In my 15 years working as a makeup artist here in Arizona , I have seen it all. But nothing is more important to me than sanitation.
Skin is the body’s largest organ, and it is highly exposed. If proper care isn’t taken when applying products, it can easily lead to infection. That is why my makeup kit is always clean, and I say that with pride.
I have seen people applying makeup straight from the tube – liquid lipstick applied directly to a client’s lips with the original wand, or mascara applied straight from the tube. I cannot call those people professionals. This is a huge risk unless that product belongs to the client (and in the cases I saw, it definitely did not).
Can you imagine transferring bacteria from one face to another? Sometimes, people blame the makeup product for a breakout, but often, the culprit is a dirty brush or cross-contamination.
Here is exactly how I keep my kit sanitary and my clients safe.
1. The Power of Disposables
I never use the original applicator on a client. My kit is stocked with single-use tools to ensure zero cross-contamination:
Mascara Wands (Spoolies): I dip once, apply, and throw it away. I never double-dip back into the tube.
Lip Wands: For gloss and liquid lipstick.
Q-Tips: For cleaning up edges.
Disposable Eyeliner Brushes: I use these to apply gel liner and even lash glue.
Speaking of lash glue: A strict rule in my chair is that I never blow on the glue to speed up drying. Your mouth carries bacteria, and blowing it directly onto a client’s eye area is dangerous. I use a portable fan instead.
2. The “No Double-Dipping” Technique
You will never see me touch a concealer wand or foundation pump directly to your skin.
Instead, I use a sanitary mixing palette. I scrape or pump the product onto the palette first, and then work from there. This keeps the original product in the bottle 100% sterile for every single client.
3. Deep Cleaning & Sanitization
70% Alcohol: I carry a spray bottle to disinfect lip liners and eyeliners before I sharpen them and apply them to your face.
“Beauty So Clean”: This is a specialized cosmetic sanitizer mist that I use on powder products (like eyeshadows and blushes). It kills bacteria without ruining the makeup. Many clients have never heard of this, but it is a staple in my kit that I replenish often.
Hand Sanitizer: I use this constantly. If I touch my phone, my chair, or anything other than your face, I sanitize my hands immediately.
4. The Professional Standard (Nails & Environment)
Short Nails: You will notice I never wear long nails. Long nails can trap bacteria underneath, and they are a safety hazard – I never want to risk scratching a client or poking them in the eye while working close to the lash line.
Clean Station: My chair and station are wiped down constantly. I carry a portable trash bag to keep the area organized – I sadly have seen other artists let clients sit in dirty chairs. That will never happen when I travel to you. As a mobile specialist serving clients across Arizona, I bring the same high sanitation standards to every location.
I never use expired products. If a product changes smell or texture, I throw it away immediately, even if it’s full.
Your wedding day or special event should be memorable because you looked beautiful, not because you got an eye infection. When you sit in my chair, you are paying for peace of mind just as much as you are paying for the makeup.
If you are a bride in Arizona looking for a safe, professional experience, I’d love to chat.