Wedding Makeup Guidelines: Pandemic Edition

Posted May 18, 2020

***UPDATED 9/8/21***

As I’m sure my 2020/2021 brides will attest, the Coronavirus has created an upset in the wedding world (not to mention the world at large!) My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected, whether it’s the disappointment of rescheduling events, the lost income, or – worst of all – someone we love falling ill.

Ever since the state published guidelines for Close Contact Personal Services (which includes makeup) last summer, I have gathered the information and supplies needed to work as safely as possible, and have been seeing clients on a limited, by-appointment basis. (And now that I’m fully vaccinated, it’s considerably less stressful for all involved!)

With this article, I hope to give you an idea of what working together in 2021 will look like, what changes to expect, and what courtesies I will need from my clients.

Here is what I already do (and what I have always done) to protect my clients during makeup applications:

HAND SANITIZER: I wash my hands or use a hand sanitizer between every person who sits in my chair, since touching the face is a necessity during makeup applications.
AIRBRUSH: Airbrush is perhaps the most sanitary foundation application method out there, since the gun never touches the face directly. (The guns are thoroughly cleaned between jobs so that they don’t clog.)
DISPOSABLE APPLICATORS: When expedient, I use one-use disposable applicators such as swabs, gloss wands, sponges, and cotton rounds.
BRUSHES: All non-disposable brushes are thoroughly deep-cleaned with soap and water between jobs. I also carry an alcohol-based brush sanitizer for on-the-job cleaning as needed.
CREAMS: Cream-based products, such as gel eyeliners and lipsticks, are scraped out of their containers with a sanitized palette knife and applied off of a stainless steel palette that is also sanitized between clients. (This way, the brush can be reloaded on the palette, without contaminating the original container of product.)
LIQUIDS: Liquid products, such as foundation and lipgloss, are also dispensed onto the palette prior to brush application, or applied with a disposable applicator (with no double dipping). Mascara is applied with a one-use disposable spoolie.
PENCILS: Eye and lip pencils are sharpened between clients and sanitized with isopropyl alcohol.
LOOSE POWDERS: Loose powders are dispensed onto palettes or applied from the underside of the cap, which is sanitized between clients.
PRESSED POWDERS: Eyeshadow and other pressed powders are wiped down with isopropyl alcohol.
FALSE LASHES: False lashes are applied brand-new and are never reused between clients.

In order to address the issues unique to this pandemic, I will also be changing some things about how I provide services:

Whenever possible, the prep space should be in an uncrowded space, with no onlookers (anyone who isn’t also receiving services).
The prep space should have good light, good air circulation (open windows are a plus in cooler weather, when we’re not relying on A/C), an electrical outlet, and table space (I do travel with a table and lighting if needed). Most hotels and venues can provide these things for you. On temperate days (roughly 50-70 degrees), shaded outdoor spaces are fine if that is preferred.
Please arrive for your timeslot completely makeup-free. Before we start, we’ll have a quick conversation about these guidelines, as well as your desired look. Please note, I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who shows symptoms – this is to protect both myself and my subsequent clients.
I will be wearing a face covering while working for your protection. If you or anyone in your group intends to wear masks throughout the day, I am happy to adjust my application accordingly.
No food, beverages, or cell phones will be allowed in the chair, which will help keep my kit and tools sanitary. (You can show photos at the beginning of the appointment, if preferred, and then set the phone aside.)

While I know these changes may seem a bit draconian, they will go a long way toward reducing everyone’s risk and giving us mutual peace of mind during an unprecedented time.

Thank you so much for reading and sharing these guidelines with your group, and be sure to let me know if you have any questions!