from www.number1skincare.co.uk
Debenhams has revealed that the average British woman’s cosmetic bag is out of date by a worrying four years.
The new research highlighted that many British women are using cosmetics well past the use-by date, unaware that products can be a magnet for germs which could cause damage to their health and looks.
Sara Stern, Director of Cosmetics at Debenhams said, “British women are famously loyal to make up brands and products, however, their reluctance to throw away old products is a risky business.”
Beauty essentials 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, 89% of women are unaware that such information exists, do not understand what the symbol means or are unable to read the often tiny writing. Make-up, perfume and skincare products used after the expiry date carry a risk of irritation and infection. This is due to air and bacteria infiltrating the products. Multiuse products carry an even higher risk as they can spread germs from eyes to skin to lips.