Five Tips for Makeup Kit Hygiene by Margina Dennis
As a professional makeup artist, kit health has always been of importance for the people in my chair. Some of the tips I’ve had in practice for years, others have added as the years have gone on; and others I have added as an extra layer with cold, flu, and covid 19 season upon us. These suggestions can offer peace of mind to you and to those sitting in your makeup or hair chair.
1. Wash Your Hands - I know this is a given as people who work so closely with the public, but there is actually a method to the madness. Not only do you want to make sure to use soap, but you want to wash your hands “for the amount of time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice” according to the World Health Organization. For more details, (visual and written instructions on proper handwashing), visit https://www.who.int/gpsc/clean_hands_protection/en/ I have added Vionex to my kit so that I always have soap with me to wash my hands. I have also started carrying Simply Natural Wood Fiber Cleaning Cloths - They use clothes similar to these in Japan in the Sushi restaurants to wipe down surfaces because they are antimicrobial and reusable. They can be used as set up towels.
2. Hand Sanitizer - As artists, we do not always have the luxury of going to wash our hands after every single client. I always have hand sanitizer in my kit for use. With hand sanitizer being in short supply, you can make your own at home using at least 91 percent isopropyl alcohol and witch hazel and/or aloe vera gel. Adding essential oils are not necessary but can be added as a fragrance and can offer additional antiviral and antimicrobial properties. You can also make your own hand sanitizing wipes! https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/health/how-to-make-hand-sanitizer/83-7f0e5a73-f922-4528-89b1-f0774a5912a7
3. Hospital Grade Cleanser - I like to wipe down my makeup station before setting up to start with a fresh surface before putting down my setup towel. Sanizide wipes have been a favorite of mine because I can buy them in individually sealed wipes. Cavicide is also great. These cover a broader spectrum of disinfecting than regular alcohol does. Make sure to use gloves or wash your hands immediately after using. https://safetec.com/portfolio_item/sanizide-plus-germicidal-wipes/
4. Makeup Tools and the Makeup Itself - Quick drying brush cleaner, like Dante and Beauty So Clean Sanitizer Mist, are staples in my makeup kit. When I get home not only do I use a brush soap to clean my brushes, but I also expose them to UV-C light. Ido the same with my all makeup that has been used. UV-C is the same light that you see in portable toothbrush carriers that are used to sterilize them. Brush Medic is a Brush Dryer and has a UV light so that it dries and sanitizes at the same time. I have a portable bag with a UV-C light that will fit my palettes and runs on USB. I haven’t used C3 by Bactronix spray yet but it seems like a viable option to use on hard non-porous surfaces.
5. Things We Don’t Think About - We should be wiping down/cleaning things that we use every day such as our phones, earbuds, tablets, keyboards, monitors, chargers, set bags, makeup bags, etc. All of these items come in contact with things in the outside world. We should be wiping down things like steering wheels, handles, light switches, the knobs on our faucets. And if you are feeling like you should, keep a pair of disposable gloves and a disposable mask in your kit.
Love and Lipstick,
Margina
