Spring clean your makeup routine

Less is more

Make this your mantra for 2010. ‘Women forget that less is more,' says Space NK founder Nicky Kinnaird. ‘Don't conceal or dramatise every single one of your features, instead, focus on enhancing them.' Try a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation, and experiment with lip stains and eye shadows that complement your best bits. By Terry's Colour Skin Enhancer (£58, www.spacenk.co.uk) has a fabulous creamy formulation and works wonders on uneven skin tones.

Try new textures

Experimenting with textures is a great way to try a new look without going overboard. ‘Layer a new texture onto one area,' suggests celebrity makeup artist Daniel Sandler.  ‘If you've worn the same lipstick for years, layer a shimmery nude colour on top to give it a new lease of life.' For lips, try Bobbi Brown's Metallic Lip Colour lipsticks (£15.50, www.bobbibrown.co.uk) and try MyFace's Eye Touch Eye Shadow palette on eyes, (£9.78, www.boots.com) which contains a trio of eye shadows with shimmering and pearlescent finishes.

Tools of the trade

Invest in the right tools, and the rest is child's play. Blending in makeup becomes even more important as we get, so invest in a good blending brush, such as Bare Minerals Flawless Applicator Face Brush, (£19, www.debenhams.com) which has super soft bristles and can be used for everything from foundation to bronzer. A good eyelash curler can also make a huge difference. Space NK's eyelash curler

(£15, www.spacenk.co.uk) is easy to use and has super soft rubber pads.

Go natural

Why not try a more natural look for 2010? Bin those brights and invest in products that enhance your skin tone.  ‘Choose a few key items in the correct colours for your face,' says Clinique makeup artist Bethan Owens. ‘Try flattering browns, pinks, peaches and naturals.' For eyes, try Clinique's Colour Surge Eye Shadow Trio in Totally Neutral (£20.50, www.clinique.co.uk). Use Givenchy's Hydra Sparkling Magic Lip and Cheek Balm (£19, www.houseoffraser.co.uk) to add a natural flush of colour.

Know your skin

‘Get to know your skin as it ages and changes,' suggests Givenchy's artistic director for makeup, Nicolas Degennes. ‘Like fashion, you need to update your make up bag and the products you use.' Why not treat yourself to a makeup lesson? It might cost slightly more but at least you know you're getting, honest, impartial advice. Blush makeup consultancy in London is run by former makeup artist Jo Reid and offers a wide range of lessons starting at £70 Visit www.blush.uk.com to find out more.

Firm foundations

A good foundation is key. If you've been using the same one for years, take time to find one that's suited to your skin's current condition. And, finally, don't over do it! ‘Don't overload on foundation thinking you can paper over the cracks and imperfections,' says Lisa Eldridge.  ‘It will only draw more attention to them and add years to your face. Instead opt for minimal, sheer foundation that contains optical light diffusing particles.' Try Estee Lauder's Lucidity Light Diffusing Makeup with SPF8 (£24.50, www.debenhams.com) for a flawless, glowing finish.

Lighten up

Highlighters can hide a world of sins as well as emphasising your best features. ‘Foundations, concealers and blushers with a hint of illumination have a way of softening fine lines and uneven skin tone, much like an airbrush would,' says Nicky Kinnaird. Clinique's Gentle Light Makeup (£20, www.clinique.co.uk) refracts light to leave skin looking fantastically radiant. To highlight specific areas, dab on Benefit's Miss Popularity Highlighter (£17.50, www.lookfantastic.com).

Easy on the eyes

The eye area becomes less forgiving as we age, so invest in a light-reflecting concealer and apply sparingly. No7 make up artist Lisa Eldridge says moderation is also essential when it comes to brows. ‘Never draw a solid line, but aim to thicken brows and fill gaps using small, feathery strokes to create the illusion of more hair.' Boots No7 Beautiful Brow Pencils (£7, www.boots.com) are wonderfully creamy and come in black, brown and blonde.

Get organised

Get your products in order. If you've got several versions of the same product, fill a makeup bag with spares to save time when it comes to weekends away or after-work drinks. Place smaller items in clear, plastic boxes and keep your brushes, sharpeners and other tools somewhere dry and clean. Bobbi Brown's sets of empty bottles and pots come with their own spatula for decanting liquids, while Muji does a fab range of clear plastic boxes.

Bin it!

If you haven't used a product for a year, bin it.  Eye makeup should be thrown out after six months, but powder products can last for years.  Most beauty products will start to smell or look worse for wear when they're past their best, so keep an eye on their condition.  Get rid of rusting tweezers or damp brushes, and when you replace them, treat them with care. Wash brushes regularly - simply rinse with shampoo then leave on a towel to dry, preferably with the head pointing downwards to stop water soaking into the handle and destroying the glue.