"In-store testers will be for display purposes only, so guests can have a visual sense of color and textures."
A rep for Sephora echoed that sentiment, confirming they will be pulling samples for use "to protect the safety and health of our entire community" for the time being. Ditto for retailer Violet Grey: "We are still in the early planning stages, but expect testers as we know them to go away," said April Uchitel, CEO.
That means physically swatching a new lipstick (or any of the other most popular beauty categories to test, like foundation, eyeshadow, nail polish, fragrance, and moisturizer) will be replaced by other "try-on" mediums — whether virtual or take-home.
Product Sampling Will Get a Makeover
Just because you won't be able to test a product in-store doesn't mean the "try before you buy" structure goes completely out the window — it might just look a little different.
Take Violet Grey's new strategy, for example: "We will work with our brand partners to supply individual sanitized samples," said Uchitel. "While clients may prefer to take them home to try, which could, in turn, impact immediate purchases, it is a much-preferred experience to not being able to try before they buy."
Similarly, Bluemercury CEO and founder Marla Beck said the retailer would be offering three packets of product samples as opposed to physical samples to be used in stores. These are included with purchase, regardless if you order online or pick up at any of its 190 curbside locations. "These are vacuum-sealed packets, varying from face masks and wellness supplements to foundation samples," she said.
