Express Yourself

We've all heard the so-called "fashion do's and don'ts", those prescriptive lists designed to show us which faux pas we're making in our wardrobes. But who makes these rules anyway? Fashion should be fun, a way to embrace your individuality and express yourself. Far from hemming us in by suggesting we blindly follow the latest trends, if we can learn to harness fashion we can create a unique style that tells people who we really are.

Revealing your best true self starts with great skin. Clinique's new Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush has been developed by Clinique dermatologists as a real skin changer.

The product's oval-shaped brush head has been specifically designed to allow targeted cleansing in the hard-to-reach, contoured areas of the face, including around the nose, hairline and chin. The brush has two strengths of rounded bristles that cleanse gently.

Meanwhile, the sonic vibrations, combined with the unique brush, gently massages skin, loosening stubborn dirt and oil more effectively than hand washing, improving the health and condition of the skin.

The result is your cleanest, healthiest skin ever. Skin looks instantly smoother and more radiant, and pores are purified.

Consumer studies of women representing four skin types praised Clinique's Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush for its effective cleansing, gentleness, ease of use, improved skin feel and better preparedness for skin care products. Cleaner, more radiant skin means greater confidence.

Develop your own style
Confidence is imperative when it comes to pulling off a look that's unique to you. It's no good wearing an eye-catching dress if you feel self-conscious about it. Boost your fashion confidence by learning the rules - you can always break them later. Read up on fashion history, see how the most stylish women get it right and acknowledge trends to get a feel for what's in fashion. Most importantly, embrace your own limitations. Trends don't work for every body shape or colouring. Select those that work for you and forget the rest. And embrace your flaws. Fashion is brimming with unconventional beauties who've found an internal elegance that carries them everywhere. Follow their lead by accentuating the positive. Look for your dominant features and work with them. If you have pale skin or great legs, show them off. If you have a lovely neck, wear jewellery that draws the eye to your best feature.

Designer Marc Jacobs said, "I like people who have a sense of individuality. I love expression and anything awkward and imperfect, because that's natural and that's real."

Get inspired
Now it's time to experiment. By embracing our individuality we face the world with confidence, while staying true to ourselves. Diana Vreeland knew this intrinsically. The eccentric and bold former Vogue and Harper's Bazaar editor said, "There's only one thing in life, and that's the continual renewal of inspiration."

Anyone who has walked down a busy city street will know that's true. Londoners in particular have a free-spirited, fun, often eccentric approach to fashion. It's a place where anything goes, and where street-style photographers are never bored. The most creative individuals don't shy away from being stared at - they revel in it!

Now it's simpler than ever to spark inspiration in your wardrobe. Pinterest is an easy, fun way to keep track of your favourite looks. Create your ideal outfit by pinning images collated from style blogs, shopping sites and even memorable holidays. Or you can follow your favourite style stars to see what they're busy pinning.

Be bold
True fashionistas don't follow the pack but take risks to try something new. Alexa Chung, whose style is so envied she has her own Mulberry handbag named after her, reckons her look is "part grandma" and "part five year old". Diane Kruger's sweet yet sexy appeal has seen her wear some unusual shapes on the red carpet. And Dita Von Teese has made a name for herself by channelling 1950s pin-ups such as Betty Page, bringing vintage and lingerie boldly into the limelight. We're drawn to them all for different reasons: Coco Chanel, for her timeless chic style, Elizabeth Taylor for her sense of the fabulous, Madonna for her edgy sex appeal. How to find your own signature style? Experiment. As Harry Winston said, "People will stare. Make it worth their while."

• Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush, $165. Click here for stockists.