Give your makeup bag a makeover!

Refresh your makeup bag for the year ahead, by streamlining and cleansing your kit.  Follow these three easy steps:

Bin any products that are past their best – check the expiry dates, as you can be surprised how long you may have had them in your bag. Empty your bag of those products you don’t use every day by putting them away in a spare ‘at home’ make-up bag so you have them at hand when you need them. Next wipe your regular products down with an anti-bacterial wipe as they can get a little grubby over time and this five minute clean out will make you feel amazingly organised.

Great read: Discover the key beauty essentials in Kate Middleton's makeup bag

Wash your makeup brushes with shampoo and a light conditioner to remove product build up. Leave them on a towel to dry and place it near a radiator. They’ll come up looking refreshed and ready for use again.

Great read: Find out how to break bad makeup habits

Winter weather can take the glow out of your skin, especially after the indulgent Christmas season, so it’s important to use a foundation that makes your skin look radiant and healthy. 

Great read: See our top 10 foundations to find the perfect one for you.

Swap your dark grey powder eyeshadows for golden cream ones.  I love Max Factor Smokey Eye Effect Eyeshadow in Bronze Haze.  It's a modern simple way to add light and freshness to your eyes, at a time where you might be feeling tired. Use the lightest shade on the inner eye corners then smudge the chocolate cream shadow over your lid. It’s easy and effective.

Great read: Try our simple beauty tips for eyes here

The runways indicate that nails are going to be one of spring/summer’s hottest beauty trends, so start getting your nails in shape.  Eat a healthy diet and include nuts such as almond and hazelnuts to maintain strong nails and prevent nails from peeling or splitting.

Great read: Find out what foods you should eat for bright and healthy skin

More top beauty advice for 2012

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