Makeup artist hygiene: shared products and brushes

Low risk, but not no risk

Victoria's Department of Health describes temporary make-up application as low risk, but says businesses still need to take precautions. Products that touch the lips, eyes and skin of many people can carry infections such as cold sores (herpes viruses), conjunctivitis and staphylococcal skin infections like impetigo.

Keep products clean

• Never apply a product straight from the container to a client. Decant creams, foundations and lip products onto a clean palette or into single-use containers.
• Use single-use mascara wands, lip applicators and cotton tips, and throw them away after each use — no double dipping.
• Sharpen pencils before each client to expose a clean surface.
• Replace products that are past their use-by date, look or smell off, or may have been contaminated.

Brushes and sponges

• Use a clean set of brushes for every client, or clean brushes between clients following your procedures.
• Wash brushes with detergent and water, then let them dry fully before storing.
• Use sponges once, or keep one for a single client.
• Store clean tools in a clean, covered container, separate from used ones.

Hands and the client

• Clean your hands before and after each client.
• Ask about and look for cold sores, red or weeping eyes and broken or infected skin. Don't work over these areas; reschedule if needed.
• Cover any cuts on your hands with a waterproof dressing.

On location

Weddings and shoots often lack a sink. Bring alcohol-based hand rub, enough disposable applicators for every client, a clean surface to lay out tools, and a separate bag for used brushes.

Registration

In Victoria, hairdressing and temporary make-up businesses can apply for ongoing registration with their local council. Rules elsewhere vary by state and council, so check locally, and follow any additional rules if you also do skin penetration work such as cosmetic tattooing.