Starting the new year right isn’t just about losing the holiday weight, or committing to your newly-pledged resolutions. It’s about taking a good look at the past, tossing out what didn’t work, and keeping up what did. In other words, it’s about changing into a different kind of person. And the same goes for your makeup bag.

Over the last few months your kit would have undergone quite a few changes. What with the barrage of holiday parties alone, it’s safe to assume that your palettes have cracked, your lipsticks whittled down, and your brushes left dusty and dirty. More importantly, there are probably one or two gnarly products down there that have been festering in your bag for much too long! Now is the perfect time to do some spring cleaning, and give your trusty old beauty kit a long overdue makeover.

1.  First step:  learn to let go!

Unsealed products that you haven’t used in 4-6 months is definitely on the verge of going bad, and the last thing you want is a stale layer of foundation caking over your pores.

If, however, the product is still sealed, and you’ve had the good sense to store it in a cool area without too much sun exposure, go ahead and use it. But if you don’t want it, it isn’t too late to for a (very) late Christmas present! The point is to not have old, unused products hanging around for too long.

2.  Remember that makeup expires

Yes, people, beauty products have expiration dates, too. Now it might not say so on the label, but here’s how it works:

> All eye products:  3 months, max.

Because the applicators are constantly in contact with your eye fluids, they tend to gather bacteria that contaminate products like mascara. In small quantities they’re harmless, of course, but after over 3 months the bacteria reaches a critical mass, and the product is no longer safe for use. Remember step 1, and throw it out!

> Most cream-based products, 3 months, max.

This includes cream concealers, cream foundations, etc.

> All powder-based products, 6 months to 1 year, max.

The rule of thumb is that once you unseal your makeup, exposing it to light and oxygen, the deterioration process accelerates exponentially. To help lessen bacteria on the product, it’s best to use applicators. These can be purchased at most drug stores and beauty outlets.

3.       Clean your brushes!

Any makeup artist will agree. Clean makeup brushes can spell the difference between a healthy complexion and a totally disgusting rash you picked up from who-knows-where. Maintaining a habit of hygiene is key. All you need to do is visit the nearest outlet and pick up some brush cleaning solution. This comes in either spritz form or as a vial to dip in. It’s as simple as soaking your brush tips in the solution and then drying them out.

Tip: when drying out your brushes, first blot them gently with tissue paper to remove excess liquid, and then shape the brush tip into its natural form. Suspend your brush, maybe across a roll of toilet paper or over the edge of your desk. This helps retain its original shape. Also, if you can't find brush cleaning solution, baby shampoo will do just fine.

4.       Lastly, NEVER EVER:

> Leave your makeup in the car. Especially in our weather, where the heat is sure to destroy the product’s integrity.

> Reuse disposable sponges. Eew! Everything disposable is meant to be thrown out after one use.