Is your make-up bag bursting at the seams, and your dressing table overflowing with products? Old cosmetics can be full of bacteria that can lead to harmful infections, so it’s time to tidy up...

How to tell a product’s past its best:
‘The European Union Cosmetics Regulatory Branch has devised a system, represented by an open pot and a Period After Opening (PAO) number, indicating the amount of months it needs to be used within,’ explains Sharon Hadith MBE, MD of Crystal Clear Skincare. ‘All products are put through rigorous tests, such as exposing the product to extreme temperatures, and testing the preservative system – these two factors are critical to prolonging or reducing a product’s integrity and stability. This is a legal requirement and is on all skincare products sold.’

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Bin after 6 to 12 months

‘These “wet” products become contaminated much more quickly than other products,’ says MAC senior artist Debbie Finnegan. ‘Watch for any differences in consistency, texture or smell to indicate they have gone off. Check each product individually, as they all differ.’

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Bin after 24 months

‘These “dry” products are less of a growing ground for bacteria, so last longer. However, brushes can transfer moisture from your face to the product and, thus, bacteria – so replace within the appropriate time.’

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‘Good-quality brushes should last a lifetime if you look after them – my oldest brush is 17 years old and still in perfect condition,’ says MAC senior artist Caroline Donnelly. ‘Brushes should be cleaned once a week, with cleanser designed for this purpose. MAC Brush Cleanser (£9.50 for 233ml, www. maccosmetics.co.uk) gets rid of bacteria as well as make-up. Squirt it onto a tissue and gently wipe the brush. Repeat with clean tissues until no residue is left behind. Fluffier brushes only need a wash once a month – washing- up liquid works best as it breaks down oils. Wash with warm water, and rinse well. Follow with hair conditioner – leave it in for a couple of minutes, rinse, then dry flat.’

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‘Dust and germs can build up in your hairbrush, so it’s important to wash it every two to three weeks,’ says award-winning hairdresser Lee Stafford. ‘Apply a small amount of shampoo to the bristles to break up grease and, using a comb, gently scrub the brush in one direction, dragging the hair out. Rinse and dry naturally.’

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‘Unless the ceramic has peeled or the heat settings aren’t working, there’s no need to replace your tools,’ says celebrity stylist Bella Campbell. ‘You should clean them once a week to avoid a build up of styling products – ensure the tool is unplugged and completely cool. For a simple clean, use lukewarm water and wipe with a soft damp cloth (rough textures will damage ceramic surfaces), and use cotton buds for crevices. For a professional clean, you can buy specialist products from beauty suppliers.’

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‘Skincare products discolour and change in texture when they become rancid – and using a product that’s gone off can cause irritation,’ says Sharon Hilditch. Skincare’s PAO dates can vary, as they have different preservative systems. ‘Some will only last a few months, and others will last six to 12 months, so if you’re using a product for the first time, it’s important to check,’ says skincare expert and cosmetic dermatologist Dr Darren McKeown. ‘Opt for skincare packaged with pumps rather than in pots, as they’re far more hygienic,’ explains Sharon. ‘Pots lend themselves to contamination – each time you put your hand into the jar you’re contaminating the contents. Store products in a cool, dry place, rather than a steamy bathroom where bugs can grow.’

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‘Use fragrance within two years to guarantee it’s at its best,’ says perfumer Roja Dove. ‘Heat will cause the alcohol to evaporate, so make sure the seal’s kept tight. Sunlight is equally bad – keep it in the box to cut out light. Oxygen is another enemy – as soon as it’s opened, perfume starts to oxidise, destroying scent. It’s time to bin perfume when it drastically changes colour – note, most do darken over time. The liquid itself will also start to dissipate, so the level in the bottle will decrease without use. Most obviously, it will turn slightly rancid – similar to a bottle of wine that has corked.’

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‘Many sun creams don’t have an expiry date on the bottle. I’d recommend that you use up the contents within a year of opening,’ says Rebecca Maxwell, senior screening nurse at The Mole Clinic. ‘Usually, if you’ve used an adequate amount on holiday, you shouldn’t have any left to bring home with you.’

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Most of us tend to only use fake tanning products in summer, when we need to show off bare skin – then the leftover products get banished to the back of the cupboard. ‘Depending on how it’s stored, you can keep your product for the next summer,’ says Sandra McClumpha, CEO of Fake Bake. ‘Keep tanning products in a cool, dry place, with lids tightly on so no air can get in – or, even better, keep them in the fridge. It’s time to bin it when a tan starts to look green, as it means the product is starting to oxidise and go off.’

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'Most lacquers will have a 24-month PAO, but how long they will last depends on the brand and how it’s stored,’ explains head of training for OPI Tara Oldham. ‘Polish rarely goes off, but it may go clumpy – this doesn’t mean you have to throw it away, though. Many polishes can be restored by simply re-adding the solvents that have evaporated. Try OPI Nail Lacquer Thinner, £11 for 60ml, www.lenawhite.co.uk. Don’t be tempted to add polish remover, as there are no ingredients in it that you will find in a lacquer – it will just ruin it permanently. Store polishes at room temperature away from sunlight. It’s really important to wipe any excess product from the neck of the bottle before replacing the lid, to prevent it from getting stuck – make sure the lid is screwed on tightly to give it an airtight seal.’

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