Alright, let’s be real for a second—sanitizing your makeup tools is NOT the most fun part of being a makeup artist. But it’s a must, my friend. Not only is it crucial for your client’s skin, but it’s also just good practice. You don’t want to be that artist passing germs, bacteria, or a rogue glitter particle from one client to the next. Yikes.
So, here’s how you can keep your tools fresh and clean without turning it into a huge ordeal. Trust me, you’ll be thanking me later when you realize how much easier it is to just do this regularly rather than scrubbing everything all at once after a busy day.
- Get Yourself a Good Brush Cleaner
First thing’s first, you need a solid brush cleaner. You can get a spray cleaner (super fast and easy) or a liquid cleaner (you’ll need a bowl or a mat for this one). Brush cleaners are life-savers when it comes to quick sanitizing between clients. Spray your brush, wipe it off on a paper towel, and boom—clean brush.
MUA’s Tip: Make sure your brush cleaner is alcohol-based. It kills germs and dries super quickly, which is what we need when we’re on a time crunch.
- Use Disposable Tools Where Possible
Listen, I’m all about reusing products, but when you’re hopping from one client to another, disposables are a game-changer. Think mascara wands, lip applicators, and sponges. Not only do they save you time on cleaning, but they also make sure there’s zero cross-contamination.
MUA’s Tip: Keep a stash of disposable applicators in your kit and use them for things like mascara, lip gloss, or eyeliner. No cleaning, no stress.
- Sanitizing Your Palette and Tools
For your palettes and non-disposable tools (like spatulas or tweezers), make sure you’re sanitizing them properly between clients. Wipe them down with an alcohol wipe or spray them with a disinfectant. Do the same for anything that touches your client’s face directly, like brow pencils, eyeliner pencils, or lip liners.
MUA’s Tip: If you’ve used a cream product or a product that’s touched a client’s skin, you NEED to disinfect it. A quick alcohol spray does wonders here.
- Have a Set of Clean Towels
Keeping clean towels handy is crucial. You don’t want to wipe your tools on a dirty towel, because that defeats the whole point of sanitizing, right? Have a fresh, clean towel (or disposable wipes) at hand to wipe down your tools in between clients.
MUA’s Tip: Keep a separate towel for sanitizing brushes and tools and a different one for general clean-up. This keeps everything extra hygienic!
- Deep Clean Your Tools Regularly
Quick cleaning between clients is key, but don’t forget to do a deep clean of your brushes and tools at the end of the day. Soap, water, and a little patience go a long way to keep your brushes in good shape and ready for the next round.
MUA’s Tip: For a deeper clean, use baby shampoo (gentle on the bristles) and make sure to dry your brushes flat or upside down so the water doesn’t seep into the handle.
- Don’t Forget Your Kit
Your makeup kit itself can get pretty grimy too. Wipe down the inside of your kit with a disinfectant wipe to make sure nothing’s lingering in there. Keep your kit organized, and make sure your brushes are stored in a clean, hygienic way.
MUA’s Tip: Wipe down the handles of your tools, too. They’re often the most touched part and can transfer germs from client to client.
- Make It a Habit
It’s easy to let sanitizing slip when you’re in the flow of a session, but honestly, make it a habit. Take a minute or two between clients to sanitize your tools so it’s never an afterthought. It’ll become second nature, and you’ll feel way more confident about the hygiene of your kit.
MUA’s Tip: Have a cleaning routine before you even start the makeup. Sanitizing your tools first is like a warm-up for your kit—so your tools are ready to go from the moment you start!
Real Talk:
I know sanitizing can feel like a chore, but it’s SO worth it. Not only does it keep your clients safe, but it also makes your job easier in the long run. A clean kit means better products, smoother application, and a happier client. So, start making sanitizing part of your daily routine, and you’ll be the most hygienic—and efficient—MUA around. You’ve got this!
