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Original poster

STILL no testers for lippies etc in stores

46 replies

DevonBelles · 16/09/2021 16:40

How long is this going on?

I was in today thinking of browsing lipsticks (I usually buy high end but just fancied something cheaper) and there is no way to even SEE the colours apart from the faded swatch on the stand.

I can't see the issue if they allow testers, but keep gel and / or tissues next to the stands for people to clean their hands

OP posts:

Original poster

DevonBelles · 16/09/2021 16:40

*in today= in Boots and Superdrug

OP posts:

CorrBlimeyGG · 16/09/2021 16:42

You're relying on others to have the same cleanliness standards as you. Not all do. I'd be surprised if they ever return.

mumsiedarlingrevolta · 16/09/2021 16:46

Tbh OP I am surprised you are surprised-

can't imagine companies wanting the potential aggro with things like this and although you might be scrupulous in your hygiene I think plenty would not be!

Original poster

DevonBelles · 16/09/2021 16:48

Well not really, @CorrBlimeyGGI.

The risk is to the person testing, but it's highly unlikely that anyone would catch CV by swiping a lipstick on their hand then cleaning it off straight away with gel.

People pick up items in stores all the time and replace it on the shelves.

I don't see how these companies will sell anything if they rely on people buying unseen items. The faded paper swatches are always meaningless. Maybe it will work the other way and people will buy loads that are all the wrong colour and keep buying and trying.

OP posts:

AnnaMagnani · 16/09/2021 16:51

The lipsticks were disgusting. I don't believe they will ever come back.

Original poster

DevonBelles · 16/09/2021 16:51

can't imagine companies wanting the potential aggro with things like this

But what is the aggro?

Stores have had hand gel out for 18 months. If someone is bothered about hygiene they can use gel (their own as well) before and after touching the item.

OP posts:

Original poster

DevonBelles · 16/09/2021 16:54

High end cosmetic companies provide a tester and the asst uses a cotton bud to take some lipstick and then spreads it on your hand, or for you to apply to your lips etc.

I think it's illogical.

People are touching handles, doors, keypads etc in stores all of the time.

If you are suggesting people apply testers to their lips and others do the same that is gross. I've never done that ever.

But applying it to your hand and then wiping it off with gel- what's the risk of infection there?

OP posts:

PinkFootstool · 16/09/2021 16:55

You really think people only put it on their hands? Plenty of of idiots have always put them on their lips, in the middle of the shops. This isn't new. And Covid isn't the only thing people don't want to catch...

If you need to test, go to a staffed counter where they'll use a single use cotton bud to apply it for you. Costs a bit more than a Boots 17 lipstick, but that's how t works.

Original poster

DevonBelles · 16/09/2021 17:32

And Covid isn't the only thing people don't want to catch...

You only catch something if you apply it to your lips as well!
If you apply to your wrist or hand there is no risk if you clean it off immediately.

No need to be so rude. I buy high end make up and DO go to assts but now and then I feel like trying a new shade for £6.99 instead of £30.

OP posts:

nordica · 16/09/2021 17:41

I agree it's probably much less of a risk than simply being in the shop near other people, especially as some time is likely to have passed between two people using the same tester so the chance of catching something is minimal.

In general I think the testers are pretty disgusting though and wouldn't want to use them, CV or not.

I buy most of my lipsticks online and usually look up swatches on Google - there are lots of photos of bloggers etc. wearing them or having them applied to their skin, and comparisons with other colours, so I actually find this a great way to see the colours.

KidneyBeans · 16/09/2021 17:50

I agree OP.

I'd love to see the stats on covid from lipstick testers

@PinkFootstool so you think only folk with lots of cash deserve the opportunity to test their cosmetics? The rest of us have to live with unsuitable shades cos that's what non-high earners deserve? Nice.

Feelingoktoday · 16/09/2021 17:58

I’ve used the testers on my hands since I started wearing lipstick. I’ve never caught anything.

