It’s that time of year again – the flowers are blooming, the birds are singing; spring has sprung, well, err some days it has! It’s time for out with the old, and in with the new when it comes to your makeup bag.

Now if you're anything like me, your makeup drawer will contain a whole lot of products, most of which you don't use, I’m talking that Barbie pink lippy someone convinced you to buy or that far too orange foundation from your sixth form ball as well as items you do use, but know you shouldn't, like that two-year-old mascara (because there's still a little bit left).

If anything has changed colour, become a strange consistency, smells different from when you bought it or you haven’t used it in the last year then it's time for the bin.

Here is the Beauty Bible guide to help you decide what to keep and what to ditch:

Use by Date: These expiration dates begin from the time you first open a product.

Cleansers, toners and serums: Two years.
Moisturiser: Two years.
Eye creams and gels: Two years.
Lipstick and lip liner: One year.
Nail polish: One year.
Facial scrubs: Two years.
Powders and shadows: Two years.
Cream Shadows: Twelve to eighteen months.
Mascara and eye liner: Three months - the wand is coming in close proximity to your eye, so watch out for any contamination.
Foundation: One year
Perfume: You can tell if it’s off by the smell or if the colour has turned significantly darker, to make perfume last longer, store it away from direct sunlight.
Hand Cream: Two years.
Sunscreen: Eighteen months, but check the label for an expiry date.
Anti-blemish treatments: If it's from the pharmacy, it will have a short shelf life. If the product contains antioxidants, look out for any changes in colour.
Hair shampoo and conditioner: Two years

Clean your tools:

Storage: Now that you have made some much needed space, it's time to clean out the drawer or shelf where you keep your beauty products by wiping it down with an anti-bacterial spray. It’s also a good idea to wipe down any jars or pots by removing the lids and disinfecting the rim.

Brushes/Sponges: You need to thoroughly clean your tools; this includes brushes, sponges, hairbrushes and tweezers. You should really be cleaning your brushes at least every two weeks and weekly for foundation brushes. You can use a gentle shampoo and give them a wash in the sink, then lay them flat to dry on a towel; if you stand them up, the water goes into the glue (used in most low to moderately priced brushes) and can make them fall apart faster.
Don't keep used, dirty make-up sponges - even washing won't remove all the grime.

Top tips to keep your makeup fresh and your skin clean and healthy:

• Don’t put any eye products directly onto the eye if you have an eye infection – use a disposable applicator.

• If there is a change in colour, texture or the product has separated you need to throw it out.

• Smell your makeup - if it has an unusual smell it could be harbouring nasty bugs.

• Be sure to do products up tightly when you are finished and store them out of the sun.

• If you have to sample a product in-store always be sure to use a clean disposable applicator like a cotton bud.

• If you see any black spots or fuzzy growth it’s time for the bin.

• Don’t add water to products as this can dilute the preservative system which can allow bugs to grow.