Women Warned: Old Make-Up Can Make You Ill

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Women Warned: Old Make-Up Can Make You Ill

The average British woman risks her health and looks with a make-up bag four years past its use-by date, researchers say.

Out-of date beauty products can be a magnet for germs but most women have no idea that EU rules mean brands have to state an item's bathroom shelf life, according to a new poll.

Past their 'use-by' point, make-up items carry a risk of irritation and infection due to contamination by bacteria, according to Debenhams, which surveyed 1,000 women.

Around nine in ten did not know make-up comes with a 'period after opening' sign ' an open pot icon showing the number of months it can be used safely ' did not understand the symbol or could not read the often tiny writing.

Beauty is timeless but unfortunately products are not
Sara Stern, cosmetics director at Debenhams

More than two thirds (68%) of women said they only replace make-up and skincare when they run out, however long that might take.

Eye shadows and powder blushes proved the most enduring items in a woman's make-up bag, kept for an average of 15 years rather than the recommended 18 to 24 months.

Women also struggle to discard lipsticks and lip glosses ' keeping them for a whole decade rather than the 12 to 24 months advised.

Even mascara, which has the shortest period of safe use at just four to six months, tends to hang around in handbags for a year before being thrown away.

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Adding to the risk of infection, almost two thirds of women (60%) admitted they share make-up with friends and family.

Bevis Man, of the British Skin Foundation, said: "It is best to err on the side of caution and if a product looks or smells strange, it is worth throwing it away."

He added: "Your eyes are one area of your face you need to be particularly careful with, as eye infections can be painful and long-lasting.

"Make-up sponges are a particular haven for bacteria, especially if they are kept for a long period of time and are not washed."

Debenhams cosmetics director Sara Stern said: "British women are famously loyal to make-up brands and products. However, their reluctance to throw away old products is a risky business.

"We wouldn't hesitate to chuck out mouldy or bacteria-ridden food and the same standards should apply to the lotions and potions and that we put on our skin.

"Beauty is timeless but unfortunately products are not."

Source: Sky News