Hygiene Standards Every Visagiste Should Follow

Reading time: 7–8 min

Hygiene is not just risk management—it is client care, brand protection, and legal common sense. A visibly clean kit helps clients relax; an actually clean kit prevents infection, irritation, and reputational damage. The standards below are simple, scalable, and field-tested for fast-paced jobs where time is tight and surfaces are unpredictable.

Golden rules: decant, disinfect, discard

• Decant: no double-dipping into creams or liquids. Use stainless spatulas and a mixing palette; wipe and spritz with 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) between products.
• Disinfect: spray powder surfaces with 70% IPA and let them dry; sharpen pencils between clients and mist with IPA; wash brushes with soap daily and sanitize handles.
• Discard: single-use wands for mascara and gloss; cotton buds, wedges, and tissues used once then binned. Don’t “save” disposables—waste is cheaper than an infection.

Brush and sponge protocol

Keep a clean set and a “used” set separate during a job. For cream/liquid, wedge sponges are ideal because you can pitch them after. If you prefer reusable sponges, carry multiples and seal used ones in a labeled zip bag to launder ASAP. Brush cleaner is for color switch between the same client; it is not a substitute for soap and water. Dry brushes thoroughly to prevent mildew—vented cups or mesh guards help while maintaining shape.

Complexion and eye safety

• Eyes: avoid applying mascara straight from the tube; decant or use disposable wands only. If a client has an active infection, decline eye makeup entirely and document why.
• Lips: decant lipsticks; wipe the bullet surface with IPA before scraping for extra caution. No double-dipping into pots; use a palette or a fresh spatula scoop.
• Skin breaks: for cuts or blemishes, sanitize the area gently, avoid occlusive products, and use disposable tools. Never reuse a brush that contacted an open lesion.

Product lifecycle and labeling

Open dates matter. Mark products with month/year upon first use. Follow PAO (period-after-opening) but use your senses too—smell and texture betray a product that’s gone off. Replace mascaras every 3 months; liquid liners, 6 months; cream products, 12 months (earlier if formula separates); and powders, 24 months if kept clean and dry. Store adhesives and latex away from heat and keep caps pristine.

Station setup: build in cleanliness

Start with a barrier: a clean towel or disposable mat on the table. Keep a small lidded trash can or a bag clipped to the table. Lay out a sanitation corner: IPA, brush cleaner, wipes, hand sanitizer, gloves, and tissues. Group your products by workflow (prep, base, eyes, lips) to reduce reach-and-touch chaos. Use a stand-up pouch for “first out” tools so you’re not dragging sleeves across the face.

Client communication and consent

Ask about allergies, recent peels/retinoids, contact lenses, and lash extensions before you start. If you must use latex adhesives, disclose and patch test. When a client declines lashes or specific products, note it. If you see conjunctivitis, cold sores, or active weeping acne, adjust the plan with caution or, in some cases, refuse the service—politely explain that hygiene policy protects them and future clients.

On-set etiquette with teams

• Keep your station tight; loose tools drift into craft tables and create cross-contamination risks.
• Cap liners and lash glue immediately; never leave open containers near fans or food.
• Clean the chair between clients; wipe armrests and headrest with alcohol or disinfectant wipes.

Travel and storage

Heat and humidity destroy products and grow microbes. Store kit bags in climate-safe spaces; don’t leave in a hot car. Zip creams and gels in leak-proof pouches. At home, open your kit, air-dry brushes, and remove any wet sponges to prevent mold. Replace cracked compacts—micro-cracks harbor residue that’s hard to sanitize fully.

Incident response

If irritation occurs, remove the product immediately, cleanse gently, and apply a cool compress. Document what was used, batch codes if possible, and advise the client to seek medical advice if symptoms persist. Follow up by email—care builds trust. If you suspect contamination (a brush drops on a dirty floor mid-application), stop, sanitize, or switch to a clean backup. Speed never outranks safety.

Audit yourself regularly

• Monthly: toss expired items, deep-clean bags, wash brush belts, and sanitize zipper pulls and cases.
• Weekly: wash all brushes used that week, restock disposables, refill IPA bottle, and replace puffs and sponges.
• Per job: fresh disposables, clean towel or mat, and a separate sterile set for the bride/lead talent.

Hygiene is a visible promise: “You are safe in my chair.” When you decant, disinfect, and discard as routine, clients notice. Your work looks better, wears longer, and your referrals grow—because professionalism reads as clearly as blush on a cheek.