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Sun Jul 16, 2006 12:36 pm  |
Hi Ladies,
Just thought i would share my experience with using testers at stores. I have always been kinda horrified with how some people will just pick up a tester at a store and start using it. not a lotion tester, but like a lipstick tester or mascara. a few months ago, MAC was having a big makeup event and my friend and the MAC makeup girl convinced me to get a makeover. i usually refrain from such things because i know the artists there don't cleanse their makeup brushes or makeup very thoroughly. spraying the brushes and wiping them don't count to me. but silly me, caved in and she did a makeover. i came home with a major eye infection in both eyes. i thought it was eye herpes or something, but after using plenty of eyedrops and rinsing out my eyes, the infection went away on the third day. i did some research when this happened, and experts have analyzed the samples and found that on weekends 100% of testers are contaminated with a variety of germs from fecal material to pink eye tp e.coli and even herpes. gross! i just wanted to warn you ladies, i am even wary of skincare testers too now. for additional reading and tips, there is this short article http://www.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s1-5-123-146-4961-1,00.html
hope this helps! |
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about to hit my 40s, retin-a user, differin, LRP |
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Sun Jul 16, 2006 1:44 pm |
| Ewwww! I'm glad your infection cleared up. Because of the fears of contamination, I never use any testers on my face ... I'll try things on my hand and then make sure to wash my hands afterwards. But I DO remember having a mini makeover at Clinique one time and I do remember her cleaning the brushes and products off before she used them on me ... but can you really be sure that will get rid of any contamination? Especially after hearing your story, I think I might refrain from any instore makeovers in the future just to be safe. |
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Sun Jul 16, 2006 4:51 pm |
| Moonstarr--for sure, keep away from them, i had such a scare! the stupid thing was i knew better like you do--i never applied anything to my face from testers, i either apply to the back of my hand or even a tissue. but did you know you can get herpes on any part of your body as long as there's a cut or something? my best friend is in dental school and she said herpes can occur on your elbow! gross. i definitely think it's safer to just buy whatever it is you really want and if it doesn't suit you, return it. i know it sounds like a waste, but better waste than getting some weird disease. |
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about to hit my 40s, retin-a user, differin, LRP |
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Sun Jul 16, 2006 5:05 pm |
| I've never had a problem with MAC but I generally NEVER try out mascaras. But the MAC stores over here have a box of lip sponges (sort of like a big box of Q-tips so you know it's new and clean) for trying on lipglass, etc. And I've tried on lipstick after I watch them CUT off a thin slice from the lipstick so I know it's ok. But generally I never try anything on my face or eyes, I always test colours on the back of my hands. Now after your experience I'll be even MORE careful! |
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Sun Jul 16, 2006 5:11 pm |
| Moonstarr wrote: |
| Ewwww! I'm glad your infection cleared up. Because of the fears of contamination, I never use any testers on my face ... I'll try things on my hand and then make sure to wash my hands afterwards. But I DO remember having a mini makeover at Clinique one time and I do remember her cleaning the brushes and products off before she used them on me ... but can you really be sure that will get rid of any contamination? Especially after hearing your story, I think I might refrain from any instore makeovers in the future just to be safe. |
I'm with Moonstarr on this one...only on my hand!
Some counters try to put out things like sponges and q-tips to encourage folks to sample without fingers but I can't believe how many will go straight up to a counter and smear on lip gloss or lipstick!
Many of the counters I frequent cut off the wands in their mascaras, lip glosses, etc...which helps but
ew ew ew ew ewwww!
That's also why you should never share mascara with even a sister or mum because of transfer of eye infections happens really easily.
I'm so glad your infection cleared! |
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32, Fair Skin, combo/break-out prone. Simple routine of REN No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm and Argan oil as a moisturizer; Clarisonic when needed. That's it! |
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Sun Jul 16, 2006 5:35 pm |
sormuimui--the thing with the disposable sponges/mascara applicators is that people keep redipping them in the lipgloss/eyeshadow/mascara containers, i know they do cause this is exactly what my friends do all the time  even though i tell them not to! well after my experience, they felt really bad and kept away from testers for a little while, but now they're back to their bad habit!
Paristroika--good for you! and thanks, i am glad whatever it was went away  |
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about to hit my 40s, retin-a user, differin, LRP |
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Sun Jul 16, 2006 5:50 pm |
Really? I've never seen that because all the SAs I've dealt with have thrown them away immediately and the box they take those from look new.  definitely gonna be more cautious next time! |
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Sun Jul 16, 2006 6:36 pm |
| Whoa I had no idea! I don't usually do testers anyway since I don't wear make up, but if I ever get experimental..I'll keep all of this in mind. I had no idea that such icky things could transfer like that. |
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Sun Jul 16, 2006 6:40 pm |
I have to say the last time I went to MAC to get a colour match on compact foundation, the associate took the foundation brush from her apron and proceeded to try foundations on my face. Normally I don't wear makeup but I remember thinking just how many faces (mine is generally oily) that brush has gone on and how many compacts it's repeatedly gone into.
