Get glam ..in an instant; If you want to look amazing for your big night out but simply don't have the time to spend hours preparing, try our pick of the best fakes and fix-its to get you gorgeous in no time.

Byline: Madeline Crisp

Instant hair

Who can forget Katie Holmes' recent transformation when she appeared on the red carpet with her instant gorgeous long locks - returning the following day to her usual short bob? Katie cheated her way to high glamour with clever clip-in hair wefts.

To cause a stir and copy her, the best I've found are BaByliss Styleable Clip-In Extensions, pounds 30 (eight shades, exclusive to Boots).

Made from silky synthetic fibre hair that can even be styled with heated appliances, each pack includes two complete hair-pieces plus a tail comb and sectioning clips so you can easily attach them and blend them into your natural hair.

Stick-on nail colour

In the past, stick-on nails have been fiddly and often "ping" off at the most awkward moments.

These new Incoco Dry Nail Appliques, pounds 5.99 (larger Boots) are completely different.

A flexible coat of polish that comes on a strip, you simply smooth one on to the nail and buff the edges. They take just a few minutes to apply and require no top or base coat.

There are limited shades at the moment but they look impressively glossy and last well over a week.

Spray-on tan

If you've had a lastminute invite and haven't had time for your usual fake tan, try instant spray-on colour. One of the most glamorous is Fake Bake Faux Glo Instant One Day, pounds 10.95 (selected John Lewis, Selfridges, Debenhams, Harvey Nichols & Fenwicks.)

This convenient fast- drying aerosol gives an instant natural colour with a slight shimmer for a quick fix that is transfer resistant and can be washed off at the end of the night. Brilliant on legs, it evens out irregular skin tone and works consistently at any angle (even upside down).

Flash lashes

Take your lashes to a whole new level with Divaderme Lash Extender, pounds 24, (stockists 0115 966 3796 www.idealbeautyproducts.com) for a false lash effect without the hassle.

This clever formula that you use with your usual mascara instantly lengthens, adds volume and strengthens lashes. Fortified with vitamin E, its tiny fibres cling to your mascara to give the look of falsies. To use, place a mirror so that you can look down into it, then put on a coat of mascara.

While it's still wet apply the Lash Extender from roots to tips with a rolling motion, until you achieve the length and thickness required. To seal in place, apply one or two more coats of mascara. If you have any stray fibres a small brush is included in the kit to wipe them away and you can remove at night with your usual cleanser.

Wrap star

You can't beat Universal Contour Wrap Treatments, from pounds 65 (salons nationwide 0845 094 9460) for instant inch-loss.

They are so confident you'll see a result that if you don't lose at least six inches with your first one, you won't be charged.

The wraps are a red carpet secret and therapists did treatments at the Oscars to help many A-listers slip more easily into their couture gowns.

The treatment involves being tightly wrapped in elasticised bandages that are pre-soaked in a warm, mineral-rich clay solution to draw out toxins.

Afterwards, your skin will be softer and you'll be noticeably toned and slimmer. It only lasts a few days but, for a special occasion, it can't be beaten.

Fast mask

A vitamin-enriched face mask is a celebrity make-up artist's secret weapon for boosting tired skin.

There are some pricey ones on the shelves but a great bargain buy is Garnier Skin Naturals Stop Peel Off Mask, pounds 1.29 (two applications sachet).

An instant radiance boost for skin that is dull and lacking glow, the peeloff mask with vitamins A and C gently removes impurities and dead skin cells to reveal a brighter complexion.

Glow for it

Palettes often contain a few good shades and lots you never use but this Jelly Pong Pong Wake Up Make Up Palette, pounds 18 (launches this month www.jellypongpong.com/0845 224 8945) is really useful for your entire complexion.

The kit includes an Eye Brightener for dark circles and a Face Brightener infused with candelilla wax and beeswax. There is also eyebrow powders, mini-tweezers and a brow brush.