In focus groups I’ve conducted over the years, many women tell me they prefer lotions to creams because they don’t like to put their fingers in the jars. They say too messy, or they’re concerned about adding bacteria from their fingers and face into the jar. But for mature or drier skin, lotions are often not enough. Creams are more hydrating. What to do?
Some prestige creams in jars come with a little paddle. Most do not. I’ve saved this one from a Lancôme moisturizer I got a while back. The only little downsides are: 1. you have to wash it after every use, and 2. you have to figure out where to keep it between uses. I think that’s why most brands don’t bother giving you a paddle.
Instead, use a cotton swab. Or buy some wooden sticks at the craft store, and keep them with your creams. Use once and toss into the recycling bin. I snapped a pic of these wooden sticks at AC Moore, but now I think the narrower ones that were cut off on the right would be even better.