A survey by the UK College of Optometrists reveals the 92 percent of women are putting their health and appearance at risk by using old makeup.

It’s not generally known that makeup has a sell-by date in most advanced countries. For example :

* Mascara has an expiry date of 3–6 months.
* Liquid and cream foundations, concealer, cleanser, moisturiser, 6–8 months.
* Pressed, loose and compressed powders, eye shadow, blusher, lip gloss, lipstick, toner, 1 year.
* Eye and lip liner, 18 months.

The problem is that these products can be a “hot house” for bacteria which can cause infections when the makeup is applied. The bacteria builds up over time until it becomes dangerous to use. Mascara is a particular problem because the stick used to apply it can scratch the soft tissue surrounding the eye.

The worst offenders, says the study, are women in their 30s and early 40s.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser to the college, said, “Mascara can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s not surprising we’ve found nearly half of women suffer from itchy, watery and red eyes when they are holding onto their eye makeup for so long and sharing it among their friends.”

It’s spring finally and under a warming sun that is creeping higher in the sky each day your makeup looks tired and out of place. Time to shake off winter routines and go for something light and breezy, something that lets the real you shine out.

Metallics are fine for nighttime wear but if you’re going to be out and about in the sunshine, you might feel and look more natural in mattes and neutral colors.

Eyeliner should be dotted in between the lashes, not a drawn line. Eyeshadows can be neutrals, pinks, sandy beige or earthy. Maybelline Expert Wear Eye Shadow Duo in Cocoa Delight or Indian Summer have neutral shades that are suitable for most skin tones. Try brown mascara if you have light brown or blonde hair, you can use black if your hair is darker.

When you get to lips, it’s okay to stay neutral but forget the matte and go for a moisture-drenched gloss. Gloss in barely-there hues will give you a fresh look and a hint of color. I like Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Nude Lustre.

Maybelline’s new Shine Seduction Glossy Lipcolor is a gloss with a unique delivery system.

A twist of the wand produces just the right amount of gloss and the shaped tip ensures perfect application. It seems a lot easier and less messy than the traditional sponge-tipped wands that you dip into the tube of gloss. They increase the risk of bacteria being introduced into the product as well as sometimes leaving you with a huge glop of gloss to try to spread evenly.

Shine Seduction is enriched with vitamin E, aqua-botanical extracts, algae and lotus flower extract so that it is truly good for your lips and you get a fresh and healthy dose of gloss with each application.

It comes in both cream and shimmer shades, 20 different shades in all. From Nude Glow to Cherry Drizzle, all are rich in color and shine.

I have been wearing my Glazewear Liquid Lip Color by Avon for a few days now. Overall, I am pretty pleased with the depth of color and the infrequent need for reapplication.

Everyone likes the feel of a lip gloss, they naturally feel more moisturizing and application is a breeze. The only trouble is that it tends to wear off quickly and needs constant reapplication.

I figured the best way to test a liquid lip color was to go for a deep, rich color. What better test of its staying power? So I tried Real Red. The product feels a little thicker than some lip glosses but it’s very smooth and very moisturizing. I like the fact that it contains Vitamins A, E and C, all of which have great benefits for your skin.

If you are used to sheer color in a gloss, then you will be surprised by how rich this color is and how much coverage you get. I won’t say that it lasted all day, I did need to reapply once or twice but not too often. The color was a real red but not harsh, just rich and bright. My lips felt great with this on, and the softness lasted for a long time afterward. I felt this product was very protective for the lips as well as providing great color and coverage.

As Avon currently has Glazewear on sale for 1/3 of the normal price, I recommend you pick up a couple. It comes in 27 shades!