The next time you’re shopping around for new makeup, beware of the samples labeled “testers’. A recent LA Times article disclosed findings from a two-year study on public makeup testers: http://www.latimes.com/features/image/la-ig-testers-20100418,0,7091657.story

When tests were done on public makeup counters in department stores, specialty stores and drugstores, they found staph, strep, and even E.Coli bacteria on makeup testers. If that doesn’t freak you out, this finding will – when they tested the makeup on Saturdays which has the most customer traffic at cosmetic counters – THE PERCENTAGE OF TAINTED MAKEUP WAS 100%.

OMG. As if you don’t have enough things to worry about like whether that self-tanner makes you look like an oompa loompa.

So how do you try out new makeup/beauty products without physically testing them? While it’s recommended that you really shouldn’t try on any publicly-tested makeup on your eyes, lips, and nose, if you still feel the need to try on that new shade of pink lipstick, here are some tips to remember:

• Make Weekday Visits: Go during the week when there are fewer customers. If you don’t currently carry one in your purse, bring an anti-bacterial hand gel or pack of wipes with you.
• Use Tester Apps: Always use plastic, disposable applicators or cotton swabs like the ones at stores like Sephora. If you’re at a department store, don’t be afraid to ask the customer service rep behind the counter.
• Use Bottled Products: Try bottled products of lotions or foundations instead of ones that are in jars or palettes so that you can squeeze or pour them directly on your hand instead of using your fingers to scoop them out.
• Scrape the Lipstick Tip: Use a disposable applicator or a tissue paper to scrape off the tip or use a tissue paper.
• Eye & Lip Pencils: Sharpen the tip using mini sharpeners.
• Use the Spray Alcohol Bottle: Use an alcohol spray bottle to lightly spray the product. Wait a few seconds for the alcohol to evaporate before testing.
• Remove Tested Makeup ASAP: Remove makeup immediately with anti-bacterial wipes or makeup remover after testing.

So if shopping for beauty/skincare products isn’t scary enough in the first place, now you’ve got some real grossness to deal with.

We all like gifts with purchases but some freebies are better left at the cosmetic counter.