Make Up Artist No-Nos

MUAH is an art, but for the sake of health, safety, and sanity, there are a few rules that must be obeyed no matter what. If you are a MUAH and you break them, shame on you - you should know better. If you hire a MUAH and she does any of this stuff… RUN.

Using mascara out of the tube with the wand provided, or using lipstick out of the tube. This is a major health hazard. Any MUAH worth her powder will have disposable mascara wands and clean, sanitary lip brushes. No exceptions.

Not properly sanitizing your brushes. Duh, you guys. Bacteria loves a cocktail of old makeup, dead skin cells, and oil. Throw a little water on it without sanitizing, and you basically build them a perfect home. Gross.

Using glitter without the proper glitter adhesive. Note: Eyelash glue is not the proper adhesive. Neither is cream shadow. And it should go without saying, but never use any glitter that is not cosmetic grade. Craft glitter in your eye can blind you. Don’t risk it.

Not asking about allergies. Latex in gloves and tools, animal hair brushes, and parabens in cosmetics are all common allergens that your MUAH may be toting around and should be conscientious of.

Not having liability insurance. Such a bad idea. Accidents happen, people have allergies they don’t know about, people make mistakes, and things aren’t always under your control. If you get sued without liability insurance, you can say goodbye to your business… and everything else you own. And if you use a MUAH who does not carry insurance and get some terrible fluke injury, you might win a suit, but good luck collecting.

Not having your policies written out. And I mean comprehensively. Regarding every situation you can possibly think of. Your policies should be clearly written and accessible to every client before booking, and should be a part of your contract. That way there’s no chance of miscommunicated expectations from either party.

Using the wrong kind of make up for the situation. Nonreflective foundation for photo shoots, hi def make up for video or TV, waterproof everything for weddings… Knowing the appropriate products to use for any given setting is vital, and one of the reasons you hire a MUAH in the first place.

Experimenting with new products on clients. That’s what girls’ night with your friends is for. Try it out on yourself, your friends, your husband for all it matters - just never, ever on a paying client.