Over a quarter of women (28%) treat themselves to a top-to-toe makeover before hitting the beach on holiday, including manis, pedis, facials and fake tans, according to a survey by QVC.

But if you barely have time to even write a pre-holiday to-do list, or your vacation prep is more likely to include a last-minute dash around the beauty aisles in Duty Free, fear not - simply go for a cheat option instead.

These seven SOS products will help you feel confident in a flash.

YOU HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO... WORKOUT

THE CHEAT: Nuriss Bingo-Wing Fade-Away Cream, £65 (nuriss.co.uk)

If those good intentions to lift free weights five times a week rapidly went out of the window, there is a Plan B. This cream won't work bingo wing-melting magic overnight, but spend two minutes applying it twice a day in the run-up to your holiday, and your skin should feel taughter. For maximum results, massage into your upper arms in circular upward motions.

YOU HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO... BODY BRUSH

THE CHEAT: Manuka Doctor ApiBronze Anti-Cellulite Bronzing Gel, currently reduced to £14.95 from £24.99 (manukadoctor.co.uk)

Daily dry body brushing really does help diminish cellulite, but it's a ritual that can easily fall by the wayside. Smooth this lightweight gel over your legs for a two-in-one treatment. Pay special attention massaging into bottom and thighs, to help reduce dimpling. The golden glow develops in one hour, so pack it in your suitcase to extend the effects while you're away.

YOU HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO... TAN

THE CHEAT: Fake Bake 5 Minute Mousse, £20 (Boots.com)

Self tan is the instant route to a slimmer silhouette. This genius speed-dry mousse eliminates the need for the overnight biscuit pong wait. Just five minutes is all you need for the tan to develop, meaning you can apply on the morning of your departure flight. Smooth on with a self-tan mitt to avoid tell-tale orange palms.

YOU HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO... WAX

THE CHEAT: Nair Argan Oil Bikini & Underarm Glide-on, £5.10 (Boots stores)

Stray hairs and swimsuits are not a good mix. If you haven't had time to book in for a professional wax, this roll-on formula is a happy hair removal fix. For a mess-free finish, twist up the no-touch applicator, smooth on and rinse off for fuzz-free skin that lasts for up to seven days.

YOU HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO... PEDI

THE CHEAT: Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi Electronic Foot File, currently reduced to £29.99 from £39.99 (Boots.com)

If you've found time to shop for new sandals, fancy feet are a must. For the next best thing to a date with a beauty therapist, see off sandpaper soles with this nifty DIY tool. Smooth the rotating roller over hard skin for baby soft tootsies in five minutes flat. There's even a tool for extra course skin, if more groundwork is required.

YOU HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO... POLISH

THE CHEAT: Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint & Topcoat, £4.99 each (barrym.com)

Never make the mistake of painting your fingernails right before you pack. If you're really pushed for time, prep talons at home and then paint with this Barry M formula, which comes in eight shades, from the comfort of your hotel balcony. To achieve a gel-like finish, the polish and two-step top coat cures in natural daylight, for super-glossy nails that'll be chip-free for up to 10 days.

YOU HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO... SPA

THE CHEAT: Vita Liberata Passionflower & Argan Dry Oil Face Serum in SPF30, £25 (vitaliberata.co.uk)

No time for that pre-plane facial? Pack this luxurious dry oil serum in your case for an instant dewy glow before you hit the beach. With a non-greasy formulation, you can massage into your face each morning before your sun protection for an extra layer of broad spectrum SPF.

TRIED & TESTED

Make pores an open and closed case. Our testers put three pore-shrinkers on trial:

:: Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector, £20 (Clinique.co.uk)

I like that this product comes in two skin tone shades, or just a brightening option. I go for the 'Invisible Light' shade and apply before my foundation, targeting open pores. It instantly minimises them, making my skin look incredibly matte and clear.

4/5

:: Benefit POREfessional Face Primer, £24.50 (benefitcosmetics.co.uk)

As somebody with very visible pores, this product's a game-changer, like a velvety polyfiller for the face. It goes on easily, but don't be tempted to use too much or it becomes heavy and cakey - a tiny half-pea-sized amount gives a smooth, silky base.

5/5

:: Kiehl's Precision Lifting & Pore-Tightening Concentrate, £49 (kiehls.co.uk)

This product smells lovely (slightly mentholated) and doesn't leave a greasy residue. After two weeks using it underneath my moisturiser, my skin feels more taught, but whether my pores have become tighter is hard to tell.

3/5

BUY IT NOW

The Kardashian-Jenner effect has extended to lipsticks. Face of Estee Lauder (and little sister of Kim) Kendall now has her very own limited edition shade - Restless, a bright red - in the brand's Pure Color Matte Sculpting Lipstick range. Priced £25, it's available exclusively online and set to be a sell-out (esteelauder.co.uk).

BEAUTY BULLETIN

:: LOVE YOUR AGE

Ever shaved a couple of years off your age? Just one in five women admit to lying about how old they are, according to a survey by Lancome, and almost two thirds say they are happily embracing their looks more as they age. The research was commissioned to launch Lancome's Advanced Genifique #loveyourage campaign. Helen Mirren, 69, topped the poll for the celebrity that women most admire for ageing gracefully, followed by actresses Judi Dench and Julia Roberts.

:: STEAL OF THE WEEK

Fill your home with the scent of Orla Kiely for summer. The designer's candles are £18.99 at Fragrance Direct, saving £6 off the RRP. Choose from six fragrance variations, including Basil & Mint Tea Tree or Lemon & Mandarin. You'll also find Orla Kiely reduced toiletries and wash bags at fragrancedirect.co.uk