Sanitary Makeup Habits 101: The Essentials Every Beauty Lover Should Know
- Erin
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Blog by Erin Durr
Maintaining a clean, sanitary makeup routine is just as important as mastering the perfect blend or winged liner. Whether you’re a professional makeup artist or someone who enjoys everyday makeup at home, proper hygiene prevents breakouts, irritation, acne, infections, styes, and even long-term eye damage.
This guide covers the top sanitary makeup habits you need to protect your skin, extend the life of your products, and maintain a polished, professional application.
1. Wash Your Hands Before Every Makeup Application
Your hands come into contact with bacteria, oils, and environmental debris all day. Touching your face or makeup products without washing transfers all of that directly to your skin.
For a hygienic makeup routine, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap before applying any makeup.
2. Clean Makeup Brushes and Tools Regularly
Dirty makeup brushes are one of the leading causes of:
breakouts
texture issues
skin irritation
eye infections
How often to clean your makeup brushes:
Personal use: clean brushes after every use (recommended for clear, healthy skin)
Professional use: clean brushes between every single client (industry standard)
In emergencies, you can disinfect brushes with 99% isopropyl alcohol, but alcohol breaks down the glue inside the ferrule and can permanently damage bristles with frequent use.
For routine washing, invest in an all-natural brush cleanser enriched with oils like coconut oil. These cleaners dissolve makeup, condition the bristles, and preserve the softness and shape of your brushes—ideal if you wash tools daily or work with many brushes.
Other tools to clean:
Sponges: wash after each use; replace every 1–2 months
Pencil sharpeners: sanitize with 99% alcohol daily if used professionally
3. Do Not Double-Dip Into Any Products Unless They Are Your Own
Double-dipping is one of the fastest ways to spread bacteria—not just in cream products, but in any makeup formula. Every time an applicator, brush, or finger goes back into a product, you introduce oils, skin cells, and germs into the container.
If the product isn’t exclusively your own, double-dipping creates a major risk of cross-contamination, which can lead to breakouts, skin irritation, cold sores, pink eye, and other infections.
What to avoid double-dipping into:
Cream concealers & foundations
Mascara
Lip gloss & liquid lipsticks
Cream blushes
Brow pomades
Gel eyeliners
Loose powders & pressed powders
Eyeshadow palettes
Setting spray when spraying directly on the face
Sanitary alternatives (for personal & professional use):
Use disposables for mascara, lip gloss, and liquid lip products
Scoop products with a sanitized spatula before applying
Use a mixing palette for all creams, gels, and liquids
Spray setting sprays onto a sponge or palette, not directly onto the face
Avoid fingers in jars—brushes or spatulas keep products cleaner
Why this matters:
Cross-contaminated products can grow bacteria that:
Shorten product lifespan
Cause acne and rashes
Trigger infections (styes, conjunctivitis, cold sores)
Irritate sensitive skin
Keeping your products clean ensures every application is safe, smooth, and professional—whether you're working on your own face or someone else’s.
4. Keep Your Makeup Area Clean and Disinfected
A clean workspace is a key part of safe makeup habits.
Make these sanitation steps part of your routine:
Wipe your station daily
Keep product lids tightly sealed
Dry brushes on their side to protect the ferrule
Store makeup away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight
A clean environment prevents contamination and extends the life of your products.
5. Know Makeup Expiration Dates
Expired makeup can cause irritation, chemical breakdown, and bacterial growth. Check your product expirations right after opening so you can keep track of them.
General expiration guidelines:
Mascara: 3 months
Liquid eyeliner: 3–4 months
Liquid foundation: 6–12 months
Lipsticks: 1–2 years
Powders: up to 2 years
If something smells strange, changes texture, or irritates your skin—throw it out.
6. Never Share Eye or Lip Products
Sharing eyeliner, mascara, or lip gloss can transfer infections like:
pink eye
styes
cold sores
Use disposable applicators only!
7. Sanitize Your Hands Between Steps (Especially for MUAs)
If you touch anything outside the client’s face—hair, products, your phone, a brush roll—sanitize your hands before continuing.Clients notice clean artists and trust them more.
8. Keep Your Makeup Kit Clean, Labeled, and Organized
A professional makeup artist’s kit should ALWAYS include:
A clean brushes section/bag
A used brushes section/bag
Disposable tools
99% alcohol
Makeup Wipes
Tissues & Paper Towels
Brush cleaner
Spatulas & mixing palette
Neck guard
Cape
Cotton Rounds & Swabs
Hand Sanitizer
A hygienic kit shows professionalism and protects clients.
YOUR CLIENTS WILL NOTICE!
9. Clean Your Makeup Bag Regularly
Makeup bags collect powders, oils, dirt, and bacteria fast.
Wipe down weekly
Wash fabric bags monthly
This simple habit keeps your products cleaner and your skin clearer.
10. Why Makeup Sanitation Matters in Professional Training
At MakeupClasses.com, sanitation is a required part of our Professional Makeup Certification Courses.
Students learn how to:
maintain a hygienic kit
use professional sanitation products
care for brushes
prevent cross-contamination
follow industry-standard hygiene practices
Every student receives:
Professional sanitation materials
A full brush set
Hands-on training in proper hygiene and kit maintenance
Clean habits = confident clients + better artistry.
Final Thoughts on Sanitary Makeup Habits
Sanitary makeup habits are essential for anyone who wants clearer skin, longer-lasting products, and smooth, professional-looking makeup.A clean routine is one of the most important investments you can make in your beauty journey.
Ready to take your makeup skills to a professional level? Explore our certification classes and workshops at MakeupClasses.com.
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