Although an essential part of just about every woman’s appearance, make-up can pose serious risks to infection as well as other health problems.

Using old make-up can increase chances of acquiring an infection, as harmful bacteria can build up in containers over time.

The possibility of skin irritation, rashes, and acne also increases when using old make-up, as it can be contaminated with facial oils from use.

If old make-up is contaminated with fungal spores or other infectious particles, the risk of secondary infection increases as well.

“Liquid based make-up should be replaced once every 90 days,” says Angie Hicks of Angie’s List, “So mascara, foundation, things like that. Powdered make-up could last up until a year. A lot of us forget when we buy things so a good tip is to stick a sticker on the make-up and mark the date you started using it."

Although rarely suspected, certain irritations on the head may be caused by make-up.

"If you discover you have an eye infection or skin irritation, stop using the make-up you've been using recently and throw it away and get fresh,” says Hicks, “A lot of times, what you might find is you keep re-infecting yourself. One Angie's List member had an eye irritation. She thought it was from her contacts, but she kept getting it and couldn't get rid of it. It turns out if was from her mascara. So you need to start and get fresh with everything anytime you have an infection."

Optometrist Kathleen Busby recommends steering clear of sharing make-up.

“Never use someone else's make-up,” said Busby, “Never share make-up. Never share eye drops because the tip of the bottle can be contaminated."

If faced with an infection or irritation, visiting a doctor outweighs any potential savings from keeping old make-up.

By regularly cleaning make-up brushes and using different applicators so brushes will not cross-contaminate, the threat of infection can be reduced.

Disposable applicators can also reduce the chances of spreading bacteria.

Make-up should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Additional Information:
-Evaluate your make-up: Replace liquid make-up, such as mascara or eyeliner, every three months. Powdered products can be used up to a year. If the product colors or consistency changes, that is another sign that you need to throw out the make-up.
-Label new purchases: If there isn't an expiration date on the make-up, stick a piece of tape on the container and write down the date you opened it so you can keep track.
-Clean your beauty tools: Clean make-up brushes regularly and use different applicators so that the make-up brush won't cross-contaminate make-up. Disposable applicators are another option to reduce the chances of spreading bacteria.
-Don't share: Contrary to what you learned in elementary school, sharing make-up is not a good idea. This can increase your chances of catching an infection.
-Rethink storage: Your make-up should be stored in a cool, dry place.
-Toss it out: If you do get an infection around your eye, or you develop skin irritation, make sure to throw out your make-up and start fresh. Also, stop wearing contact lenses until the eye infection has cleared up. Seek advice from a board-certified dermatologist or physician if symptoms persist.
-Prevent infection from spreading: It's important to wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing eye drops since the tip of the bottle can be contaminated.