Hey Guys!
Today we are going to be talking about the sanitization of makeup and general makeup cleanliness. I am going to be speaking more to the sanitation of a professional makeup kit rather than a personal makeup bag (which is fairly straightforward). The number one thing you can have on-hand is a spray bottle of alcohol. I get these at the dollar store and I take one with me to every job and always have it out and visible to clients. These come in handy for so many things.
Lipsticks
After using a lipstick (whether you are using a brush to pick up off the stick, or applying directly onto your clients lips) spray it heavily with alcohol after and wipe it off with a tissue. The same thing goes for eye liners and lip liners: sharpen lightly after each client, spray with alcohol and wipe off with a tissue. I use this technique on any non-disposable item that comes in contact with my clients’ skin.
Brush Cleaner
There are many different brands available, so find one that works for you and is within your budget. I prefer something that is quick-drying. My brush set allows me to do 8-10 faces using a different brush on every face, but some days I have more than 15 clients, so I need to be able to quickly cleanse my brush on the spot. When cleaning with a brush cleaner, hold some paper towels behind your brush and spray the brush cleaner directly onto the brush. Give it a thorough coating. Then, using the paper towel, draw circular motions with the brush. This removes the excess makeup and “blots” the cleaner.
Eye Shadows
When it comes to shadows, I use a tissue and give the top layer a rub-down. Using circular motions, I fully remove the top layer of shadow. As a makeup artist, you have to accept the fact that you’re going to go through your kit product a little faster than you go through your personal makeup. It’s just the nature of the game! Treat your products with care and attention and they will last longer and look healthier.
Washing Brushes
This is a controversial subject for some. There are so many different opinions on what to use to shampoo your brushes. Whatever brand you may prefer, use something that works for you and is effective. I have had some of my brushes for over 7 years and they are still in perfect condition. I use dish soap to clean my brushes! I find that it truly removes all the oils and excess product and I don’t have to scrub my brushes and disturb the fibers too much. I apply a few drops of dish soap in the palm of my hand, wet my brush, and in circular motions I work the brush into the soap, creating a lather. I wash my brushes every night after a job. As I said earlier, I use a brush cleaner in between clients if needed.
Demonstrate Your Commitment to Cleanliness
It’s always nice to show your clients that cleanliness is important to you. Spraying things down with alcohol, using brush cleaner after different faces so that your clients can see, etc. You show your clients that sanitation is important to you by performing these little actions. In between clients, sanitize your hands with sanitizer or spray them down with alcohol. If you have to blow your nose, cough, or sneeze, or if you touch something other than your client or your products, sanitize your hands again. These small gestures show your client cleanliness is important to you, and in turn they become more relaxed in your care.
This was instructive and helpful, thanks so much
What if you don’t have access to brush cleaners like for me I live in the Caribbean so I have to ship stuff in which is costly so I only get stuff in bulks. However I am out of brush cleanser solution and on one of Nathan’s video he made mention of using a conditioning spray and using it in the same manner as you said. Is this a conditioning spray design for this or is it just hair conditioner and water mixed in a spray bottle??
Thanks for your comment Melissa! Some stores do sell a conditioning spray solution that you can purchase, and there are some available for synthetic hair which would be good for makeup brushes. 🙂