Beauty analyst Alexandra Richmond said: 'It is not simply a matter of products no longer performing to optimal standards. Old make-up can be hazardous to our health. Like food, cosmetics can expire and become dangerous to use. There may be far more lurking at the bottom of your make-up bag than an old dried mascara.'
Richmond believes women simply forget when they bought a product and so are more likely to wear it after its use-by date 'Repeated exposure to bacteria from the mouth affects lip colour cosmetics, while out-of-date mascara and eye pencils can raise the risk of infections.
Dr Chris Flower, of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, said: 'An area where people have had problems is eye products.'