Your out of date mascara

● You know how your mascara gets all clumpy after three or four months, but you don’t want to buy a new one because that stuff is pricey?

● Well, it’s time to cull your make-up bag of all out of date eye make-up, especially mascara, yes even your favourite Chanel one you bought in 2016.

● Mascara can harbour bacteria which can cause infections leading to redness, light sensitivity and irritation and, in rare cases, even blindness. Liquid liner and mascara have a shelf life of around three months once opened.

● Unopened, well-formulated cosmetics can remain stable for a couple of years.

● What’s more, eye make-up applied inside the eyeline, such as eyeliner, can increase the risk of eye infection, according to research from the University of Waterloo published in the peer-reviewed journal of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Eye and Contact lens.

● The research by the scientist Dr Alison Ng found that contact lens wearers were more vulnerable to infection from eye make-up. Dr Ng recommends preventing bacterial transfer by sharpening eye pencils thoroughly before each use.

● Similarly, false eyelashes could put your eyes at risk. According to experts, false eyelashes are a hygiene risk because they tend to trap dirt and bacteria, while poor quality, unhygienic lashes increase the risk, so it’s important to find a reputable beautician.