I might have left school over a decade ago, but there’s something about the first few days of September that still reminds me of heading back to the classroom. I loved school (strange, I know) – so to celebrate the beginning of the new term, I am sending you back to the classroom with my top beauty lessons. No talking at the back!

Lesson 1- Groom your brows

Groomed, tidy brows make a huge different to the face. They act like a mini facelift, appearing to shape and smooth the complexion. I have my brows professionally threaded every four weeks – and I highly recommend you do the same. For homework, it is well worth investing in brow gel to keep them in shape, such as BareEscentuals Brow Finishing Gel, and a brow pencil to give the arches a little definition, such as Dior Powder Eyebrow Pencil.

Lesson 2 – Use a body brush

It only adds minutes to the morning routine, so I highly recommend investing in a body brush. Use it before you step into the shower each morning, brushing skin in long, sweeping strokes towards your heart. You’ll be shocked by how quickly it makes a difference to the tone and texture of skin.

Lesson 3 – Be brave with colour

There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in a make-up rut – so be adventurous with colour. I usually stick to black and smoky greys, so once in a while I like to inject some pizzazz to my complexion by picking a vivid blue, sultry purple, or shocking pink. Clarins Waterproof Eyeliner Pencils,  are a great way to explore colour, whilst keeping the look subtle – I love the Turquoise and Violet hues. For more impact, I love Dior Backstage Eye Show, in Pink Wannabe or Pop Aquadelic.

Lesson 4 – Treat your hair

We’re used to treating our complexion to indulgent masks and our bodies to lashings of thick moisturiser – but what about our hair? Make a habit to treat your locks to weekly treatments, which will dramatically improve texture, boost colour, and add shine. I recommend Klorane Mango Butter Intense Nutrition Repair Mask, which leaves hair smooth, soft, and frizz-free.

Lesson 5 – Prime skin

Add a primer to your dressing table, applying it to skin just before foundation. Ideal for dry, oily, or combination skin, a primer will help to combat flakiness, fill fine lines, hide enlarged pores, and make foundation last far longer. I swear by BareEscentuals BareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer, which feels non-greasy and lends a flawless finish to foundation.