Feeling the need to lighten your look – and load – for the coming summer? Read on for how to freshen up your makeup, and makeup bag.

1. Clean Out

Empty out the contents of your makeup bag. And, yep, that includes those 27 other lip glosses that are rolling around the bottom of your super-sized handbag. First of all, throw out any old crumpled-up blotting papers and lip pencil shavings. Next, edit down. Which glosses do you actually wear? Keep no more than three. Yes, you can do it! Also, chuck anything past its use-by. Most makeup now comes marked with a best-before symbol (if you see an illustration of a pot with 12M written on it, this means you should use it within twelve months after opening). But as a general rule, follow these guidelines: Foundation - 12 month; Concealer - 12 months; Powder - 2 years; Lip and eye pencils (sharpened regularly) - 2-3 years; Lipstick - 2-3 years; Lip gloss – 18 – 24 months; Mascara - 3 months.

2. Re-Stock

All you really need to get you through the day …

Concealer: Go for one that is super-blendable and –buildable. M.A.C Select Cover-Up ($32 from M.A.C).
Brightener: A light-reflecting concealer or a highlighter stick is great for dabbing over dark circles, lids, browbones and lips whenever you feel like your features need a lift. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat ($75 from department stores).
Eye drops: A moisturising formulation is great for everyday use; limit an anti-redness solution to an as-needed basis.
Blotting papers: Better than powder. They take shine away, while leaving glow. Bloom Facial Blotting Tissue ($9 from Bloom).
Lip gloss: The only three hues you need are nude, coral and rosy. Maybelline Shiny-Licious in Caramella, Melon-ball and Cherry-berry ($12.95 from pharmacies).
Smudgy black pencil: The easiest way to dress your face up for evening. Benefit Kohl Pencil in Onyx ($28 from Adore Beauty).

3. Refine your Morning Routine

Of course, to get away with the minimal makeup bag outlined above, you need to follow the right prep steps:

Cleanse well: Long-lasting makeup requires a smooth surface and this starts with a thorough cleanse. If you’re not using an exfoliating cleanser (one containing enzymes or hydroxy acids), mix in a granular scrub every few days.
Treat: Invest in a vitamin C serum for healthier glowier skin. Ultraceuticals C-10 Serum ($80 from Adore Beauty).
Prime: If you have open pores or rougness, follow up your moistrusier with a primer, which will give your foundation a great grip-well canvas. Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer ($27.95, from pharmacies).
Blend base: If your skin is good, smooth a sheer foundation on with fingers. If you need more coverage, apply a medium-pigment base with a synthetic-bristled brush for the smoothest and most even finish.
Set: Dust on a light layer of translucent powder; add a swirl of blush to cheeks.
Perfect lashes: Curl lashes, clamping the curler at the base and then working it up for the best lift. Follow with water-proof mascara to hold the curl. Maybelline Sky High Curves Waterproof Mascara ($18.25 from pharmacies).
Prep lips: Lightly exfoliate lips with your toothbrush. Follow with a wax-based balm, such as ChapStick, which will work like a primer for your pout.

One More Great Buy:

Borne Naked is a super-nifty plastic handbag liner that not only keeps your essentials organised – it also makes switching bags a cinch. Available in two sizes, form $24.95 and $29.95. Click here for details.