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.