The Dangers of Testers in Cosmetics Shops

Have you ever been tempted by trying a lipstick in a store? Or an eyeshadow? While it is true that this practice is very tempting and that makeup testers are made for that, know that you take significant risks to your health every time you do it.

Herpes, ocular infections or conjunctivitis, the testers would be true nests to bacteria.

Herpes and cold sores, the risks of makeup testers

If there is a makeup tester to avoid, it is that of lipsticks or gloss. They are indeed the most likely to be contaminated by a virus. The most common: herpes. If a person with the virus tries a lipstick, it is very likely that they will leave some micro-droplets of saliva that will contaminate the next person who will use it. The virus can survive for hours in hot, humid places or even just on plastic.

Know that the virus does not necessarily appear immediately and it is possible to be a carrier for several months without knowing it, so take no precautions for others during this period.

Herpes then causes blisters on the lips and around the mouth, the famous cold sores, which can last up to 10 days. Cold sores are especially infectious for people who have never been infected with the virus as well as for those with weakened immune systems.

Ocular infections and conjunctivitis

Try a mascara, an eye pencil or an eyeliner that has already been used by one or more people is not without risk either. Whether it's an in-store makeup tester or a friend's mascara, the risks are the same: irritations, conjunctivitis or even worse.

Indeed, mascaras, like many cosmetic products contain water. Bacteria develop there very easily, such as Staphylococcus. This bacterium is involved in sometimes very serious infections.

Good practices

As a general rule, it is, therefore, preferable to refrain from testing discount makeup products, whatever it is, in store.

If you absolutely want to do it, choose the back of the hand to perform the test. Before buying a product and not being able to really test it, think to look at the notices or the tickets of some bloggers, they will help you to make your choice if you hesitate.

It is thus possible to find a lot of information on the texture of a product, its performance or its effectiveness.