Is this the norm? I didn't notice the associate clean the brush or spray it during the time someone else rang in my sale. |
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Sun Jul 16, 2006 6:53 pm |
ick. thats just plan nasty.
first it was bagged lettuce, now its this!!! |
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Mon Jul 17, 2006 1:06 am |
Being a hypocondriac, germaphobe, I have NEVER gotten my makeup done or used testers on anything but my hand. When you're like this, I swear, you have on special goggles that make you unconsciously zoom in when in your peripheral view, someone puts on a lipgloss tester in the mirror, licks her lips and then reapplies more lipgloss.
I think the biggest wakeup call for me as to not trusting stuff left out in the open was two things:
1)I was at one of those Sweet Shop places when I was 18. The kind where you put candy from various bins into a plastic bag and get weighed by the pound. I saw a little 5 year old reach into a bin and stuff gummy worms into his mouth. The mother turned around, smacked his head and had him spit them back INTO THE BIN. *shudder*
2)I saw a woman at a Sephora once with the most vile herpes lesion on her mouth. She put about 5 lipsticks on in full view of one of the sales associates.
It may be stressful to be always conscious of germs, but, I tell you, it's scary what people do  |
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Mid 20s. Oily/Combo skin. Fighting wrinkle and blemishes. |
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Mon Jul 17, 2006 5:25 am |
The worst case was when I was once having a mini makeover at Shiseido, when another lady came up to the lipgloss testers & kept re-dipping the applicator in the gloss & applying directly to her lips, she did this with several different shades too. Until the SA finally asked her if she needed help with anything & her reply was "no I'm just testing all the gloss colours to see which one covers my massive cold sore the best!"  The poor SA then had to dispose all the used testers (that were apparently already new) with a new set of testers. 
So nowadays I always avoid using the testers at make-up counters, & I can't believe some people stand there & apply everything from lipgloss to mascara knowing that the testers have been used numerous times by heaps of other people  eeeeck!! |
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Mon Jul 17, 2006 6:14 am |
I don't like eating at restaurant buffets for the same reason.
Anyone ever watched unsupervised kids "helping themselves" at the dessert/ice cream section? And don't get me started on what they do at those chocolate fountain things... that's a whole new topic! |
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Mon Jul 17, 2006 6:39 am |
| Safire wrote: |
The worst case was when I was once having a mini makeover at Shiseido, when another lady came up to the lipgloss testers & kept re-dipping the applicator in the gloss & applying directly to her lips, she did this with several different shades too. Until the SA finally asked her if she needed help with anything & her reply was "no I'm just testing all the gloss colours to see which one covers my massive cold sore the best!" The poor SA then had to dispose all the used testers (that were apparently already new) with a new set of testers.
So nowadays I always avoid using the testers at make-up counters, & I can't believe some people stand there & apply everything from lipgloss to mascara knowing that the testers have been used numerous times by heaps of other people eeeeck!! |
Ugh... it's amazing what people are capable of :-& |
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Mid 20s. Oily/Combo skin. Fighting wrinkle and blemishes. |
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Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:37 am |
| i always have a fear of those tester on the store esp with anything for the lips cause my lips is always dry so most of the time there is a crack so i could get easily infected if anybody tried it and sick, but i have no problem trying on lotion and perfume. |
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Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:30 am |
ACK! This is totally creeping me out. Yesterday I made a special trip to the ONLY Guerlain counter in Tuscon to try all the raves about the lipstick. Well, the SA tried various lip colors on me (all very used) and she did wipe them on a tissue first but she tried to put the chocolate shine on straight from the counter and I stopped her asking to wipe it first....that's when she got the spray bottle from DIOR that smelled like alchohol....by then she had tried like 3-4 colors on me. This really creeped me out since I wasn't sure proper procedure and then to find out she didn't spray at all??!!
Oh, god. If I get a cold sore I'm going to freak!! |
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40. Routine: OCM, ThayersRoseToner as needed, Dr. Denese Dream Cream and Eye Cream |
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Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:45 am |
omg, these stories are SCARY.
i never use testers, well, almost never, i have on a few occasions tried lipstick at places where they have q-tips or something like.
i roll the lipstick ALL the way up, and grab a sample from the bottom of the stick. but you know, i don't think i'll do even that anymore.
i have had my make-up done, and even at MAC< but they were great.
she took the sample pot for eyeliner from behind the counter, she grabbed a chunk from it with a mini spatula, and put it on a palatte along with a slice from a lipstick. then she only applied from the palatte.
for the mascara she had a disposable brush, and she brushed the mascara onto the brush, and then used that on my face, i watched and she didn't even retouch the throwaway wand with the one from the tube.
