Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Would you like some faeces with that Lipstick?

I recently read in the Sunday Mail how the makeup counter can make you sick and it's not because of the huge magnifying mirrors.
"...one of out ever five make-up testers contain significant amounts of mould, yeast or faecal matter according to an investigation by a US morning TV show. Samples of make up testers from 10 stores were analysed by New York Uni microbiology dept, which found there was no difference in hygiene between testers at high end or budget outlets..."

and Dr Brooks from Jefferson Medical College said
"..you should just think E. coli equals faeces...the percentage of tainted makeup was 100%.."

Oh, that is pretty disgusting. I don't apply lipstick testers to my lips but do put them on the back of my hand. So, when I do that I am applying lipstick and other foreign substances to my hand. I don't want that shit on me. I know we don't want to 'blind buy' our products but it's important that we put our safety first.

Remember that cold sores, herpes or conjunctivitis are contagious too and could be living on the tip of that perfect red lippy.
So let's assume every tester is infected but you can still stop from adding your faeces and what-not into the mix.

Here are some suggestions:

1. The sales assistant should have disposable applicators, ask for some to dip into foundations and apply to your hand or wrist;
2. Look for testers that have a pump action or tube to squeeze product out instead of a jar that you dip your dirty fingers into;
3. Clean the surface of a makeup tester with an alcohol solution (or just swizzle it in your vodka hip flask);
4. Ask the sales assistant for a clean tester. You never know, they might accommodate your request;
5. See if they have little samples instead of an open tester;
6. Use an alcohol solution to clean it off the testers before and afterwards;
7. Never try on anything around your eyes (or your face);
8. Just 'blind buy' and don't touch the testers;
9. After all the testing and alcohol solutions, you really should go out for a drink and inspect your new makeup purchases with a girlfriend;
10. But don't let her try on your makeup. She is germy.

19 comments:

  1. I have to say that I have always been a "blind buyer". It has always freaked me out that someone else has touched something. I may end up with the wrong shade of foundation but I know that I will be able to wear it without cysts on my face. Yes, I am a germaphobe! Hmmm, might have to keep a hip flask of vodka in my bag #justincase or if I get thirsty! ;)

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  2. I carry a little spray disinfectant hand wash bottle in my handbag anyway, so if I do use testers (on my hand only!) then I can immediately clean up and wipe all that stuff off me. I do use testers a lot due to market research and its the only compromise I can work with.

    Gotta ask though, how nervous were you doing that shoot with your stuff so close to a dead fall?

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    1. I use the spray disinfectant too. It's small and handy. You would be playing with testers A LOT!

      I only used products that I don't use anymore. It didn't matter so much if they took a tumble :)

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  3. Can you imagine how many people don't wash their hands when they go to the loo then smear the lipstick tester on their hand?

    Oh vomit, vomit, vomit. I blind buy glosses and lipsticks but foundations you need to test.

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    1. I know, it is so disgusting. I always use a wipe for trolley handles. I can see it am going to start getting completely paranoid about this now :)

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  4. Ok this has opened my eyes! thanks great post!

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    1. I know, it's pretty gross stuff. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Rachel x

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  5. That is so disgusting! I always buy blind, well actually I usually just wait for an on pack promotion ;)
    The last time I bought foundation it was custom mixed for me at the clinique counter. That is sterile like a laboratory, right?
    x

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    1. Exactly like a laboratory. I didn't know they did custom mixes. It just must be for special people.

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  6. I am super careful about my sample makeup that I use with my clients. I always take off samples with a spatula and clean everything with alcohol. You just can't be too careful!

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    1. You have to be careful, I am so surprised how many people aren't. Thanks for commenting. Rachel x

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  7. Blah, this is gross..who would seriously put a tester lippy on anyways...I must admit I test nail polish though and although I dont have nail fungi I wonder if anyone else has dipped their dirty nails in?..x

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    1. I would never, but when you look at the samples you can tell that many people are. Yuck!!

      I'll admit to the nail polish too. I just do a little spot but I think I have to stop that now too. Rx

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  8. I don't wear/buy a lot of make-up but I never thought about how germ-infected those testers can get! yikes! Will definitely bear your suggestions in mind!

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  9. This totally freaks me out! I tell people off when they do this. #vomit

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    1. Good on you. I have always been too polite. But I'll be telling them off now too. It is so gross. Rachel x

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  10. Oh no, I am going to avoid testers now too. I hadn't even thought of that. Annie

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