A fresh face for a new year.

Now that the crazy Christmas / New Year party season is over, it's likely that your skin requires a detox just as much as you do. Back away from the glittery stage make-up of the past few weeks and opt to begin 2009 with a fresh face. Here's how:

Step 1: Skincare - Proper hydration for your skin is vital right now due to excess toxins depriving your skin of vitamin C, resulting in a dull complexion. Ensure that you cleanse and moisturise daily (and always before applying make-up), using products appropriate to your skin's needs. A weekly mask would also be ideal.

Step 2: Concealer - A must if you want to hide those dark under-eye circles. Apply from the top of the cheekbones all the way up to your lash line, then take some to the inner-corner of your eyes. Always use yellow-based shades of concealer, foundation and powder rather than orange for a more natural look. My product of choice is the infamous Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Highligher, £16.50 when bought from online retailers.

Step 3: Foundation - Use a light foundation or tinted moisturiser in order to achieve a natural look. Always apply after concealer and blend using either fingers or a brush. For a flawless complexion, use Chanel Vitalumière Satin Smoothing Fluid Make-up - pricey at £29, but foundation is the one make-up product that you should really spend as much money as possible on. Plus, it provides SPF 15.

Image Source: Chanel

Step 4: Blusher + Highlighter - Blusher immediately adds radiance to your skin and makes you look healthier. I favour the cream / liquid variety for perfectly dewy skin - get the look with Benefit PosieTint, £22.50. Next, use an equally creamy highlighter to contour your face. Dab Benefit High Beam, £15.50, over cheek bones and brow bones for glamorous daytime look.

Step 5: Eyes - Make your eyes appear larger by applying a pearly shadow to the inner corners of your eyes - the Benefit Mr. Frosty pencil, £12.50, works a treat. For an enhanced effect, line your lower and upper lash lines with the product. When it comes to mascara, I prefer one that offers intense volume, even for daytime. Bourjois Volume Clubbing mascara, £8, in "Absolute Black" works wonders.

Step 6: Lips - Keep lips clean and smooth. Exfoliate them with a dry toothbrush, then apply a moisturising balm or clear gloss - I adore Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Dark Chocolate & Mint Lip Butter, approx. £2.50.

Step 7: Brows - Use slanted tweezers to pluck an stray hairs between and below the brows, but never above. Keep everything in place with a slick of Vaseline, 99p.

... That's about it! Happy New Year, everybody!