Is your dressing table fit to burst and your make-up collection filled with products that you’ve not used for the last 5 years? The time has come to de-clutter and organise and what better time to do it then at the beginning of a new year! Here’s a few tips on how to rejuvenate your dressing table.

Throw out the old…

It is recommended that you replace your make up regularly, but let’s face it, who has the time, money or inclination to do it. But it’s a new year, new you, new make-up – time to go through your drawers. Take a look at this guide to your make-up shelf life:

• Powders – 2 years
• Oil-free foundation – 1 year
• Cream compact foundation – 18 months
• Lipstick – 1 year
• Lip gloss – 18 – 24 months
• Pencil eyeliner – 2 years
• Liquid/gel eyeliner – 3 months
• Mascara – 3 months

…bring in the new

But now comes the fun bit – you get to replace all your out-of-date make-up with brand spanking new ones. Max Factor’s False Lash Effect is a great mascara staple or why not try W7’s Lip and Cheek Stain, a fabulous 2 in 1 that gives a peachy glow to your face. Don’t forget to treat your nails to a little something too – OPI have a fantastic range of colours to suit every outfit and every occasion.

Sophisticated storage

Once you have de-cluttered the trick is to try and keep it that way. Save space by using ‘all-in-one’ make-up. Instead of storing hundreds of different eye shadows invest in an eyeshadow palette, they have a range of different shades all in one compact case making them much easier to store! In fact they are so compact why not treat yourself to two – a night and day look!

Good storage is essential. To keep your dresser looking stylish try using unified storage, perhaps a set of basket boxes. Or for a vintage look, purchase a ceramic tray and keep your most used items on it for easy access. You can extend the antique look even further by adding ceramic trinkets to your dressing table, such as little bowls and plates, very useful for storing rings and bracelets. Small glass jars filled with other make-up essentials like cotton balls and ear buds, can complete the look.

Brush up your brushes

Good make-up brushes ensure that you get the most out of your make-up but in order to keep them in tip-top condition they must be cleaned regularly. To do this run your brush under lukewarm water, making sure you rinse out as much of the makeup as possible. Then fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add shampoo (either clarified or baby shampoo). Gently swirl the brush tip in the water. Rinse the brush tip under running water. Repeat the wash and rinse steps until the water runs clear from the brush. Use a cloth to wipe the brush clean and reshape the bristles. Lay the brush flat on a cloth to dry and hey presto…your brushes are like new! Keep your sparklingly clean brushes stored within easy reach in a jam jar or ceramic pot on your dresser.

For more make-up brands and accessories visit JustMyLook