Makeup, Sanitation and Your health
If you are reading this, you are probably an existing client of mine; or you may be thinking about booking me. Either way, I'm so happy you're here. This shows me that you are concerned about health and safety, and that you are willing to comply with new procedures to protect us all. I appreciate you!
There is no such thing as social-distancing in makeup. It is a very personal and intimate service. Makeup artists get up close and personal with you and your skin. Because what we do is so intimate, we have a knack for making people feel comfortable in a sometimes awkward situation. It has been said that makeup artists and hairstylists are the "therapists of the beauty world". Clients are usually in my chair on one of the happiest days of their lives, so they almost always share their reasons for celebrating, stories about their loved ones, and their fears and insecurities. It's my absolute favorite thing about this job.
So here we are now, in an even more awkward situation. All of a sudden we are confronted with a global pandemic that none of us were prepared for. How does that affect makeup services? Should we even hire a makeup artist right now?
Most beauty professionals have used strict sanitation practices their entire career. If you are working with a licensed esthetician/makeup artist, sanitation should be second nature. Personally, I believe that if you are working with an alert and vigilant professional, you are as safe as you can be.
Since 2020, I have implemented wearing an KN95 during every service. Some products (like cream blushes or heavy concealers) work so much better when warmed up on the back of the hand so I use Tegaderm patches so that product never comes in contact with my skin. This New York Times article shows just how effective it can be for beauty professionals to wear PPE!
As a licensed esthetician, I have always had very strict sanitation standards. After the pandemic started, I took a refresher course in health grade sanitation with Sanitation Conversation. I’m confident that I have the education necessary to protect my clients to the best of my ability.
Here is a quick list of procedures that are second nature to me:
Thorough washing of hands between each makeup application
Working out of a disposable palette and never double dipping with brushes
Disposable applicators for any aqueous (liquid) based product
A clean set of brushes for every client
Disinfectants used frequently and liberally
Artist wears an N95 for the duration of the service
Additional time between services (5-10 minutes) for cleaning and disinfecting
There are so many benefits to working cleanly. I want you to feel safe, and protected. But most of all, I want you to feel relaxed, pampered and present. I want you to enjoy every second of your special day and the loving people around you. This isn't just about makeup!
I appreciate all of my clients so much. Since 2020, all of you have been so amazing and understanding. Just remember, none of us have lived through a global pandemic and we all have more opportunities to show each other a little bit of grace and patience.
This has been a weird time for my little business and I am so incredibly grateful for you. Thank you for putting your trust in me, and thank you for caring about our health. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I can't wait to celebrate with you! I'm smiling so big behind my mask!
Love,
Janelle