Think First, Swipe Afterwards!

Posted by Tamara in thoughts | 5 comments

When it comes to makeup, I’ve always been more inclined to purchase in store. Even though there are some tempting deals on the internet and television, I really prefer to be able to see the product in person. It’s even better when testers are available, so you can really see the colour and finish of a product, as well as feel it’s texture.

Unfortunately, with this perk comes a serious issue; how to keep things clean when everyone is touching them?

Department store counters are usually very focused on maintaining hygienic practices, but it’s doesn’t mean that things are perfect. The benefit to a counter is that there are usually a few people that can keep an eye on things and help people when necessary. They are also able to remind you that if you want to try a product, they can clean it for you first (and if they don’t – ask them to!). In some cases, even though there are ‘testers’ at the counter that anyone can touch – there are also hygienic testers kept behind the counter. What that means is, when a wand is dipped into a tube of concealer/lip gloss/mascara – it’s only dipped once with a disposable applicator, so there is no possibility of cross contamination. This is also true for most cream products, like eye bases, concealer and cream eye liner which are removed with a spatula.

When it comes to drugstore makeup, it’s really a matter of common sense. Anyone and everyone can use, touch or drop any of the testers, and there isn’t usually anyone around to keep an eye on such things. If you need to swatch something, consider using the back of your hand – or the inside of your forearm. Putting anything near your eyes or mouth is foolish when there is absolutely no regulation of these products.

If you’re not sure about something, please ask. It may take a few extra minutes, but it’s definitely better than ending up sick.

I know that I see it far too frequently, and it’s definitely public service announcement worthy.  No doubt you’ve seen people sampling the tester mascara – ew!  Or maybe even as you’re walking past the lipstick displayer you’ve seen someone’s child smearing their face with colour – and who knows what else!

Just take a minute to think about what is going next to delicate mucous membranes which also happen to be handy entrances into the body.

Remember;

• powders can be wiped down
• lipsticks can be sanitized and wiped down
• pencils can be sanitized, wiped down and sharpened
• most cream products have sanitary testers available behind the counter