What use by date?

Only so long - I’ve had some of my lippies since the 1980s and still use them without turning into Ivy Tildsley after her mouth job.

Apparently we are using cosmetics well past their use-by date, unaware that they can be a magnet for germs which could cause damage to health and looks.

Now Debenhams who are concerned over their findings have contacted Leigh MP and Secretary of State for Health Andy Burnham to push for further legislation to cover the safety of consumers.

They are now exploring ways in which the ‘best before’ date of products can be better communicated to customers.

Staff are being trained to point out the importance of regularly replacing products and a ‘make up’ amnesty is planned nationwide.

It’s not because they want to sell more is it?

Apparently not according to the director of cosmetics Sara Stern, who says we wouldn’t hesitate to chuck out mouldy or bacteria-ridden food and the same standards should apply to the lotions and potions that we put on our skin. Beauty is timeless but products are not.

Despite European Union guidelines meaning brands have to state product shelf lives, 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.

Make-up, perfume and skincare products used after the expiry date carry a risk of irritation and infection.

To add to the shock horror factor, 60 per cent of women admitted they shared make-up with friends and family, multiplying the chances of infection, 68 per cent only replace items when they run out, however long that might take and 72 per cent never wash their make up sponges or brushes, even though they should do at least once a week.

81 per cent of us also regularly go to sleep without removing make up.

Guilty on all counts, m’lud.

Hopefully this call to action will encourage women to have a ruthless spring clean of their cosmetics collections. But not me I’m afraid.