Brush yourself to beauty

If someone suffers from a skin problem all one does is switch on from a pricey creame/lotion to a more expensive one.

Whereas many a times the cause of the (skin) problem is not the product but the worn out tools and make-up kits, which we use to assist in the make-up.

Sanitise your tools "For flawless make-up application, it's a must to keep the brushes clean. This also increases the longevity of your kit as your brushes and applicators could be carrier or cause of bacterial/acne infection, unwanted breakout or other contaminants," explains make-up expert, Samantha Kochhar.

"Every time you apply make-up, minute pigments cling on to the brush, which not only ruin your applicator, but also spoil a large volume of your cosmetics the next time you use it without cleaning it," says Samir Modi, make-up artist Colorbar. Stay clean Brushes should be cleaned with a reputed brush cleaner after each use.

Wipe your applicator diligently by wiping it with a dry tissue/towel. Deep clean once a month.

For deep cleaning, wash applicators using a mild shampoo (preferably baby shampoo). Keep them upright to avoid too much water seeping inside the metal holding.

Rinse under warm running water (avoid high water pressure). Press firmly to squeeze out unnecessary water, shape the bristles while wet and lay flat to air dry on a clean towel.

Palettes and palette knives may be sanitised with 99 per cent alcohol (use a spray bottle for this). Sponges and puffs should be discarded after each use.

Combs and hair brushes need to be chemically sanitised with a good disinfectant. Do not blow on your make-up brushes or tap them on the chair.

When using lip or eye pencils, sharpen them just before use.