The term 'spring cleaning' is synonymous with, well, spring - of course, but we often find the urge to purge our houses of clutter and mess at all times of the year. It's good for us, helping us to feel more organised, less stressed and more productive.
This idea can also be applied to our beauty cupboards, skincare routines and make-up bags. Be honest, how often do you really clean your make-up brushes?
If you feel as though your beauty regimen needs a little bit of a makeover, we've rounded up some of the best, most exciting and most useful products we think you should introduce to your beauty arsenal. We've also included their uses and benefits, too.
Keep reading to find out the steps you can take to freshen up your beauty routine.
Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections
Spring cleaning your skin
1 of 14Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
Let's start with hydration because it's a problem for so many people. If your skin is dry and lacking that 'bounce', this moisturiser from Neutrogena will do the trick and won't break the bank. The whole range is brilliant, giving your skin instant hydration with hyaluronic acid.
£9.33
- Rrp: £13.49
2 of 14Embryolisse Lait Sensitive Crème 100ml
Need a go-to cream that works quick miracles without breaking the bank? Embryolisse's 7-in-1 hero Lait-Crème Sensitive isn't your average moisturiser, as it can be used as a primer, cleansing milk, after-shaving soothing product, intensive masque and more. No wonder The Kardashians, Gwyneth Paltrow and Lady Gaga are smitten with the 98% natural product.
3 of 14SKINKISSED™ Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Next up, that enviable glow. If your skin looks and feels dull, vitamin C is a must-have for your skincare routine. This serum from SKINKISSED has hundreds of five-star reviews, helps to plump and hydrate skin while removing acne scars, dark spots and fine lines.
£29.95
4 of 14The Ordinary Buffet
As far as serums go, Buffet from The Ordinary is popular for a reason. This multi-peptide serum tackles multiple signs of ageing, evening out skin tone and making it feel plumper. Plus, it's SO affordable, it's a no brainer.
5 of 14FOREO LUNA Play Plus 2
A facial cleanser will REVOLUTIONISE your skin - no, really. If you think your face is clean after one wash and a rinse, wait until you try one of these bad boys. The difference is instant - your skin will feel softer, your pores will be clear and you'll never go back to the way to used to cleanse again. Super quick and easy to use, the bacteria-resistant silicone and vibrations help to cleanse and revitalise your skin, and it's 100% waterproof so you can use it in the shower. This nifty gadget will last for up to 600 uses.
6 of 14Wishful Clean Genie Cleansing Butter
Huda Kattan knows her stuff when it comes to make-up, so it only makes sense that her new skincare range would be top-notch for removing it. This cleansing butter from Wishful should absolutely be on your radar, it melts away make-up, leaving skin feeling gorgeously smooth and calm - plus, it smells amazing.
7 of 14100% Silk Exfoliating Glove - Pink
Want to know the latest skincare TikTok Trend? Eye candy to millions, the N°1 Illume glove is made from 100% intricately woven silk viscose and effortlessly exfoliates, purifies and energises your skin. Whether you need help removing fake tan or just want to brighten dull dry skin, it literally does it all.
8 of 14Funderm WAS BAD Invisible anti-pimples gel treatment
If pimples are your biggest problem, let us introduce you to this glorious, acne-clearing product. Infused with active prebiotic and probiotic complex for problematic skin. No gimmicks, no empty promises, this is the real deal. Tackling pimples even underneath the skin that haven't properly formed yet (as found by this writer), this gel is a miracle worker. It's best used at night as it does form a film on your skin, and can be used all over your face or just on a certain spot.
9 of 14FOREO UFO2
This device from FOREO is pricey, but you'll probably never have to go to a spa ever again, so it's worth it. It uses full-spectrum LED light therapy, thermo and cryo functionality and T-Sonic pulsations to give you facial-worthy skin. It boosts radiance, shrinks pores, brightens dull skin, evens out skin tone - honestly, there's nothing it can't do.
10 of 14UBUNA Drench Intensive Hydration Serum (30ml)
Did you know that unfertilized ostrich egg yolks contain an unbelievably high concentration of natural antibodies and can be used to help our skin fight all the nasties? This Drench Intensive Hydration Serum by UBUNA has been hailed a game changer by many with its Ceramide Antibody Complex. Blending triple Hyaluronic Acids and Amino Acids, it may be pricey, but well worth the investment if you are after heavenly smooth skin with full plumpness.
11 of 14Sand & Sky Australian Emu Apple Enzyme Polish
Skin polish? Yep, it's a thing. This innovative Australian Emu Apple Enzyme Polish is a water-activated powder exfoliant designed to brighten dull skin, leaving it radiant in minutes.
12 of 14SkinQuencher Supplements
Beauty doesn't just have to be skin deep; you can also take supplements to see some real differences. SkinQuencher delivers a blend of hydrolysed marine collagen and Vitamin C, both extremely beneficial for skin health. It also contains 18 amino acids, boosts your immune system, protects your hair and promotes natural collagen production.
13 of 14Huda Beauty Glow Coco Hydrating Mist
Another product from Huda Kattan, the Glow Coco Hydrating Mist is a 3-in-1 product that primes, sets and refreshes, giving you a dewy look while flooding cells with thirst-quenching coconut water, but without any greasy after effects.
14 of 14Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
If you haven't added an exfoliator to your regime yet, this is a great all-round product. It's perfect for oily, and combination skin, containing BHA salicylic acid to help clear blemishes and blackheads.
Step 1: Start small
First off, head to your make-up bag and get ready to be brutal. Anything you haven't used in six months, bin it. Anything that's out of date, bin it. Give your make-up bag a good clean out, and wipe down your products with anti-bacterial wipes, too. You use them every day, so just imagine how much grime is living on them.
Make sure to clean your make-up brushes at least once a week, as well as any sponges you have.
You can even treat yourself to a new make-up bag if you feel like it. Treat yourself.
How do you know if your make-up is out of date?
Like most things, make-up has an expiration date. Using products past this date not only means the product won't be working as well as it used to but could cause irritation and infections if bacteria spreads.
Luckily for you, there's a symbol on your products that lets you know when it's time to say goodbye. It looks like an open cream jar and will show 6m, 12m, 24m etc, giving you an idea of the product's shelf life. We all have products that slip through the net, but be honest, and throw out anything you know has been in your bag for too long.
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Step 2: Tackle the rest
We don't know about you, but we have drawers full of stuff that's either half used, almost empty, or saved for special occasions. Why do we keep almost empty things? No idea. If you're a hoarder, it's time to have a clear out.
Eyeshadow palettes are good for around two years, but if you can't bear to part with yours just yet or have barely touched it since buying it, you can scrape off the top layer or use a little bit of alcohol and a clean brush to sanitise them.
Investing in a drawer or desk organiser can help to keep your collection looking good, and makes you feel like you have your life together, obviously.
Step 3: Try something new
If your beauty routine doesn't inspire you, try something new! Whether it's a new face wash, fancy gadget or a palette, treat yourself, girl. Not only will this give you a new lease of life to stick to your skin care plan, but it'll keep your skin looking and feeling fresh all year round.
Step 4: Stay on top of it
Dedicate some time each month to staying on top of your newly organised beauty collection, remembering to clean your brushes at least once a week, throwing out any old products and discover new favourites.