In October 2017, a woman in California sued Sephora after she contracted herpes from trying out products. Here are four basic things you need to know when sampling cosmetics, as reported by tempo.co.

Identify infection-prone product testers

Professional makeup artist Susie Sobol advises others to stay away from high-moisture products such as lipstick, lip balms, highlighter sticks, lip gloss and mascara. The surfaces of these products are prone to trap germs, especially lipstick, lip gloss and mascara. Other product testers that may have bacteria on them are concealers and highlighters, which may trigger acne when applied straight on the face. Safer product testers are powders, blush-ons and eye shadow, but never forget to wash your face thoroughly afterward.

Try them on your hands

Always apply product samples on your hands or wrists and avoid applying them on your face. For lip products, try them on your palm rather than the back of your hand because the color of your palm more closely matches your natural lip color.

Read also: Illegal cosmetics factory owner in West Jakarta allegedly earned Rp 100 million per week

Use alcohol and an extra tool

Before applying a product tester, cleanse the product’s surface with alcohol or cleansing liquid. Rub tissue or a cotton ball that is already soaked in alcohol on the product surface to lift the uppermost layer of the product, which may have contracted bacteria and germs. Then use an clean tool, such as a cotton bud, to collect the product sample and then apply it to the back of your hand.

Ask for a new sample

If the product tester cannot be cleaned by alcohol, don’t hesitate to ask for a new tester. (asw)

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