Beauty Alert! Make-up Testers that Give you More than Just a Pretty Face

In case you missed the segment on Good Morning Americas (GMA) today, I wanted to warn you about a special undercover investigation they did on make-up counters.

I know, I'm not sure visits to Sephora will be the same after this either.

GMA found that about 20% of samples they tested from 10 stores across 2 states showed significant growth of mold, yeast and even fecal matter!

Their tests were done on eye shadow, foundation and lipstick testers available for you right at store counters..most places offered disposable brushes, swabs etc.. their investigation even showed one store handing out a "communal brush".. ( I can remember a woman using a regular brush on me once when I was contemplating which blush to buy at a Mac store and at the time I didn't think anything of it!)...

Think your safe using those disposable make-up appliers?
WRONG- Those too can be risky because you never know how many people double-dip the samples, (some might use their fingers to test a new lip gloss our foundation and then go back for more)

The investigation also found zero difference in results between up-scale department stores and regular drug-stores.

Some of GMA's advice to beauty buyers?
-Don't apply the testers on your face or anywhere near your eyes or mouth, you can get the same sense of the color or texture of the product by applying it to the pad of your finger, neck or wrist.
-Ask the salesperson to sterilize lipstick tubes if you just HAVE to try them.
-Ask the salesperson to open a fresh tester and give you a disposable wand that you dip just ONCE.

My non-expert advice..if you have a make-up brand you like, frequently use and trust, stick to that brand and come into the store knowing exactly what you want so you don't have to try-out any germy alternatives.. and if you are really dying to try the newest make-up fad ( aqua eyeliner, hot pink lipsticks etc) just buy it or go to a drug store and buy the Wet N' Wild brand!