Shake things up to look spritely this spring
1. Do a deep cleanse
Your brushes and sponges are a haven for germs – if they aren’t clean you run the risk of spreading this bacteria to your face which can lead to breakouts and irritation. Your coverage won’t be as good either, so keep the bristles of your brushes soft and clean for the best application. Start afresh this spring by washing all your make-up brushes, sponges, bags and cabinets.
bareMinerals Quick Change Brush Cleaner, £10, bareminerals.co.uk
2. Up the SPF
As the days lengthen and warm up, we tend to expose more of our skin to the elements so it’s important to make sure you swap your winter moisturiser for one with an SPF. “Most dermatologists recommend using sunscreen daily between March and September in the UK,” says Dr Adam Friedmann, consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic (theharleystreetdermatologyclinic.co.uk). “Choose protection of between factor 30 and 50 – this will also help slow the ageing process.”
Murad Age-Balancing Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF30, £59.50, marksandspencer.com
3. Check the electrics
If your blow dryer is lacking oomph or your straighteners are losing heat then it could be time for an upgrade. When dryers are past their best it may take longer to dry your hair and the finish won’t be as good – this means frizzy locks – not what you want after putting in all that effort! Your straighteners and curling tongs need replacing around every four years, or when they start to malfunction or heat unevenly.
Remington PROluxe Hairdryer, £59.99, boots.com
4. Get organised
Most of us like to keep our things in order – letters get filed away, foods have designated cupboards and coats get returned to hooks after use. But when it comes to cosmetics and beauty items it’s a much more shambolic story, with any surface, drawer or old make-up bag becoming home to our precious buys. Invest in some storage drawers and never lose your favourite lippy again.
Cosmetic Perspex Desktop Storage Drawers, £6, wilko.com
5. Choose pretty pastels
With winter hopefully a distant and cold memory, you can start to bring fresh spring colour into your beauty products. Save the bright corals for your summer holiday and embrace flattering pastel shades – they look great on any skin tone. Try a peachy hue on your cheeks for a naturally flushed look and classic creamy pinks to really brighten up those peepers.
Jane Iredale Eye Shadow Kit, £44, janeiredale.co.uk
6. Pamper and prime
Fitting in a weekly face mask could be the key step missing from your beauty routine. Face masks penetrate the skin and work their magic deep down into the dermis, providing moisture and addressing any underlying blemishes. Slather one on, pop your feet up and get ready to glow.
Evolve Organic Beauty Radiant Glow Face Mask, £20, evolvebeauty.co.uk
7. Enjoy a spring fling
Just like food, all beauty products have a shelf life. Take the time to check the expiration dates on your make-up items – natural products contain less preservatives than most and perish quicker too, so as a rule of thumb do an inventory check on all your products every three to six months. You’ll be able to easily tell if something is past its best – changes in colour, texture and smell are good indicators. Pay special attention to items you put your fingers in and out of, like lip balm and concealer, as these are frequently exposed to bacteria.
Lash Definition Smudgeproof Mascara, £15.50, uk.lizearle.com
8. Lighten up on lotion
Our skin has different needs throughout the year – in winter, parched complexions crave thick and oilier creams but in summer a lighter formula lotion is all we need as our skin isn’t as dry. Heavier creams can cause breakouts in warm weather too as the pores become clogged, so opt for a light, water-based moisturiser with a matte finish to combat any shine.
Odylique Timeless Rose Moisturiser, £23, odylique.co.uk
9. Scrub away
If your complexion is looking dreary and dull, it’s important to get down to the nitty gritty. Prep your skin for the warmer months by sloughing away the dead cells that are stopping you from shining. Exfoliating rejuvenates your face and creates the perfect base for make-up and for catching an even sun tan.
Hugo Naturals Himalayan Pink Salt Scrub, £7.49, uk.iherb.com
10. Turn heads
Shake off the cold weather and spring forward with a fresh new haircut. It’s tempting to always ask for the same style or “just a trim”, but a new season is a time for change so be bold on your next salon trip. Look through magazines for inspiration and discuss with your stylist to put any nerves at bay.
Check out aveda.co.uk for a natural and eco-friendly salon near you