still. *shiver* SCARY. |
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peter
New Member
 
Joined: 17 Jul 2006
Posts: 4
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Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:53 am |
That sounds yucky......geez herpes in makeup brushes grrrrrrrh  . |
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Mon Jul 17, 2006 11:12 am |
| I always remind myself not to apply any tester in store unless they use sprayer or lotion pump bottle since I saw many people just took cream or lotion etc. out of jars using fingers and also the cream was left opened for ages, i guess they are highly contaminated and easily cause skin's problem. |
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Mon Jul 17, 2006 11:47 am |
| I never really used testers before, particularly lip and eye products. I was shocked the other day when I was at the store and a woman picked up a lipstick tester and put it directly on her lips! I couldn't believe my eyes. I guess it is more common than I thought. |
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Mon Jul 17, 2006 11:50 am |
ugh yuck, purely disgusting stories! i hope all these careless people who have mouth lesions aren't doing this on purpose!
i know there are some makeup artists that are careful and they are supposed to follow a guideline like dip the whole lipstick in alcohol and stuff, but they don't always have time (or are lazy) especially when it's busy. but it seems like a majority of the time, makeup sale ladies and customers just don't think about the diseases that can be transmitted and even when you tell them (ahem, my friends), they don't let the fact quite sink in until something weird happens to them. and in regards to cleaning foundation brushes, i don't believe spraying them with disinfectant and wiping them is enough AT ALL! when i wash mine, i swirl them in warm water for a long time and lather them with a good shampoo or cleanser and repeat and rinse. there are so many hairs on makeup brushes--so many places for germs to cling on to that merely spraying and wiping i imagine would leave behind a lot of yuckies!
Chrissie--too funny lady!
Agave--i know what u mean! i spend my life avoiding germs too. when i go to a public restroom, after i wash my hands, i always keep my paper towel so i can open the door with it (or if there's no paper towels, i use my foot to kick the door open if it's that kind of a door). i have seen too many people simply walk out after using the restroom or rinse their hands really quick, it's disgusting!
angel01--you're absolutely right. i remember my health teacher in high school said we always have some sort of cut inside our mouths too, so it's easy to get diseases through kissing and stuff too!
deanne123--don't worry too much unless something weird pops up.
pustekuchen--yup, some makeup artists are good with that, but then you have those bad customers who just keep redipping!
linda carter--i am staying away from lotions with open jars too! i guess from now, if i try anything, it's gonna be from pump bottles!
it's safer and better to ask them for a sealed sample. kinda sucks, the more you know, the less fun. i love getting makeovers  |
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about to hit my 40s, retin-a user, differin, LRP |
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Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:33 pm |
| M.A.C. is actually awesome with their sanitization. You will see beakers of a clear liquid at the counters - that is 70% alcohol. Lipsticks and eyeliners are always dipped in them, then wiped before use. I have worked for another cosmetic company before and I would not use that company's testers, I use the M.A.C. testers regularly and don't feel anywhere near as worried. I still will NEVER use a mascara ANYWHERE as the eyes are sooo susceptible to germs and you NEVER know when someone has sneakily used the mascara when the sales assistant was not looking. Also, your own mascaras should be replaced every six to eight weeks for the same reasons and as the M.A.C mascaras are mostly $10 bucks, you can try them all within a year....they also have a recycling program called Back 2 M.A.C. so you can recycle 6 of your old mascaras or make-up and get a free lip-stick. |
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Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:43 pm |
While completely disgusting...this thread has been great!
What an eye opener 
deanne123...where is our Guerlain counter? I thought we didn't have it in Tucson... |
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32, Fair Skin, combo/break-out prone. Simple routine of REN No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm and Argan oil as a moisturizer; Clarisonic when needed. That's it! |
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Wed Jul 19, 2006 12:45 am |
misskatblack--really??? the mac places you go to must really be good. the mac makeup artist who did my makeup did not dip anything in alcohol! and come to think of it, right after she did my makeup, she used the same thing for my friend and did not clean anything either. and eyeliner can be applied so close to the eyes too to avoid that skin gap next to the lashline, i don't test on my eyes and maybe i will test on the back of my hands after i have run the tip over tissue a few times.
i just don't believe there's anything safe about how makeup counters clean their makeup brushes, sorry to dwell on that, but i am just so disgusted.
i wouldn't put anything on my face anymore from any makeup counter unless i am the first one to try some tester (even then, i have to see them open it up first in front of me). it's just too scary and not worth it. 
paristroika--the stories i read here are even more disgusting that i imagined!
makes me wonder what makeup counters do with makeup people return. anyone know? do they just put it back up for sale if it looks unused? |
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about to hit my 40s, retin-a user, differin, LRP |
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Wed Jul 19, 2006 6:50 am |
| ParisTroika--Check out the Dillards at Park Place. The Guerlain counter is opposite the Clinque counter. Just beware when you try on the lipsticks. Though I do like the lip gloss and lip lift I purchased. Very pretty. |
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40. Routine: OCM, ThayersRoseToner as needed, Dr. Denese Dream Cream and Eye Cream |
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