Makeup Application
 About NWIE
NW Inst. of Esthetics
81 Centennial Loop, Suite #3
Eugene, OR 97401
541-344-7789
888-561-8068
 

By Appt Only
Tues.-Fri 8:30-5:30
Student Services
are discounted.

 
 


Are you getting a
Safe Makeup Application?
      by Monica Guza

When I was little my mother always told me not to ever sample the makeup at the mall because it was loaded with germs and I would catch something horrible. I thought my mom was just being overly-cautious, maybe even a bit paranoid. It turns out mom was right all along.
 


A 2004 study of test products at cosmetics counters revealed most of the testers were tainted. The study, by biological scientist Dr. Elizabeth Brooks, sampled products in twenty New Jersey department stores, specialty stores and drugstores. The researchers found all sorts of bacteria and viruses: staph, strep, Norovirus, conjunctivitis, various strains of herpes, even E. coli. Dr Brooks says “Wherever you see E.coli, you should just think ‘E. coli equals feces.’ That means someone went to the bathroom, didn’t wash their hands and then stuck their fingers in that moisturizer.” We’ve all seen it, perhaps even done it ourselves: sticking fingers into pots and jars, swiping sample lipstick straight from the tube on to unsuspecting lips.

This doesn’t mean we have to seal ourselves in a sterile bubble and never try on makeup again. Our skin is a near-perfect barrier; keeping the inside in and the outside out. But our faces are more vulnerable to germs due to the portals that define our features: the eyes, nose and mouth. Of course, these delicate areas are where we all like to apply our makeup.
  Also from ENW
Esthetics and Cosmetic Tattoo Training
Cirepil Wax, Circadia Skin Care or other products
 
   
 

There are some common sense ways to prevent taking home a rosy shade of pink eye. One of the best ways to avoid contaminated makeup is to stay away from the mall cosmetic counters all together and seek out a professional makeup artist at your local spa or salon. There may be a nominal cost for their services but plenty of rewards including the highest quality makeup and personalized, expert service. And you will pick up some new application and color tips. The licensed professional will also have extensive training in sanitation and knows how to protect your skin and your health. Here's how you know those standards are being followed:

  • First, take a quick look around the makeup area. Is the display area clean and tidy? Do the products look and smell fresh?
  • Before a well-trained makeup artist works on you, he or she will wash or sanitize their hands.
  • The brushes used will be clean and sterilized before they touch your face.
  • An experienced makeup artist never takes product directly from the container and applies to your face. The makeup is decanted onto a palette or a piece of tissue to avoid cross-contamination.
  • A liberal use of disposable brushes, applicators and sponges is a good sign, as long as they are not being double-dipped. The most important disposable applicator is the mascara wand. Each disposable wand should only be used once.
  • To avoid contamination, a trained makeup artist will never blow on or lick the brushes, or use spittle to smudge or remove makeup.

In the future, if you need to run to the mall to pick up a few items at the cosmetics counter. Don't be afraid to try out products, just do it with a bit of caution. Use the back of your hand, not your face, to test makeup. For a true color test; the inside of your wrist is a good color match to your face. Finish your browsing with a generous helping of hand sanitizer and you can walk away with a clear mind and clean hands. Your immune system will thank you.