapped round your body to force toxins out of fat cells and into your bloodstream, where they can be disposed of.

Several hosiery manufacturers now make slimming tights, costing from £4, to make your legs look longer and sleeker.

Increase the amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet, and avoid fat. Even though you only have a few days, you can speed up your digestive system to look sleeker and improve your skin.

Have a professional facial, or get a friend round and do one on each other. Afterwards, your skin will feel soft and supple.

Use a body brush or loofah to exfoliate your skin after you've been in the shower or the bath.

How long is it since you cleared out your make-up bag? Splash out on yourself and try some of the new colours and fabulous glittery eyeshadows which are on sale at the moment.

Relax. Christmas can be a stressful time, and this shows. Make sure you get plenty of sleep after all, once the parties start, you'll need to be stocked up! Put on a glow with Ultima II's Glowtion body moisturiser, which contains a hint of shimmering colour to make the most of your skin.