Trying out makeup at a store might feel like part of the fun, but it could come with risks most people don’t think about. Swatching a lipstick or testing an eyeshadow may seem harmless, yet experts say it can expose you to serious infections.
A few years ago, a woman made headlines after reportedly contracting Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) from using a shared lipstick tester. The incident went viral and she later took legal action against the company. Cases like this highlight a bigger issue, what seems like a simple beauty habit could have long-term consequences.
Health experts warn that the real danger isn’t the price of luxury makeup, but what might be living on it. According to a reputed clinic, the herpes virus can survive on moist surfaces like creamy lipsticks or mascara wands long enough to infect another person. Dermatologists also caution that bacteria and viruses can remain on these products for weeks. When multiple people use the same tester, it essentially turns into a breeding ground for germs.
Herpes itself is a highly contagious virus that comes in two main types. HSV-1 usually causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth, while HSV-2 is typically spread through sexual contact and affects the genital area.
But herpes is not the only concern. A study published in a journal found that between 70% and 90% of used makeup products including testers were contaminated with harmful bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus. Even if a product looks clean, the person who used it before may have carried germs without showing any symptoms. In busy stores where many people touch the same products, the chances of contamination are extremely high.
This doesn’t mean you need to stop exploring makeup in stores, but it does mean being more careful. Experts suggest a few simple hygiene practices to stay safe.
Always test products on the back of your hand instead of directly on your face, and clean the area afterward. Use disposable applicators whenever they are available, and avoid testers if proper sanitation tools aren’t provided. If you still want to try a product like lipstick, ask staff to remove the top layer before use. And once you’re done, sanitize your hands immediately.
Being mindful while shopping can make all the difference—because when it comes to beauty testers, what you can’t see might matter the most.
