WHO needs a glitzy party dress and one-wear wonder heels for the party season? Metallic make-up is all you need to shine during festive shindigs.

Metallics are not reserved purely for the party season. If you invest in all that shimmers and shines now, your cosmetics bag will be up to date for next summer.

Still feeling daunted about dipping your beauty toes into metallic waters? We have the best make-up artists in the business to answer all your metallic moans.

Q I want to work the metallic look on my eyes. What shade should I choose?

A Chase Aston, make-up artist at The Body Shop International, says: "When wearing metallic eye shadows choose a shade that contrasts with your natural eye colour.

"Sweep all over the lid for a bold wash of colour or just along the lashline to accent.

"When using cream-based metallic eye shadows, remember these can settle into the tiny creases on the lids and look messy - do not forget to smooth away any creasing through the day or night."

TRY: Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Moon Rock Eye Palette, £38 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk), or Prescriptives Colorscope Creamy Eye Color, £14.68 (0870 034 2566).

Q If I am focusing on metallic lips, is it best to leave eyes and cheeks neutral?

A Make-up artist Bobbi Brown advises: "You should always pick an area to use shine and shimmer.

"Two areas is the most you should ever use metallic or shimmer products. Metallic eyes and lips look best with a powder blush with no shimmer, or a shimmer on the cheek and a glossy lip should be teamed with a matte eye."

TRY: The Body Shop Sparkle Lip Gloss in Dusk Rose, £10, or Avon Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick Metallic in Sparkling Nude, £6 (www.avonshop.co.uk).

Q I am going to a party and want to go for all-out glam rock make-up. How do I achieve the look?

A Sharron Dowsett, make-up artist for Superdrug, says: "A flawless pale base with bleached-out lips provides the perfect background for heavy metal.

"Add more glamour with bronze, silver or gold. Crank it up a gear for the disco season with glitter-laden lids."

TRY: Prestige Liquid Glitter Precision Eyeliner, £5.99 (Boots), or Barry M Fine Glitter Dust, £4.50 (Superdrug).

Q I want to keep the focus on my face during the party season. Can I do this minus the glitter?

A MAC senior artist James Molloy advises: "Metallics this season are used more cleverly.

"They can be used to wrap the face in a subtle sheen. Start by highlighting the top of the cheekbones but also pay attention to the bridge of the nose and cupids bow, giving you ultra-highlighted skin from any angle. Keep your metallic sheer for a lighter, modern feel."

TRY: Benefit Moon Beam Golden Pink Complexion Highlighter, £15.50 (www.benefit cosmetics.co.uk), or MAC Brushed Metal-X, £12 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk).

Q I have a strapless party dress. What can I use to create some dazzle-factor on my body?

A Lisa Eldridge, No 7 creative director, says: "A highlighting palette or powder is the perfect way to get a healthy-looking seasonal glow.

"Sweep lightly across the face, neck or decolletage for a subtle all-over shimmer. Sparkle looks amazing brushed over your collarbone."

TRY: Givenchy Limited Edition Poudre Du Soir, £37 (01932 233 824), or No 7 Highlighting Star Palette, £12.50 (Boots).

Q I am very pale, can I still wear warm metallic shades like gold?

A Sue Moxley, co-creator of Famous, says: "Metallic shadows do look better on a slightly tanned face or warmer complexion.

"Warm up your skin first with a nice bronzer on the cheeks, a touch on the forehead and along the jawline."

TRY: Superdrug Glamour Minx Leopard Bronzer, £5.99, or Chantecaille Compact Soleil Bronzer, £32 (www.spacenk.co.uk). Star style

FORMER Friends star Courteney Cox is the latest face to dabble in the celebrity fragrance market. The actress, right, will launch her new scent, Spotlight, with Avon next summer.

"When Avon approached me, I was thrilled for the opportunity to represent such an inspiring, sophisticated scent," she said. The new fragrance will be available in June for £16.