We are often reluctant to throw away our make-up, but a spring clean could be just what your kit needs to avoid dull products and face irritations. Expired make-up simply doesn’t work as well as when you first bought it. Oil-based products can separate, nail polishes form lumps and lipsticks become lackluster.

Our Beauty Editor, Cathi Trevor,  recommends regular make-up bag clear-outs to be safe and avoid anything from a mild irritation to a full-blown infection like a stye. Bacteria could be lurking in your mascara’s dark and damp tube, and every time you dip your fingers into your favourite creamy blusher germs are transferred.

We’ve compiled a guide for when to replace your old products.

If you’ve forgotten how long you’ve been using something, trust your gut. If it smells or looks funny – bin it!