Stay safe while sampling cosmetics with these four essential tips for using makeup testers in stores, ensuring a clean and hygienic experience.
We’ve all been there – cruising through the mall or a department store, fully engrossed in the beauty of makeup. With such a diverse plethora of cosmetic selections, it’s not hard to get lost in trying out various items to see what works for you. Or if you’re like some of us who just love to swatch products and beam at the color payoffs.
However, there’s always something to be cautious about when it comes to makeup testing. We all know that bacteria accumulate in cosmetics and even more when they’re out in the open, used by so many people. You may have heard of the news of a woman in Sephora contracting a viral disease after trying out a lipstick and if that’s completely taken you aback from makeup testers, we don’t blame you.
So does that mean that you can no longer test out that product you’ve been eyeing for so long? Not exactly. But we run down the rules of using makeup testers properly so you can keep on the lookout the next time you’re on the hunt for your next beauty product.
Avoid trying products on your face
We take such good care of our skin and invest so much in skincare products that it already seems like a given to avoid putting testers on your face. After all, it is one great way to drastically cut the risk of contracting anything nasty. Even the disposable spoolies and wands aren’t always clean. It’s not far-fetched to assume that a lot of people dip their wands a second time after testing, which contaminates the whole product.
To quote cosmetic chemist, Ginger King, to get the best shade match without actually putting a product on your lips, “try on the palm, not on the back of your hand as the palm resembles your lip color more than back of your hand.”
Know how to properly clean a product before and after testing
Alcohol spritzers are your friend. Not only does it keep your hands clean on the go but it can be the most useful tool when testing out makeup. Use it to clean everything before and after testing a product, even powders and palettes. Misting a product kills off the bacteria – for lipsticks, clean the surface with alcohol spray then wipe off with tissue. For palettes, you can take a tissue and wipe the whole tin off so you remove a whole layer of the product, then you can use a cotton swab to swatch on the back of your hand.
If you don’t have an alcohol spritzer with you, makeup counters surely have plenty of them, as well as tissues and cotton swabs. Always be sure to ask for them before testing out products. Which brings us to our next tip…
Don’t be afraid to ask for new testers
There are certain products that just can’t properly sanitized. For mascaras, lip glosses, and liquid foundations, always ask for a new tester. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff to open a new fresh tester for you. There probably aren’t a lot of customers who ask for them and they absolutely should, stat!
Pay attention when having your makeup done
While it may be nice getting catered to and having your makeup done at counters, always be on the lookout to ensure that the products and tools being used on your face are absolutely clean. Take a look at the brushes and observe whether the makeup artist is taking the necessary precautions to keep everything sanitized. And most of all, always make sure the makeup artist washes their hands before applying anything.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally best to avoid applying store testers directly to the face. Products used by many shoppers can accumulate bacteria, and disposable wands or spoolies are not always clean if someone has dipped them twice. Swatching on the hand is the safer way to check a shade.
The palm is the suggested spot for testing lip color. According to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, the palm’s tone resembles the lips more closely than the back of the hand does. Swatching there avoids contact with the mouth while still giving a more accurate read of the shade.
Counters typically provide alcohol spritzers, tissues and cotton swabs. For lipsticks, spray the surface and wipe it with a tissue before and after testing. For palettes, wipe away the top layer with a tissue, then pick up product with a cotton swab rather than a finger.
Mascaras, lip glosses and liquid foundations are described as products that cannot be properly sanitized, because their wands and applicators touch the product directly. For these, shoppers can ask staff for a fresh tester or a sealed sample instead of using the one on display.
Look at the brushes and tools being used and confirm they are clean before they touch your skin. It is also reasonable to make sure the makeup artist has washed their hands first. Clean tools and hands reduce the chance of transferring bacteria between customers.
