Danger lurking at bottom of your cosmetics bag

Women are putting cosmetics on their faces unaware that the products could be harbouring harmful germs.

A survey of 1,000 women showed that eyeshadow was on average only thrown out after 15 years, when it has a shelf life of just two years.

Mascara should be kept for four to six months but, in reality, most women only threw it away after a year.

Perfume was only thrown out after eight years, rather than three, and lipstick was kept for 10 years, when it usually goes out of date after two.

Health experts warn that make-up, perfume and skincare products used after the expiry date can risk irritation and infection.

This is due to air and bacteria infiltrating the products. Multi-use products carry an even higher risk as they can spread germs from eyes to skin to lips.

Bevis Man, of the British Skin Foundation, said: "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 haven for bacteria, especially if they are kept for a long period of time and are not washed. Again, it is best to keep them clean and replace them after a few months of use."

Beauty products such as foundation, concealer, blusher, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick and perfume all include a "period after opening" indicator, denoted by an open pot with the number of months of safe use written inside.

Despite European Union guidelines meaning brands have to state product shelf lives, the survey showed 89 per cent of women are unaware that such information exists, do not understand what the symbol means or are unable to read the often tiny writing.

"It's not always obvious when make-up has passed its prime, so it may not occur to people to replace their products," added Mr Man.

"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 that it was not worth keeping old make-up to save money because products can dry out and become less effective as they age.

Sara Stern, director of cosmetics at Debenhams, which carried out the survey, 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."

Six out of 10 women who took part in the survey said they shared make-up with friends and family, which can multiply the chances of infection.

Seven out of 10 never wash their make-up sponges or brushes, and 81 per cent go to sleep without removing make up at least once a week.

Dr Sarah Brewer, a medical consultant, told The Scotsman she agreed out-of-date make-up could cause health problems.

"Things can become chemically unstable. Creams can start to smell rancid and it could lead to infections. You do have to be particularly careful with things that are going on the eyes."

Debenhams has written to Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham, to push for further legislation to cover the safety of consumers.