Approaching a makeup counter in a department store can be a daunting prospect. I have always felt that a speed dating approach might help. A list of criteria, nerves of steel and two minutes with each brand until you find the mascara of your dreams.

I was invited by John Lewis & Partners Leeds to experience their brilliant new concept, which is even better.

The Beauty Studio provides personal, independent and inspirational advice to help customers find the right products from John Lewis’ full range of beauty brands,  offering a chance to experiment and explore under expert guidance without having to move from their delightfully laid-back hub in the middle of the beauty hall.

The new service caters for every individual’s beauty needs. You can opt for The Beauty Fix – a 20 minute consultation offering help in finding the best products for you amongst the huge array across the hall; The Masterclass – an hour long group tutorial, where you can learn many a new technique; The Beauty Confidential – an hour long one-to-one to really get down to the nitty gritty of your beauty requirements.

I left the store on a grey autumn day with an enviable smoky eye, courtesy of my talented beauty expert, Olivia, and a bagful of sunshine in the form of some of these glorious must-have products for the party season.

NARS BRONZING POWDER  in LAGUNA
£30

A gorgeous diffused powder with golden shimmer to create an all-over warmth to the entire face in the most natural way.

BOBBI BROWN NIGHT DRAMA EYE PALETTE
£49.50
Exclusive to John Lewis & Partners and Bobbi Brown

An elegant mirrored palette featuring 12 beautiful matte, shimmer and metallic shadows to perfect your own smoky eye look.

MAC STROBE CREAM
£25

This radiance-boosting cream has been around for a while now and for good reason. It hydrates, freshens and boosts the look of tired skin in a flash.

URBAN DECAY NAKED SKIN WEIGHTLESS LIQUID FOUNDATION
£28.50

Lightweight and buildable with a demi-matte finish, this liquid makeup has really perked up my face- painting routine.

All products available at  John Lewis & Partners Leeds
johnlewis.com

THIRST QUENCHING

One of the most anticipated beauty launches in a long time. The skincare brand Drunk Elephant has long been on the radar of British beauty experts and there was a collective sigh of relief when UK availability was announced earlier this year.

Founded by Tiffany Masterson in New York, the range has been created with ingredients that directly benefit the skin or support the formulation and never include any of what the brand refers to as the Suspicious Six. Namely, essential oils, chemical sunscreens, fragrances or dyes, SLS, silicones and drying alcohol, which it believes are often at the root of most skin issues.

Great packaging too so it will look delightful in your bathroom whilst delivering the good stuff to your skin. It’s on my Christmas wish-list.

DRUNK ELEPHANT RESCUE PARTY KIT
£63

Available at Space NK and cultbeauty.co.uk