What does a perfect day look like for a beauty lover?

Imagine waking up in the morning with a glowing face and no signs of puffiness, enjoying your favorite coffee, and then heading to your favorite beauty store. You spend your time browsing the stores, trying out different testers, and ending the day with a delicious meal.

For the skincare lover who has a free day to themselves, this sounds like pure bliss. But let’s stop at the part where you’re trying out all those testers at the beauty store.

We all love experimenting with different products and colours, don’t we? It’s like being a kid in a candy store, just pure joy. However, this beloved self-pampering ritual can sometimes cause trouble for your skin.

Compromise on hygiene

“Such testers are highly prone to contamination, and thus, questions are often raised on the hygiene of testers in cosmetic establishments,” said Dr Shitij Goyal, head of the dermatology department at Sharda Hospital in NCR. India Today.

The doctor said these products can become a haven for bacteria, viruses and other germs as they are frequently touched by multiple customers.

“Although some establishments follow proper hygiene procedures, such as offering disposable applicators and regularly disinfecting items, these guidelines are not always followed consistently,” the doctor said. She explained that products such as lipstick and mascara that come into direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes are particularly prone to contamination.

Even though beauty stores have proper hygiene guidelines, the actions of other customers cannot be guaranteed.

Mumbai-based trichologist and aesthetic surgeon Dr Vivek Jagmohan Nigam agrees that many customers visiting cosmetics stores do not take proper hygiene precautions, like using disposable applicators.

“E. coli infection is common through people who do not wash their hands and have used the tester before you. Lipstick, balm, lip gloss, mascara, eyeliner and kajal come in contact with others, so the risk of infection from such products is high,” the doctor said.

Skin problems

Dr. Saguna Puttu, a dermatologist at Apollo Medical Centre, Kondapur, Hyderabad, explains that the use of such testers can lead to viral infections, allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, itchy, scaly and red rashes, or other skin problems like clogged pores and acne.

Users are often unaware of the dangers of sharing makeup products, and this ignorance can lead to skin problems.

Moreover, Dr Goyal calls beauty testers hazardous to the skin, saying, “Prolonged use of any product without adequate sanitization can lead to the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi on its surface.”

He further added, “Liquid cosmetics create a moist environment that can promote the growth of these germs, increasing the risk of skin diseases such as conjunctivitis, acne and impetigo. In addition, because the skin in these areas is more delicate, applying the tester directly to sensitive areas such as the lips or eyes increases the risk of allergies and infections.”

Do experts recommend trying testers?

Dr Puttu believes that trying out products at a beauty store can be a fun experience, provided you know your skin type well and are at a store with a trusted brand. However, trying out lip stains or lipsticks on your lips is not a good idea at all.

On the other hand, Dr Goyal suggests that it is best to avoid using makeup testers altogether to maintain the health of your skin. The doctor believes that one should always opt for single-use samples instead of trying testers used by others.

Are you still willing to try?

If you still can’t give up your habit of visiting cosmetics stores and buying testers, then next time, make sure to check the expiry date of the product before applying it on your skin.

It is also important to check whether the sample product is comedogenic or not and in what condition.

Always make sure to use the disposable applicator or cotton swabs provided by the store, rather than using the product wand directly. And, if the store assistant is using their hands to apply the product, make sure they sanitize first.

alertNever allow dirty, used brushes and sponges to touch your skin, as they contain residual product oils and can harbor bacteria.

It’s also important to avoid applying makeup directly to your face, especially on delicate areas like your lips or eyes. A safer option is to test it on the back of your hand or wrist. For lip products, try sampling on your palm as it tends to match the color better than the back of your hand.

Also, when you are going to the beauty store, be sure to carry alcohol wipes with you and clean the surface of the product before applying it. For cosmetic items that you cannot clean, such as mascara, lip gloss and liquid foundation, ask the store for a new tester product and open it in front of you and then use it.

It’s always fun to test out a lot of products, and sometimes we even try things we have no intention of buying, just for fun. But this is a habit you should reconsider. Instead of just experimenting, it’s better to stick to the samples you really need.

Option

We are in the age of AI, and many cosmetic businesses now offer virtual try-on technologies, which can be used to make informed product choices without the need for testers.

These digital tools can help reduce the risks associated with using physical testers, as they allow you to test in real-time how different beauty products will look on your skin.

Plus, you’re paying for what you buy, so don’t hesitate to ask store employees for sealed product samples or brand-new testers. Many stores also offer take-home sample services, so you just have to ask.