Unfortunately, COVID-19 remains the hot topic, running rampant through the mind of millions, and many of us are wondering what we can do to stop its spread.
First of all, it is extremely important to note that before COVID-19 took over the news cycle, weddings, and everyone’s regularly scheduled lives, there were other communicable diseases and viruses that hairstylists and makeup artists needed to take precautions against.
Pink eye? Check.
Herpes (cold sores)? Check.
Common cold? Flu? Skin diseases? Check. Check. Check.
We’ve seen it all. But what can we do about it? The answer is proper sanitation protocol.
Any professional hairstylist or makeup artist should have training in sanitation to be able to deliver quality services without the risk of infecting others with the previous client’s germs or diseases. Our artists are no different.
That said, unfortunately, it is all too common for people to take shortcuts especially when they are not accountable to anyone other than themselves.
Our artists have all been trained and tested in not just artistry but sanitation protocol as well. If anything, we are a bit more cautious than most, as we understand that when doing 10 or more services at one event, it is not only more sanitary but more time efficient to use disposables whenever possible.
We fully understand that the service is more than just you being happy with the outcome. Our service and standard is about holding ourselves to the highest standard possible and this includes in sanitation as well as artistry.
MAKEUP SANITATION & HYGIENE IS TOP PRIORITY FOR US.
When it comes to sanitation, our artists go all out.
Our artists know to wash their brushes not just with brush cleanser, but with antibacterial cleanser. They also know to use 70% alcohol (not 99% as it evaporates too quickly to actually kill all the bacteria, viruses, etc.). Our artists also clean their hands, not just with sanitizer but with wipes as well as good old fashioned water and soap cleansing. As artists, we will use our hands as tools sometimes so it is more than just sanitizing but cleansing and removing other debris to provide a clean application.
Whether you are using our hairstylists or makeup artists or others, that they put makeup sanitation first. Make sure they have a clean kit, clean brushes, and disposable applicators (throw aways). Double-dipping is a big no-no, especially when it comes to anything that is liquid (mascara, eyeliner, brow gel, lip gloss, lipstick, eye or lip pencils, etc.). This is because bacteria is happiest and thrives best in moist/wet environments. Pencils should always be sprayed with alcohol, wiped and then sharpened between clients.
Now for the thing most don’t like to talk about…your own makeup bag/drawer. If it is just you using your mascara or eyeliner, feel free to double dip, but know that you are limiting the length of time you can use it before it expires. (Yep, it does expire! Mascara lasts about 2-3 months– or expires earlier if you can smell something…).
Eyeliner or lipliner pencils are usually okay, as long as you are sharpening often. Liquid eyeliner, lip gloss, liquid lipsticks should be replaced every 3 months or sooner if it smells. Foundation, concealer, or any liquid highlighter or eyeshadow should be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on whether there is a double dip applicator or not. Double dipping reduces the length of its shelf life. Powder generally lasts about 12 months unless you are contaminating it with the same brush/sponge as your liquid products.
Whew. A lot to keep track of? Make sanitation easy for you.
Create recurring calendar alerts to remind you to swap out your products. You can also put labels or stickers on your products to remind you of the expiration date. Whatever works for you, just make sure you are aware of the expiration dates and prepare accordingly.
Lastly, make sure your makeup brushes and sponges are clean.
Sanitation is key– definitely once a week for key tools like brushes, after each use for sponges (or consider disposables), and make sure you keep them in a drawer, under a closed counter, or in another room than your bathroom. Why you ask? Every time you flush the toilet, bacteria is circulated into the air. If your toilet seat is up, it is circulated even more. That bacteria should not be able to easily find its way onto your makeup brushes that you put on your face.
Grossed out yet? Hopefully you are grossed out enough to make sure your makeup and hairstyling services are hygienic whether performed by you or someone else. We hope that all of you are staying well and healthy through these times.
Share this article with someone you think would benefit from some makeup hygiene tips & advice.