The average British woman risks her health and looks with a make-up bag four years past its use-by date, researchers say.

Out-of date beauty products can be a magnet for germs but most women have no idea that EU rules mean brands have to state an item’s bathroom shelf life, according to a new poll.

Past their ‘use-by’ point, make-up items carry a risk of irritation and infection due to contamination by bacteria, according to Debenhams, which surveyed 1,000 women.

Around nine in ten did not know make-up comes with a ‘period after opening’ sign – an open pot icon showing the number of months it can be used safely – did not understand the symbol or could not read the often tiny writing. [Source]