With the change of every calendar year we breathe a collective beauty department sigh of relief. It's the perfect opportunity to escape from some of the worst beauty trends of months gone past; 2010 is no exception. With dozens of beauty blunders behind us, we've selected the top three looks to nix come the new year - and the top three tips to add to your beauty arsenal.

Electrifying eyes

2010
Trend offender: Raccoon-worthy eyeliner
Where it's been seen: This look appeared on many a star in 2010, including Taylor Momsen, Fergie and Carmen Electra.
Nix it now: As unflattering eye makeup goes, this look may surpass all others. Yes, eyeliner - when used in appropriate doses a la Nicole Richie - can make eyes pop. But there's a fine line between sexy and trashy, and it can be a hard one to walk. Straddling the wrong side may have the unintended effect of detracting from - rather than enhancing - your face's beautiful features.

2011
Adopt this tip: Technicolour eyeshadow
Where it's been seen: Dozens of spring 2011 runways had their share of prettily coloured eyes, including Betsey Johnson, Etro and Narciso Rodriguez.
Add it now: This is a trend anyone can tailor to their own makeup wants and needs. Eyeshadow shades can be matched to complement skin tone and eye colour. And it's easy to take this look from day to night; just add an extra dash of eyeshadow or eyeliner to give eyes that extra pop. Standout colours include lavender, lime and aqua.

Going au natural

2010
Trend offender: Too-tanned skin
Where it’s been seen: Victoria Beckham, Lindsay Lohan and Snooki have all been spotted sporting an “orangey” glow.
Nix it now: There is nothing sexy about looking like you’ve overdone it in a tanning salon - or like you refuse to wear sunscreen when sporting a bikini on the beach. Tans to this degree usually make a person look leathery and aged, instead of young and graceful.

2011
Adopt this tip: Less is more
Where it’s been seen: Emilio Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton made this simple look the staple of their 2011 spring runways.
Add it now: A timeless trend, this is another beauty look that suits absolutely everyone. The key is in learning how to apply makeup so it looks like you don’t have any on. A little concealer (under the eyes and around the nose) is all you really need, along with a sweep of foundation that matches your natural skintone. Leave lips bare - adding only a dab or two of clear lip gloss - and apply a coat of mascara to eyelashes. If you’d like some added colour, brush some blush onto the apples of your cheeks.

Follow our step-by-step video on how to create a natural look

The biggest hair trend to nix on the next page ...