As the party circuit begins, a new beauty challenge emerges: how to feel refreshed and glamorous when heading straight to an event from work (or shopping or running errands). Los Angeles-based makeup artist Marietta Carter-Narcisse says it takes less than 10 minutes to start feeling beautiful. Here are some of her suggestions -- along with a few of our own.

Refresh. Spray your face with a concoction of water and essential oils to freshen up. Try Caudalíe Eau de Raisin Mist ($12) for dry skin or Zia Balancing Elixir ($17) for oily skin. Or make your own spray with bottled water and a few drops each of lavender and rose essential oils, two great stress relievers.

Touch up. Sponge a lightweight powder-cream foundation just over the areas where you most need it, usually under the eyes and around the nose. Try Neutrogena Healthy Skin Cream Powder Makeup ($11) or Vincent Longo Water Canvas ($45).

Intensify eyes. Using a fine-tipped brush, trace the outer half of your upper and lower eyes with a dark smoky gray eye shadow, then smudge the line with your finger. Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Pallor ($15) is an iridescent gray hue with a mauve sheen.

See red. If dramatic eyes aren't your style, go for bold red lips. First, line your lips with a pencil that matches your natural lip color, then use a lip brush to apply the red lipstick of your choice. We love Almay's new Lip Vitality Smoothing Lipcolor in number 32; it's a classic red that features the age-fighting ingredient kinetin, nourishing vitamins, and SPF 15 ($8.75).

Spritz. For instant allure, hit the insides of your wrists and your neck with a festive fragrance. Some of this season's best picks: Calvin Klein Sheer Obsession ($38), a light, spicy scent reminiscent of the Orient; the new, eponymous Gucci ($65), a sensuous, modern floral; and Ralph Lauren Glamourous ($52.50), a romantic fragrance that leaves a slight sheen on your skin .

Polish. Top off your refined holiday look with a coat of fast-drying nail enamel in a holiday shade, like L'Oreal Jet-Set Quick Dry Nail Enamel in Fleeting, a rich red ($5).