Do you wait 'til your mascara is completely empty before you buy another? You're not alone. According to a UK survey, the contents of most women's make-up bags are out of date by four years and potentially germ-ridden.
According to the survey commissioned by UK retail store Debenhams, women are using make-up well past the use-by date, unaware that they could be a magnet for germs which could damage their health and their looks, Reuters reported.
Debenhams director of cosmetics, Sara Stern, says women's reluctance to throw away old products is 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," she says.
"Beauty is timeless but unfortunately products are not."
She said out-of-date make-up, perfume and skincare products carry a risk of irritation and infection of the skin, as air and bacteria infiltrate the products.
The survey asked 1000 women aged 18 to 70 about the contents of their make-up bags and their understanding of the health consequences of using out-of-date products.
Despite beauty faves such as mascara, foundation, eyeliner and blusher carrying a "period after opening" indicator, 89 percent of the respondents said they were unaware this information existed.
Sixty-eight percent of the women said they only replace make-up and skincare when they run out, regardless of how long that took. Seventy-two percent also admitted to never washing their make-up sponges or brushes, even though they should weekly.
Worryingly, 60 percent admitted they shared make-up with friends and family, which multiplies the chances of infection.
So while it can be difficult to tell whether your fave mascara has become a germ-factory, as a general rule, keep:
- mascara for three months;
- foundation, lipstick and lip-liners for one year;
- powders and shadows for up to two years.
Related links
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Mascara guide: faking fabulous flutter
CLEO: How to do vampire chic
Your say: Do you keep make-up 'til it runs out?
