10 Beautiful Promises

Beauty products have a shelf life, just like food. Not only will an old mascara or concealer not work, they’re also likely to have bacteria. Replace mascara after three months, eyeliner and eyeshadow after six to 12 months, and lipstick after 18 months. The expiry date for foundation, powder and other makeup is 12 months. Check skincare for expiration dates; if it doesn’t show one, bin it after a year.

If you don’t use an oil or lotion after bathing, start now – a daily application will make all the difference to your skin. A Body Oil, applied to damp skin will help lock in moisture. If you bathe at night, get a double moisture hit by applying a good quality thick lotion or butter.

Wearing sunscreen might be the last thing on your mind when it’s dark and cold outside, but if you want your skin to look plump and line-free for longer, UV protection is essential – even in winter. UV levels are lower, but UVA rays, those responsible for ageing your skin, still penetrate light cloud and window glass, so use a moisturiser with no less than SPF15, SPF sunscreen will keep skin hydrated, smooth and protected.

 

When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? Dirty brushes harbour product build-up, dead skin and lots of bacteria, so you need to wash them at least once a month. Try a gentle wash like baby Shampoo; wet the brush in warm water, then lather up with the shampoo. Rinse until the water runs clear then leave them upright to dry. Need new brushes? Try Real Techniques Flawless Base set.

 

A good cleansing regime is vital to reduce spots, blocked pores and skin ageing. Try a triple cleanse: remove eye makeup with essentials soothing make-up remover. Then use a face wash like Micellar Facial Gel Wash. Finally, apply Ponds Cream and remove it with a muslin cloth or flannel for a light exfoliation.

 

Brushing, blow-drying, colouring, styling and straightening take their toll on hair, weakening its proteins, which can lead to brittleness and fragility. For hair that’s been frazzled by heat and conditioning mask once a week. Give your hair a rest from heat styling a few times a week.

 

Orange lippy may not be your first colour choice but it’s warm undertones will brighten skin tone. Then freeze your makeup in place with 2-in-1 Primer & Setting Spray.

 

Keeping feet sweet will mean less hard work when sandal weather returns. Use a pumice or file like on dry feet to remove hard skin. Clip toenails in small sections, rather than snipping off in one go, with special clippers. Lather on an intensive cream: try Skin Moisturiser For Feet, a rich formula that seals in moisture and softens hard patches.

 

Forget Botox. The easiest way to look fresher is to take care of your smile. Use dental floss to remove plaque. Swap your manual toothbrush for an electric one. Use a toothpaste that will remove plaque and protect gums and enamel, such as Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste, and visit your dentist every six months.

 

A weekly facial will keep skin in tip-top condition. Apply skin brightening daily facial scrub; with papaya and lemon extracts, it will leave skin cleaner and brighter. Then use pure clay mask. Concentrated in minerals renowned to help clarify complexion, you’ll see instant, visible results.