Bacteria in yukky make-up bags

~ originally posted 26th February 2010

Women warned of make-up bacteria risk as the average cosmetics bag is found to be four years out of date

Daily Mail – 25th February 2010

They might appear innocent components of the female armoury.

But beware. Those trusty pots of eyeshadow and tubes of lipstick can be dangerous.

Beauty products, like food, do not last forever.

Over time bacteria can infiltrate them, only to be transferred on to the face and cause irritation or even infection.  But the average make-up bag is a hoarding space for items that are four years out of date, a study shows.  And some women hang on to items for up to 15 years past recommended use-by dates.

Old mascara wands can breed bacteria that lead to conjunctivitis, which causes redness, itching and swelling.  They should not be used six months after opening – but women admit to keeping them for an average of a year.  Expired lipsticks, meanwhile, can make lips dry, irritated and blistered. And dirty brushes are a breeding ground for micro-organisms that can cause herpes, ringworm and impetigo, an infectious disease that results in blisters.

Five years ago rules were brought in by the European Union requiring all cosmetics to carry advice on when they will expire.

Many manufacturers responded by adding ‘period after opening’ symbols to packaging to indicate how many months a product lasts.

To see the whole gory picture, please visit the Daily Mail

(c) Daily Mail

Callie says: “I have been puritanical about my make-up bag – and brushes – since qualifying as a therapist … how about you?  How often do you wash your make-up brushes, or give your make-up bag a good clear out?”