MAKE-UP spring clean

It's easy to hold on to products for years without noticing expiry dates. Time for a tidy-up to make your routine simpler

- RHIANNON DERBYSHIRE

Unsuitable shades?

We're all guilty of holding on to the wrong colours that we used to love, but have seemingly stopped suiting us. It's important to remember that our complexion alters over the years - through hormonal shifts like the menopause, or changes in skin texture, meaning that certain products won't sit as well.

When you're doing your cull, try to recall any times where you haven't liked wearing a product if the colour didn't look right, or if you didn't like how it felt on your skin. Foundations - are one of the easiest products to ge wrong - one shade too light or dark, and it could look disastrous. When you're buying a new base, always colour-match it to your neck, rather than your hand - they can really vary in tone.

Why not keep a summer kit and a winter one ready, for when your complexion changes, so you have the right products to hand?

When it comes to picking the right colours to flatter you, a good rule of thumb is to look at your veins to find out what your natural undertone is. If they're blue, you're cool-toned, and if they're green, you're warm. If they're in between, you can wear pretty much any shades.

Squiffy scents?