Hygiene & Brush Care
Professional hygiene practices for family filming. When doing makeup for multiple people, cleanliness isn't optional - it's essential.
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Why Hygiene Matters
When recording family stories, you're often doing makeup for multiple people in a single session - grandparents, parents, children. Without proper hygiene practices, you risk spreading bacteria, skin infections, and even eye infections between family members.
Professional makeup artists follow strict hygiene protocols on every job. These same practices, scaled appropriately, are essential for family filming. The good news: proper hygiene doesn't require expensive equipment - just knowledge and discipline.
Critical Safety Rules
- NEVER share mascara wands or lip gloss applicators directly
- NEVER apply makeup to someone with active cold sores, pink eye, or skin infections
- ALWAYS use fresh disposables for eyes and lips
- ALWAYS sanitise hands before touching anyone's face
Professional Hygiene Practices
Brush Cleaning Between People
Quick clean during filming: Spray brush with 70% alcohol, wipe on clean towel, allow 30 seconds to dry. For powder brushes, brush cleaner spray works faster. Deep clean all brushes weekly with gentle shampoo and warm water, reshape, dry flat overnight.
Avoiding Cross-Contamination
Never apply mascara, lip gloss, or lip liner directly from tube to multiple people. Never double-dip brushes into products. Use palette knife to scrape product onto clean palette, apply from there. Disposable mascara wands essential when doing multiple people.
Product Hygiene
Cream products (foundation, concealer): dispense onto clean palette, never dip brush back in. Lipsticks: scrape off top layer between people or use disposable lip brushes. Powder products: spray with 70% alcohol between uses. Pencils: sharpen to fresh surface.
Disposable Tools Strategy
Stock up on: disposable mascara wands, cotton buds, disposable sponges, palette paper. One-time use items for eyes and lips. Reusable brushes for powder products only (easier to sanitise). Professional makeup artists use far more disposables than you'd think.
Storage and Maintenance
Store brushes upright in clean container. Never seal damp brushes - breeds bacteria. Replace sponges monthly, brushes annually with regular use. Keep makeup in cool, dry place. Check expiry dates: mascara 3 months, liquid foundation 12 months, powder products 2 years.
Our Recommended Products
Brush Cleaner Spray - Real Techniques
~$8-12Instant brush sanitiser. Spray, wipe, use again within seconds. Essential for quick cleaning between family members during filming. One bottle lasts months. Kills bacteria without damaging brushes.
Check Price Affiliate linkDisposable Mascara Wands (Pack of 100)
~$5-10Never share mascara wands. Eye infections spread easily. These cost pennies each. Professional standard. Absolutely essential for hygiene when doing multiple people.
Check Price Affiliate linkCotton Buds & Pads Bulk Pack
~$5-8Single-use applicators for lips, concealer, cleanup. Hygienic, cheap, disposable. Buy in bulk. Professional makeup artists go through hundreds. More hygienic than washing brushes constantly.
Check Price Affiliate linkCinema Secrets Brush Cleaner
~$18-25Professional film industry standard. Dries in 60 seconds. Deep cleans and sanitises. Used on film sets worldwide. More effective than spray cleaners. Extends brush life significantly.
Check Price Affiliate linkDisposable Foundation Sponges (Pack of 50)
~$12-18Single-use foundation sponges. Completely hygienic for multiple people. No washing required. Professional quality. More hygienic than reusing beauty sponges between family members.
Check Price Affiliate linkStainless Steel Makeup Palette
~$15-20Dispense cream products onto this, never into containers. Easy to sanitise with alcohol between people. Professional essential. Prevents cross-contamination. Lasts forever.
Check Price Affiliate linkProfessional Brush Cleaning Station
~$45-60Textured cleaning pad, brush holder, spray bottle integrated. Quick-clean brushes properly between people. Used by professional makeup artists on set. Makes hygiene practices faster and more effective.
Check Price Affiliate linkUV Sanitiser Box for Brushes/Tools
~$60-80UV-C light kills 99.9% of bacteria in 3 minutes. Sanitise brushes, tweezers, scissors between uses. Professional salon standard. Perfect for family filming days with multiple people. Chemical-free sanitisation.
Check Price Affiliate linkPro Tips
- NEVER share: mascara wands, lip gloss applicators, anything touching eyes or lips
- Wash your hands before touching anyone's face - foundation brush won't matter if hands aren't clean
- Keep hand sanitiser and tissues within reach during makeup application
- Replace makeup sponges far more often than you think - they harbour bacteria quickly
- Label brushes for specific uses: "eyes only", "lips only" to prevent accidental cross-use
- If someone has active skin condition or cold sore - postpone makeup or use completely disposable tools only
- 70% isopropyl alcohol is your best friend - sanitises brushes, products, surfaces instantly
- Deep clean brushes weekly even with spray cleaner - prevents product buildup and extends brush life