1. 2. 3's on Hygienic practices for a Makeup Artist

There's something that irks me about working with a makeup artist that doesn't have good hygienic practices when it comes to their makeup products. It's not only a reflection on how much you care for your clients ... it is also a reflection on your professionalism. Here are 3 quick tips to keep your products and reputation clean :)

1. Always, always, ALWAYS keep brush cleanser solution and a small towel/paper towels with you to spot clean between clients.

There's just something that irks me about a MUA who refuses to clean their brushes in between clients because they're in a rush. This occurs mostly backstage at a runway event. I've been so lucky (more like unlucky) to have seen a used makeup brush *single application* under a microscope. It's not insanely gross after a single application, but enough to convince me to clean between each client. The lovely oils, sweat, and bacteria on someone's face is now on your brush. Joy. You NEVER know how clean (or unclean ... eck) a client's face is. I assure you, a model's pretty face is not a reflection on her hygienic goodness. Trust me.

2. Use a metal spatula to scoop or scrape products instead of double dipping your brush.

The oils from a client's face will rub off on the brush and then be transferred to your products. This can cause your makeup to go bad earlier than its intended lifetime. As a makeup artist, I know that we aren't exactly in the highest pay margin. This method can save a few of our precious pennies and prevent you from having to restock on makeup goodies prematurely. I have also found a product called Beauty Simply Clean Cosmetic Cleansing Spray. It is a product to look into for those in faster paced environments and find scooping and scraping products a loss of valuable time. If you must double dip ... just take a spritz at your product and it's supposed to kill the germs and bacteria. Good deal.

3. Throw away used sponges and wash your reusable powder puffs.

Okay, so this tip sounds pretty "duh! OBVIOUSLY" BUT you'd be surprised at the number of makeup artists I've worked with on set who use the same sponges and powder puffs on their actress/actor throughout the entirety of the shoot. Gross. Whether it's 2 days or 15 days ... the bacteria from the oils and sweat from your client's face sits there ... on the used sponge/puff and you're just mashing it back and forth on their face. Eck.

tune in next time for more tips ...

Happy Makeup-ing!

xoxo,

Grace
makeup@gracechun.com
www.twitter.com/gracechunmua