The easiest way to remember to give your make-up bag a once-over and replace (pretty much everything) is to just make it a new years ritual. New year, new make-up.

Usually I just buy the same stuff but new and fresh, but this year I shook it up a bit. Clearly I’m not 25 anymore (or 35 for that matter) and whereas it didn’t really matter a whole lot what foundation I was using a few years ago – it’s all catching up to me a little bit and I’ve realised that it’s time to start investing a bit in better products. So I asked my hair guy – who also happens to know a bit about make-up what foundation, red lipstick and mascara to buy. And here’s what I came home with:

Armani Foundation and Primer

I bought this Armani foundation and this primer. If you don’t use primer – do. I’ve used one from MAC for years and liked it better than others that have been recommended. This Armani primer seems good as well but it’s too early to know if I’ll stick with it forever. I really like the foundation. It has really sheer buildable coverage that feels like I’m not wearing any make-up, which I think is important. It’s very matte, so make sure your skin is really hydrated before applying. The make-up artist trick of putting a drop of foundation on the back of your hand and then applying it from there with a good foundation brush is a good one. When I was testing out the foundation, I really liked the blender brush they used, so I ended up buying it. It’s a little bigger than my regular foundation brush, really soft and works great with this foundation.

Chanel Lipstick

I have hardly worn any lipstick since my early twenties, because it makes me feel a bit like I’m playing dress-up. Like a little girl who got into her mum’s makeup. But I love the way other people look in really red lipstick and I love that it’s a way to dress up a bit and feel put together, even with a simple outfit. I bought this classic red Chanel lipstick in a shade that leans cold instead of warm because orangey-reds look weird on me. I also have strangely undefined lips so a lipliner is a must for me and I also picked up a lip brush at MAC to help in application.

YSL Mascara

I haven’t even used this mascara yet since I’m just finishing up my last tube (Dior), but I’m excited for it!

Chanel Nail Polish

While at the Chanel counter I couldn’t resist this lovely pail pink nail polish. I’ve been using Dior nail polishes for the last few years, and I love how well they go on. But what is really great about this one from Chanel is how long-lasting it is. I applied two quick coats (no bottom coat or top coat) and wore it for over a week without a chip. Also the shade is called “Ballerina”. Hard to resist!

Besides these new purchases, I also replenished my brow set, and replaced the angled brow brush I use to fill in my brows and to apply eye shadow as liner since I managed to lose my old brush recently. And I’m going to replace my creme blushes – they haven’t run out, but it’s a good idea to get fresh ones once a year. And with that I should be pretty set for a while!

Do you refresh your make-up every year? Does anybody have any great new finds in their make-up bag?