Fashion + Beauty
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
You're not safe from germs at makeup counters!
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Q: When I clean off a
tester lipstick using the alcohol and swabs provided at the makeup
counter, am I really killing all of the germs?
Video:
How to apply red lipstick.
Sorry, but no. Alcohol kills some germs (the common
cold virus, for example) but not all. Two that can survive: the
viruses that cause gastroenteritis (aka stomach "flu")
and cold sores. But swabbing is still worthwhile, says P
hilip
Tierno, Ph.D., director of clinical microbiology and
immunology at the New York University Langone Medical Center in New
York City. Apply the alcohol for 15 to 30 seconds—enough time for
it to penetrate the germ's cell wall. Then wipe away the top
layer of the lipstick, thus physically removing microbes that might
survive the alcohol bath. It's very unlikely that an infecting
dose—the number of organisms that must be present to make you
sick—will remain, Tierno says. Still a little skeeved out? At
MaryKay.com, you can upload your picture and "try on" as
many lipstick shades as you'd like, germ-free.
Related:
Easy makeup tweaks for gorgeous eyes!
MORE FROM SELF:
Related: makeup counters, makeup, lipstick, alcohol, advice
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Posted by Sarah O Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:24pm PST
I don't use tester! They're so germy!
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Posted by JADE Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:55am PST
What idiot would really use a tester that sits there for the whole wold to put on their face? Gross. The only tester I will touch is perfume testers. No one puts their gross lips on them.
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Posted by Tigris Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:46pm PST
That is why you test it on a small part on the side of your hand right below the thumb nuckle. After you test it and make your choice wash your hands. Not only will that keep the germs away from your face, it will show what color looks good with your skin tone. It's simple logic.
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Posted by CharliD Wed Feb 18, 2009 1:02pm PST
I worked at a high end beauty counter & let me tell you the things that happen to the testers is just plain disgraceful! I would NEVER use a tester. It is no fault to the staff or the type of strategies they use to keep the testers clean it has to do with the nasty people who will not wait for service or unsupervised children that roam around the counter touching every lipstick & eyeshadow. I will say that at our counter we had very high standards when it came to makeovers & the sterilization was great.
If you do go to a counter for a makeover make sure that you ask about their proceedure for keeping testers clean. I personally ask for new testers or no go for me.
I know personally & with all the girls I worked with we would take off the desired amount of product & place it on a "palate" then apply using a disposible applicator or an applicator that would be sterilized in a special alcohol mixture. There are ways for a make counter experience to be safe & fun, just ask many questions before you start or if you feel uncomfortable with the product the makeup artist is using on you.
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Posted by tweet Wed Feb 18, 2009 4:07pm PST
agreed - gross, never did it use them never would!
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Posted by TammyN Wed Feb 18, 2009 5:08pm PST
I only use Perfume testers.As for lipstick and
makeup.I just rub some on my hand to see if it
is a match.
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Posted by Robyn Thu Feb 19, 2009 5:13pm PST
umm don't people know you aren't supposed to test the lipstick on your mouth!!! yuck. use the side of your hand duh!
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Posted by Paula Fri Feb 20, 2009 3:39pm PST
This is why I'm glad for single use samples from Mary Kay!
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Posted by Maria Sat Feb 21, 2009 6:17pm PST
Yea for Mary Kay! That is the smart way to do it! No wonder they are the #1 brand in the USA! The website is awesome!
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