In the age of COVID-19, we are constantly being told to wash our hands. To sanitize. To wear masks. But what about the bacteria we've been harboring on our beauty products?

About two months ago, we were told to stop all essential services. As a professional makeup artist, it was extremely anxiety-inducing when the news struck me. If you've been feeling uneasy about your regular makeup routine, you're not alone. I've been getting dozens of inquiries from my clients about how to disinfect and clean their tools properly. As we know, the virus can survive on different materials for up to 3 days. That means that every brush, every palette, and every mascara you use is now at risk for carrying COVID-19. Upon listening to the latest podcast by Steady Hands Barber Club, we learned from Registered Nurse and King Research's National Educator, Leslie Roste, that there are two types of viruses: enveloped and non-enveloped. "Enveloped viruses are when cells themselves have a fat membrane around it. In order to destroy those viruses, you have to disrupt that lipid membrane," she says. "COVID-19 is enveloped, which makes it relatively easy to kill on a surface."

Start With Your Hands First

There is a reason why everyone has been talking about handwashing and singing the birthday song while doing so. Regular handwashing is the best way to remove bacteria and germs and to prevent the overall spread of infections. Proper handwashing techniques include using an adequate amount of soap, rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds, and rinsing them under warm running water. If possible, turn off the water tap with your elbow and dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry them. "It is equally important to make a note of what kind of soap you are using, too," says Leslie. It is noted to avoid antibacterial soap since it only slows down the growth of bacteria, without actually killing it.

Cleaning Your Brushes

Cleaning your brushes is essential for healthy skin, as well as creating a flawless makeup look. After all, you don't want to apply your foundation on with a bacteria-infested brush. When I'm working with clients, I like to use the Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner. It is the most requested brush cleanser in the industry and loved by every beauty professional. It has a quick-drying formula that immediately removes 99.9% of the bacteria and germs on your brushes. The great thing about it too is that it also doesn't require water or rinsing.

The best way to use it is through the dipping method. Simply pour it into a tin and dip the tip of the brush into the liquid. Wipe the brush on an absorbent paper towel and repeat as necessary. For larger brushes, you can hold it vertically for 5 seconds so that the liquid moves into the base. Be careful not to oversaturate, as it can damage your brushes.

If you don't have access to this product, I would recommend washing your brushes with shampoo and conditioner. Treat your makeup brushes as if they were your own hair. It works like wonders, and your bristles will thank you for it later.

Cleaning Your Tools

Barbicide, formulated initially back in 1947, is a disinfectant solution used by barbers and cosmetologists for disinfecting tools such as tweezers, combs, and hair-cutting shears. It was developed by Maurice King, a science teacher in New York who wanted to set a higher standard for sanitation. His breakthrough-formula eventually became the leading disinfection solution in the world. It even became one of the first disinfectants that was approved for HIV. 

Barbicide products are available for sale to the public, even if you aren't a beauty professional. I recommend utilizing their products to ensure a clean and fresh space for your vanity. You may visit their website at www.barbicide.com to see a list of stores that carry their products. It is imperative to remember that contact time will vary depending on the product. The lowest contact time are usually wipes, and it can be as little as 2 minutes; however, their concentrate has a 10 minute contact time.

Spraying Your Makeup Palettes

Part of my job as a makeup artist is always to provide a safe and sanitary service for my clients. As a general rule of thumb, I spray 70% isopropyl alcohol on the top of my palettes, as well as on eyeshadows, blushes, and powders. Using 70% alcohol when you're trying to remove bacteria off your products is a gold standard. 

Some of my clients have asked me about 99% alcohol and why it's less effective than 70%. That is an important topic that people need to understand, as it is easy to believe that 99% is more effective. This is because 99% of alcohol is pure isopropanol and 70% alcohol is pure isopropanol diluted with 30% purified water by volume. Alcohol needs water as a catalyst to make that reaction work and to be able to kill bacteria properly.

What About Mascara?

If you've been infected or been around anyone who's been infected, I would recommend replacing your mascara instead of attempting to sanitizing it. Since our eyes are so delicate, it is vital to keep them safe at all times. Maybe it's even a good time to purge any expired mascaras that may have been collecting dust in the back of your drawers.

If you plan on going out, I recommend that you only use your makeup at home and not take your products out into public spaces during this time. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or suspect that you have it, it is best not to use your makeup as it can quickly become contaminated. Something as simple as putting your mascara wand back into the tube can easily spread an infection. Given the current climate, switching to disposable wands to maintain extra precaution is an option as well. 

Makeup is one of those things that come in close contact with our skin, our eyes, and our noses. Sometimes we don't realize how much bacteria can be on our products or tools and how dangerous it can be by not correctly sanitizing them. It is highly crucial to stay educated, practice safety, and to keep protecting ourselves and those around us.

If you have any further questions regarding sanitation or you just want to chat, feel free to reach out to Kat Kou at makeup@katkou.com.