Wanted: Makeup Artist That is Skilled, Professional & Practices Good Hygiene
The first requirement on your list when you are looking to have your makeup professionally done, is to find a makeup artist that is skilled and will give you a great look. But a very important thing you must also consider is that the makeup artist’s practices, as well as workspace and tools, are clean and sanitary to protect you from allergic reactions, infections and other potential health problems. You don’t want a beautiful makeup job that turns into a an ugly nightmare.
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First Impressions
Does the makeup artist have a clean workspace, or if the makeup artist is traveling with a makeup kit, is it clean and organized?
If you are considering getting makeup done at a department store, observe the makeup person. Does s/he disinfect the makeup, tools, and counter between clients?
Here are seven things your makeup artist should do:
1. Wash Hands or Use Hand Sanitizer
Makeup artists should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after makeup application on a client. There should be a bottle (or bottles) of hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes on the workstation or work area.
2. Disinfect & Sterilize Tools
Makeup brushes, sponges and other items should be clean and disinfected with an alcohol or antibacterial spray or disinfectant wipes to sterilize brushes and tools before using on the next client.
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3. Use New or Disposable Tools
It’s ideal if the makeup artist uses new brushes and tools, or at least has plenty of disposable brushes, mascara wands, fresh makeup sponges, single-use applicators and other disposable makeup tools.
4. Apply Makeup From a Palette, Not Directly from the Product
Product should not be applied directly to the client from a lipstick tube, mascara tube or other makeup containers. A good makeup artist will scoop out makeup and other product with a clean and sterilized spatula, brush or other tool and place the product onto a clean palette, container or paper towel. (Some makeup artists place product on their wrists—check to make sure this area has been disinfected with a wipe).
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5. Avoid Double Dipping
When applying makeup, the makeup artist should not dip the mascara wand, lip stick wand or brush, or eye liner back into the product (unless the product has been placed onto a palette, etc.) Referred to as double dipping, this practice can contaminate the product.
6. Avoid Unsanitary Habits
The makeup artist should never blow onto product (like eye shadow powder, etc.) or brushes to remove excess product. A makeup artist will tap off excess powder or use cotton balls, pads or tissue to wipe off excess. The makeup artist also should not use saliva (like wetting fingertips with her tongue to remove a makeup blunder.) This should be done with makeup remover.
7. Avoid Sharing of Makeup
A makeup artist will avoid cross contamination of makeup tools and products (which includes not sharing with other makeup artists or at least making sure those artists practice good hygiene.)
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Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.