Are your cosmetics past their use-by date?

• Stick to one mascara and use it regularly so you finish it within a few months. This is far better than alternating between a number of different mascaras, which means you keep them longer and increase the risk of contamination.
• Never add water or other liquid to mascara to keep it from drying out, as this can cause the preservative to become diluted and therefore offer less protection against germs.
• Never share mascara, as this is the most common way to pass on eye infections such as conjunctivitis.
• Don't use the same mascara if you've just had an eye infection, and buy a new one to minimise your chances of the infection coming back.
• Don't use saliva to moisten mascara. The bacteria from your mouth may get into the mascara, which can encourage bacteria to grow and cause infection.
• Always wash your hands before applying mascara to cut down the risk of passing on bacteria with your hands.
• Keep mascara in a clean place. Don't let it come into contact with dust or dirt that may harbour harmful bacteria.

Tips

• Use one moisturiser for the day and one for the night, and use them one at a time. It's a common mistake to buy three or four similar products, open them all and alternate using them. Chances are you won't use them all within the allotted time and they'll end up going off.
• Throw a product away the moment it starts to change colour, smell off or the oils and fats begin to separate, which you'll be able to see.
• Keep out of direct sunlight and heat.
• Try not to stick your fingers in the pot if you can help it, as this decreases the chance of introducing unwanted bacteria into the product. Use a clean, plastic spatula or a spoon instead.