A Wren Says

Last week I wrote about some tips for testing beauty products in store. Now let’s get more specific. You know, if you’ve been following this blog for a while, about my love affair with skincare. Because when I say skincare I really mean products that you put on your face, we have to make some considerations for how you would test products before buying. Similar to when it comes to beauty testing, you’re gonna want to know how the products feel on your skin but you’re also going to realize that people can be nasty. You don’t necessarily want to experience their germs on your face.

Do your pre-work

Think about why you are looking for a new product anyway. What is the need you want the product to fill? Are you looking for something to keep your skin feeling moisturized? Do you need something anti-aging? What’s your clear goal? Identify that and then do some research ahead of time to narrow down what items to test. Bonus: Many brands have skincare quizzes on their websites that can help you narrow now which of their products might be best for you.

Think about which store to visit

Ideally, you’re going to want to try items in your home with clean hands. Some stores are going to be better for sampling then others. Think about the stores that will have premade manufacturer samples to give you or can make samples for you. Special props to the department stores that have employees in each section controlling that process.

Take advantage of Gifts with Purchase.

Okay, so this is actually not a tip for testing in store. But the next time you need to make an online purchase, check out the samples that you can add to your order or the special promotions. Adding these goodies to my order is the way that I first tried Cle de Peau and got to know how good their emulsion is. This can be a good way to sample products you’re interested in.

Test carefully

Okay, you’re insisting on trying products on in store. Let’s do this. Keep your evaluations to your hands and arms. You can evaluate texture and feel without using your face. Please, I beg you. Don’t test eye cream anywhere near your eyes in-store. Potential eye infection is not worth it.

A key reason why you want to test products at all is to make sure that you don’t get a reaction. No one wants to end up with red splotchy irritated skin just because they wanted to try something new. Find a spot on your arm and apply the product there and go about your day. I like the inner part of my elbow. Check it throughout the day and notice if any irritation has happened.

Pumps are your friend.

If the product uses a pump or is a spray, that makes it far less likely it has been tampered with. Put the product on clean hands, and if you really must, then apply to your face or neck.

I have to admit, these are just my tips for quick sampling inside a store. But for evaluation tips from experts, here are some tips from the Academy of Dermatologists.