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Fashion & BeautyHOW TO:The makeup bag is the inner sanctum of a woman’s handbag- one that all too often remains undisturbed in its contents. Spring is the perfect time to dust off the cobwebs and venture into those murky depths.Your mission: only carry what you actually love, that’s fresh, clean, and currently suits you.STEP ONE. Pull everything out of the bag, and wash the actual bag. If it’s old and ratty, now is the time to buy a new one. A clear bag is a great choice- easy to clean, and you can see what you have.STEP TWO. Wash all your brushes, applicators, and sponges, and throw out anything which doesn’t survive the washing process. Wash sponges and foundation brushes with laundry soap, and hair / bristle brushes with shampoo. You can even condition hair based brushes if they are dry or scratchy.STEP THREE. Throw out any makeup which is out of date. Makeup actually has a little jar symbol with a numberon it- this is to tell you how many months it can be used after opening. Powders last the longest ( 24 months ) then liquids ( usually 12 months) down to mascaras ( only three months!). If you’re not sure how old it is- assess the smell and texture. If it smells off, or has a film of discoloured gunk on it, it’s off. Be ruthless- it’s not worth an infection.Cleanout yourmakeupbagBY ELLEN MALONE, BEAUTY EXPERTSTEP FOUR. Throw out anything you haven’t used for more than nine months. You don’t love it, so it’s just taking up space.STEP FIVE. Review your foundation, powder, and concealer colour. Most people are at least a shade darker in summer, even if they wear sunscreen. Your current season foundation should match your chest colour.STEP SIX. Restock! Your basic makeup kit should contain: a foundation or tinted moisturiser, a brightening under eye concealer pen, a neutral eyeshadow ( single or palette ) which enhances your eye colour, eye liner, a great mascara, blush/bronzer, a great lippie, lip balm, something for brows, and a few well chosen makeup brushes. Optional extras: white eyeliner for the inner rim, highlighter, an alternate lipstick, finishing powder, and one metallic or smoky eyeshadow for night.STEP SEVEN. Enjoy your beautiful fresh makeup bag.