For Jakarta-based professional Fitriyani Purwaningtyas, makeup samples are important because products come in a variety colors that blend differently depending on one’s skin tone. 

“For skincare, samples are not that important because the results aren’t immediately visible,” Fitriyani told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

More stringent health standards in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have added another challenge for the industry, which is considering making in-store cosmetic samples a thing of the past.

Fitriyani said in-store samples were not worth it during the outbreak. “They could increase the spread of the virus,” she said, adding that even if the store provided safe and clean applicators, she would choose not to use them.

Unlike Fitriyani, Bekasi-based professional Fifi Kartika used disposable foundation testers when she visited personal care and beauty retailer Sephora in the Plaza Senayan shopping center in South Jakarta in October. She recalled that she had to sit on a chair and wait for the outlet’s attendants to assist her. “They asked about the products I needed and gave them to me, so I didn’t wander around the store,” Fifi said.

Fifi said she still considered cosmetic samples worthwhile, as long as they were sanitized. “Perhaps preventive measures would help. For instance, lipstick testers shouldn’t be put on display. Instead, beauty assistants could give them to you and you would only be allowed to apply them on your hand,” she said.

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