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Make up bags are breeding grounds for bacteria, with cosmetic spillages, dust and debris accumulating in them over time. Either buy a new wipe clean version for your kit, or, if you're overly attached to yours, wash in the machine or by hand with warm water, soap and a stiff brush

Many of us are guilty of keeping products way past their best. For mascaras and eyeliners, three months is really enough before bacteria can start to build up in these, and as they're both applied so close to the eyes, you really need to throw these out to prevent eye infections

Other products, such as foundation, can be kept for longer, but you should still replace this every six months to a year, or you can end up adding extra bacteria to the skin which can lead to break-outs

Are you walking around with a bag fit to burst? Might be time to streamline your kit by using multipurpose products. Keep your full set at home and take just a BB cream, cheek and lip tint and mascara out and about with you

Studies have revealed some of us hang onto eyeshadows and lipsticks for years hoping we'll one day use the colour. Stick to the rule that if you haven't worn it in six months, chuck it out

Another beauty sin is leaving your make-up brushes to fester for months without washing. Every few weeks, fill a small bowl with warm water, add a gentle baby shampoo or the like, and soak the brushes before rinsing gently. Leave to air dry on a towel before the next use

Powder belongs on your dressing table (or in your 'powder room' so to speak), putting it in your make-up bag to take out with your will only end in it getting broken up at and left at the bottom. If you suffer from shine, use blotting papers, and if you use powder blush, change to a liquid or gel formula

Where possible reuse brushes and containers. You can use pots for making your own lipstck colours, creating balms or keeping earrings, where as cleaned mascara wands can be used to smooth brows or seperate lashes

A handfull of kirby gribs, two hair ties and a safety pin should be the beginnings of any kit - so you're all set for any haircare or fashion disaster

But maybe that can wait till the weekend!