PinkFootstool · 16/09/2021 18:36

@KidneyBeans no, I just don't ever try lipstick on, and I only buy the cheaper stuff most of the time anyway. I'm truly seeing a non-issue here.

As for testing on the hand, it's still nonsensical as it's not in any way similar to your face.

Thatsplentyjack · 16/09/2021 18:48

I agree OP. I don't buy it often and I need to test before I buy. I don't want to waste money on something I'll never wear.
If people want to use them on their lips that's uo to them. I'm a big enough girl to be able to decide myself wether I want to use a tester or not. I oy ever put it on the back of my hand anyway.
Kiki Londin are allowing people to use testers. I was in the other day. They are cheap and cheerful.

Thatsplentyjack · 16/09/2021 18:50

[quote PinkFootstool]@KidneyBeans no, I just don't ever try lipstick on, and I only buy the cheaper stuff most of the time anyway. I'm truly seeing a non-issue here.

As for testing on the hand, it's still nonsensical as it's not in any way similar to your face.[/quote]
I can still tell if I like the shade on the back of my hand, I don't need it on my face. The colour on the bottom is NEVER even close to the actual shade of the lipstick.

AColdDuncanGoodhew · 16/09/2021 18:59

I'm glad the testers have gone as the shelves in Boots and Superdrug are far cleaner, the ones in my local shops were always absolutely manky. Opened products, spillages, broken products, I've seen people apply lipstick straight to their lips.

I'm not worried about people touching things but the stands were absolutely gross. Anything I've bought recently still has the packaging intact so I feel happy knowing it's not been opened and used. Before I'd pick up several products and the packaging had been opened so people could test it if the testers were gone/finished. Minging.

Eaumyword · 16/09/2021 19:20

I tested a Nars coloured lip balm last week - the lady used a cotton wool bud to transfer colour and I then took it and tried it on my lips. Totally safe and I am very risk adverse!

WrinklesShminkles · 16/09/2021 19:30

I agree OP - and having tried the completely useless digital testers I have decided never to buy any makeup I haven't tested. I've noticed no-one is buying from the self-serve makeup displays so I think beauty companies will either have to give in to those of us who want testers or settle for much reduced sales.

I really can't see why the hygiene-phobes and covid-anxious on this thread are so vehemently anti-tester - no-one's forcing them to use them!

LadyEloise1 · 16/09/2021 19:52

Apparently the tips of your fingers - on the underside of where your nail is - is the best place to test a lipstick as it is close in colour to the colour of your lips.,

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 16/09/2021 19:56

I really miss the testers too OP.

ShuddaBeenMe · 16/09/2021 19:57

The amount of people I used to see trying lipstick on their actual lips was disgusting.

Soontobe60 · 16/09/2021 20:03

I’ve bought a lipstick and 2 different foundations recently from boots. Returned them all due to them not being the right shade / consistency. They were happy to refund me.

ChrissyPlummer · 16/09/2021 20:04

Weird. I’ve been in Too Faced and Benefit today and been able to test eyeshadows, blushers and brow stuff. Didn’t notice lipstick TBH as I wasn’t looking for it but I can’t see it’s any more of a risk than anything else.

MrsHuntGeneNotJeremyObviously · 16/09/2021 20:05

Quite a few times recently I've walked away from make up counters because they've had no testers and I don't really want to guess whether I'll like the colour.
Most of us are buying £10 lipsticks rather than £30 ones, so shops should be catering for that.
It is true though that the make up stands were minging pre Covid - I hope they keep up the cleaning.

KidneyBeans · 16/09/2021 20:09

[quote PinkFootstool]@KidneyBeans no, I just don't ever try lipstick on, and I only buy the cheaper stuff most of the time anyway. I'm truly seeing a non-issue here.

As for testing on the hand, it's still nonsensical as it's not in any way similar to your face.[/quote]
It's about seeing the actual lipstick, not some bit of coloured paper on the bottom.

You don't feel you need it - that's fine. Other people do, and make different choices to you. Doing so shouldn't just be for the wealthy

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