Cleanliness is professionalism: Why you should adhere to basic hygiene rules when it comes to makeup application.

I’ve never really spoken about this during my 12 plus years as a makeup artist but I have witnessed some appalling hygiene and makeup application procedures.

I mean you really would think it’s commonplace to adhere to basic hygiene rules when it comes to makeup application but sadly that's not always the case.

I mean lets be frank what we do as makeup artists is a prime breeding grounds for viruses. If you see dirty brushes / sponges / makeup kits those alarm bells should be ringing LOUDLY!

If your hygiene levels weren’t up to par, now is a good time for a complete overhaul. Aside from being very up close and personal with your client, it’s important to disclose if either is feeling unwell and experiencing any flu like symptoms. Safety for both is paramount and it just wouldn't be fair to not disclose that information and put anyone at risk.

First and foremost. Wash your hands and if you can’t do this keep anti bacterial gel to hand. Normally I would say it’s ok to place products on the back of a clean sanitised hand, however in light of how contagious the Corona virus is. I would avoid using your hands altogether and suggest a sterile palette instead. I would even go as far as saying wear surgical disposable gloves.

It’s not hard to keep your kit sanitised and should be an integral part of the job. I always say my kit is my office, your makeup application will be so much better if your kit is sanitised and organised. It's the message you want to convey about your brand too. Cleanliness is professionalism.

Start by always cleaning your brushes between clients. Many brands do a ready made brush cleaner. I’ve always had a bottle of mac brush cleaner in my kit which I decant into a small spray bottle for on the go use or you can use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) which is essentially the same thing.

A 70% grade is best for this.Since the outbreak prices have rocketed and most places are sold out.

A quick google search later, I saw a 500ml bottle normally sold for £14.99 was now being sold for up to £75! Don’t worry however, surgical spirit works just as well and is found in most chemists for a fraction of the price.

If a deep clean is your preferred option then wash your brushes with an antibacterial handwash like I do and leave to dry overnight, take multiple brushes with you, you can never have to many. Remember to give the handles a wipe down with antibacterial wipes / isopropyl.

Thoroughly wash beauty blenders / sponges between clients. This is fairly easy to do as you can usually get to sink and use a bar of soap or handwash to do this alternatively keep a stash of clean ones in your kit to save time.

Ensure there is no neat application of any products straight on to the face. By this I mean gel pots / pomades / liquid or normal lipsticks / mascaras etc. These should either be decanted on to a palette or use a disposable wand / brush for application.

Your cream products should remain sterile this way and avoid any cross contamination. If you do dip straight in, Beauty So Clean is a sanitising mist you can spray directly onto any makeup as long as it’s not a loose powder or a liquid. You can even use this on mascara. This mist will keep your products sterile without affecting the consistency of the makeup.

Give all palettes and products a wipe down and spray, including your kit. Make sure to repeat these steps in between clients. It seems excessive but any of your surfaces could harbour germs and bacteria and during this heightened stage of vigilance you’d rather be safe than sorry.

You can never guarantee that everything is 100% virus free. If my clients ask me specifically, I’m happy to tell them exactly the process of how I keep things hygienic. I can inform them of my practices, and if they choose to have their makeup done or not, that’s totally up to them but I know I’ve done my bit and that's all we can ask for.