In-store makeup testers could carry infectious bacteria, experts warn

If your anything like us, an impromptu browse through the makeup counters will generally result in one hand covered in liquid lipsticks and the other caked in every various shades of biege and orange.

After all, most of us wouldn't dream of picking up a new product without testing it first, right?

Well, according to experts, the old 'try before you buy' method could actually be doing us more harm than good.

One microbiologist has warned how in-store makeup testers could carry viruses such as herpes and salmonella.

It's thought that lip products could contain tiny droplets of saliva which could carry infections, while mascara wands and eyeliners shared among friends could lead to the spread of conjunctivitis and even pink-eye.

*shudders*

According to The Daily Mail, Dr Amreen Bashir, a microbiologist from Aston University in Birmingham, said: “Most people would never consider sharing a toothbrush with a stranger, yet they happily use make-up testers.”

“There is a real risk of catching bacterial infections and herpes, as we all have different organisms living on us and one cosmetic tester can be used by 30 or 40 different people, which spreads the risk of infection.”

And if that wasn't enough to turn you off makeup testers, studies have revealed that a massive 43 per cent of eyeliners and mascara wands contain contaminants of some kind.

Makeup brushes are another huge offender, with experts warning that they could contain bacteria including Staph aureus, E.coli and streptococcus.

Please excuse us while we decontaminate our entire makeup collections.