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.”

I love my spring collection of lip glosses, light and sheer or drenched with color. But my new favorite lip makeup right now is my Line Stylist Lipliner by Maybelline.

For a long time my favorite eye liner was a Line Stylist. It’s time to get a new one, or two, as I used it so much it’s just about gone.

What makes these liners so great is the fine, precision line they make. The twist-up mechanism makes the liners self-sharpening and you get a very thin and easy-to-control tip.

The lipliner has a slanted tip for better application. It’s also enriched with Vitamin E so it glides on smooth and creamy and of course, prevents feathering and bleeding of your lip color. For lipstick I would line only the outer line of lips but for glosses, apply over the entire lip to make a base that will extend the wear time of the gloss.

Researchers at the Université Lavel’s Faculty School of Medicine have discovered that a common ingredient in many anti-wrinkle creams and products causes a pathological reaction in skin cells.

The substance, DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) first causes a rapid swelling of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts act as reservoirs and interface between the inside and outside of the cell.

But after a few hours there is a noticeable slowing of cell division and a dying off of fibroblasts. The initial thickening of the skin from the swollen fibroblasts is probably what causes the “anti-wrinkle” effect.

Cosmetics are not subjected to the same rigorous testing and safety trials as medications or other regulated products.

The researchers aren’t saying whether or not DMAE poses a health risk. But many compounds used in cosmetics are absorbed by the skin and enter the bloodstream, they may even be stored in the liver. That’s why Dr. Francois Marceau, one of the authors of the study, thinks it’s time that the possible dangers and health risks of cosmetic ingredients be studied.

Université Laval

There are times when you want eyelashes to look as full and long as they can but perhaps you don’t want heavy color that can melt and smudge and leave you with raccoon eyes. If your plans include engaging in outdoor activities on a warm day, you may feel more comfortable with a minimal or no-makeup look but you can still make those lashes stand out.

Using a clear mascara will give you definition and length without leaving color on your lashes. Max Factor’s No Color Mascara has a gel formula that does everything a mascara should - except add color.

Eyebrows too, need grooming - especially with brows getting fuller this year. Just because there is more brow doesn’t mean it should be wild and out of control. If you use a brow-defining pencil or no brow color at all, a quick and light brushing with a clear mascara is a great way to make eyebrows look well-groomed and set them for the day. Not too much though, you don’t want them to look glued into place.