She's not the only one who hurts in the name of fashion. Experts say 80% of women experi-ence problems because of ill-fitting shoes. And sore feet are just one of the dangers women face to stay at the cutting-edge of style.

Skinny jeans and oversized handbags also claim fashion victims. Here are the other perils:

Make-up
Our make-up bags contain everything to make us beautiful - as well as hordes of infectioncausing bugs if not looked after properly. Experts recommend that make-up is changed regularly, including sponges and eye pencils.

Mascara is the worst at harbouring germs as they build up over repeated applications and if these get into the eye they can cause nasty infections. Beauty therapist Susan Cressy advises: "Always wash mascara brushes regularly to prevent spots or infection. Use shampoo and rinse well to remove all soap and then dry the bristles on a towel."

Handbags
Huge bags - like this one singer Jessica Simpson is toting around - can cause back pain and ruin its alignment. The British Osteopathic Association's Lucy Ross Browne, says: "Putting weight on one shoulder accentuates your spinal curve. This strain can cause muscle fatigue and disc problems. If you like having hairspray and make-up with you, keep a second beauty kit at work."

Feet
Feet take a pounding during our lives and none more so than those in ill-fitting and tall shoes. Podiatrist Matthew Fitzpatrick says high heels don't cause bunions, genetics do, but they exacerbate the problem and should only be used to walk short distance. He adds: "They load the front of the foot out of alignment, increasing the pressure and making the deformity worse."

But ballet pumps are just as bad. Matt says: "Flat shoes offer no support so can make underlying problems worse." Wear flats that support the arch, leaving toe room.

Eyelash Extensions
Who doesn't want seductive eyes like Cheryl Cole? But popular semi-permanent eyelash extensions could actually leave you bald above the eyes.

The College of Optometrists warns glues and agents used to keep them in place are irritants that can cause discomfort and even eye damage. Repeated use can spark traction alopecia - where lashes fall out and don't grow back. The College's Dr Susan Blakeney says: "If you want long lashes without the risks, false eyelashes are both cheaper and safer."

Sunglasses
Celebs such as Paris Hilton are fans of oversized shades, but if you can't afford designer brands make sure you get a pair with proper protection. Buying cheap sunglasses that offer no UV block can lead to lasting eye damage and even cataracts.

Dr Blakeney says: "We wouldn't go out in the sun without sunscreen, so why risk eye damage by wearing specs that aren't up to scratch?" 

Push-up bras
Forget thick, ugly granny-style bra straps that support your chest - many woman now opt for pretty, thin-strapped push-up bras. Around 70% wear ill-fitting ones that store up a host of health problems.

Researchers from Portsmouth University found wearing wrong size bras can damage to ligaments around women's chests. A US team linked tight bras to cancer - claiming they slowed down toxic-flushing lymph glands in the armpits.

Skinny trousers
Skinny jeans are a staple of many British women's wardrobes - Kate Moss practically lives in hers.

But make sure yours aren't too skinny. Tight clothing can cause Tingling Thigh Syndrome, meralgia paresthetica, by compressing the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Thankfully, the damage is reversible. Dr William Madosky says: "Remove the pressure and the nerve regenerates."

Undies
You might feel unsexy swapping skimpy knickers for cotton granny pants but you will be doing your health a favour.

Manmade materials don't let the skin breath, unlike cotton, making the perfect environment for thrush, a yeast infection. Thongs can cause skin irritations through rubbing while control knickers, made famous by Bridget Jones, can bring on heartburn, stomach ulcers and breathing difficulties.

"The effect is similar to a corset that medical books have long advised against," says Prof John Hunter of Cranfield University.

Source: Daily Mirror

Pic: José Lins Sousa