Women keep make-up for years after expiry date

British women have admitted to keeping make-up for years after it expires, exposing themselves to infection.

Statistics state that women store eyeshadow for the longest amount of time, with the average woman hoarding the item for seven years – six years after its expiry date, according to a survey by online beauty retailer Escentual.com.

Lipstick and liquid foundations were next, with women keeping hold of them for four and three years respectively after their use by date.

Emma Leslie, beauty editor at Escentual.com, said make-up could easily become a breeding ground for bacteria like staphylococcus aureus and staphylococcus epidermidis.

“Beauty products that surround the eye hold the greatest risk of infection and can cause bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid. So it’s alarming to learn that British women are holding on to eyeshadow more than five years past the expiration date.”

She added: “Liquid foundation, blusher, bronzer, concealer and face powder past expiration dates can clog up pores with bacteria, which can cause irritations, break-outs and rashes.”

The survey found that 6% of women had kept eyeshadow for more than 14 years while 17% admitted to keeping hold of mascara for up to eight years. 

Face powder, blusher and bronzer are apparently replenished more regularly.

Escentual.com suggested eyeshadow should be kept for a maximum of one year, lipstick for one and a half years and liquid foundation for six months.