COVID-19 AND MAKEUP SANITATION
COVID-19 and Makeup Sanitation: Avoid These Red Flags
Makeup artists can’t work from home during the pandemic like many other professionals can.
You can’t use a computer to do your job. You have to get out there and create beautiful faces.
While the pandemic poses issues and possibly fewer clients, there are ways to create a safe
space for your clients.
Use these tips to keep you and your clients safe and hopefully your makeup business can stay in
full swing while the world figures out its new normal.
Artists Should Use Disposable Sponges and Mascara Wands
It’s a higher expense, but there is no reason to risk transmitting the COVID-19 virus on shared
sponges and wands. While sanitation is possible, we don’t know enough about the coronavirus
yet to know if using even sanitized sponges and wands on multiple clients is safe. Why take a
chance?
Use disposable eyeshadow applicators, mascara wands, and foundation sponges. Don’t share
anything and any brushes you must use, make sure you sanitize properly (more on that below).
Don’t Double Dip into Products
Makeup products will get shared, otherwise, makeup artists couldn’t stay in business, it would
be too expensive. BUT, if any artist double dips into a makeup product, meaning he/she uses a
brush or sponge on a client and then dips the same sponge or brush back into the makeup, they
must throw the makeup out. The risk is very high of spreading the virus in shared makeup. Even
double dipping in your own makeup decreases its shelf life considerably because of the bacteria
in the makeup.
Use Antibacterial Cleanser AND 70% Alcohol
Don’t use just any brush cleanser, it must be antibacterial. As an extra precaution, use 70%
alcohol – not 99% alcohol. It’s too drying, which means there isn’t enough time to get all the
bacteria and viruses out of the brushes.
Artists Should Wash Their Hands Between Clients
Don’t rely on hand sanitizer. While it’s effective for everyday use when you go to the store,
when you’re touching clients’ faces, only soap and water will do. Use warm water and
antibacterial soap, rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds to get rid of all the
germs.
Don’t Use Tube Lipstick
Makeup artists should never use tube lipstick on a client. Instead, scrape some lipstick onto a
spatula and into a palette. Use a disposable applicator to apply the lipstick to the client’s lips.
Never use reusable brushes or applicators and/or share between clients.
Keep you and Your Clients Safe
Keeping you and your clients safe should be the number one priority. There are ways to keep
makeup application clean and safe, while still creating the beautiful faces you create with your
talent. Make sure your clients are comfortable with the procedures you have in place and of
course, implement any extra precautions you see necessary as we make our way through the
pandemic and our new normal.