OK, so it’s still getting light very early. But these are so easy to apply in a foolproof way that you could truly smoosh them on in the dark. Six new matte shades have joined Laura Mercier’s line-up of bestselling creamy eyeshadow pencils – and they couldn’t be easier to blend or easier to wear.

The new shades are all mostly soft neutrals – we’re especially liking Cobblestone, Au Naturel, Vanilla Kiss and Caramel. Build them up for greater intensity – or just add a sweep and blend with a finger for super-fast shading. You’ve got a generous minute or so of ‘playtime’, then once in place, they’re impressively crease- and water-resistant.

There are now 24 shades in all – many of them glimmer and harder to wear, we find. But these?

Goof-proof and super-flattering. No matter what time your alarm goes off.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour Matte/£23 each at spacenk.com