~ Swine Flu And Your Make Up Business ~

As a makeup artist, if you aren’t concerned with the risks of Swine Flu, then now is the time to get yourself informed and well prepared. Here is some helpful information about how to do just that…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swine Flu, otherwise known as the H1N1 virus  is becoming one of the biggest concerns of the season both for everyday people and service providers who interact with the public. It is commonly transferred through coughing, sneezing and contact with those carrying the virus – many who may be unaware.

The highest risk for Swine Flu are those who are elderly, young children, and people with existing health concerns. Make up artists, while not always in those categories, are not immune to the risks of human contact, and thus, Swine Flu,  so  basic precautions are  necessary and helpful to ease your mind and that of your clients while on the job.

Now, it should be common sense to never take a job if you are feeling ill as you are putting others at risk and your reputation as well. Networking serves a purpose and if you are ILL, find your replacement and get to a Doctor to get cleared before returning to work. Your client will appreciate your honesty and concern for their health.

Here are a handful of tips you should always practice to make everyone a bit safer:

1. Always sanitize your kit before, and after every make up application. Using a misting bottle with alcohol ( strive for the highest percentage you can find – for me it’s 70 or higher%) and go over everything. Tools, work areas…everything! Leave no stone unturned. You can’t be too careful and clients DO appreciate a VERY clean artist;) Using BeautySoClean (found at beautysoclean.com and suggested for ALL MUA Kits!) on your cosmetics will kill bacterias and will not damage your items in the process.

2. Make sure you send a list of proper preparation practices to clients who intend to visit your location, or tell them how to prepare when you are visiting their location. Let them know you want to have the best circumstances for everyone involved. Note signs of illness to watch for, proper hand washing, and it’s importance and anything else relative to the situation you will be in.

3. ALWAYS wash your hands before, after and in between each client. If you feel you must cough or sneeze, do so into a cloth or a sleeve, but never into the open air as this is often how the virus spreads. Wear a mask and gloves if you want to be extra careful. If you are unsure how to do this properly, click here:

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HandWashing/

4. Do not use your hands to mix  or apply cosmetics. Use a clean, sanitized pallet, transfer and mixing tools only. Keep hands away from your own face as well.

5. Do not blow on your brushes. Learn to “tap” them off  instead if you don’t do so already. Not only is blowing on your brushes pretty unsanitary and unprofessional to begin with, but it risks contaminating your equipment and cosmetics.

These are the basic steps to make your working environment a little safer for everyone involved. For more information about the virus, please do a GOOGLE search for reputable websites with information such as the Center for Disease control found here:

http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/

Get informed, stay clean and healthy and take good care;)

 

KristineMarie