Let's face it, when you're building your makeup kit, hygiene isn't the cherry on top of the sundae. It isn't even the ice cream or the sprinkles - it's the bowl. The part you rarely think about but in truth, it makes the whole damn dessert possible.
My name is Beth, I'm a makeup artist and the founder of Saint Jack, and I'm going to take you through my five must-haves for ultimate kit hygiene.
1. Stainless Steel Mixing Palette & Spatula
Morphe Mixing Palette & Spatula - $20
Straight up, I can't work without a clean mixing palette. I use mine to mix foundations to get the perfect shade match for my clients, and use the spatula to 'depot' cream products like blushes & eyeliner to make sure there's no transfer of bacteria.
I keep a stainless steel palette & spatula in my kit at all times but I have seen other artists use transparent plastic palettes to help super precise colour matching.
You can find plastic mixing palettes from art stores but keep in mind plastic is more porous than stainless steel, meaning it will absorb & carry more bacteria than a metal mixing friend. If you do head down the plastic path, be sure you keep that baby sanitised & consider replacing your palettes more often.
2. Bamboo Disposables
Disposable Mascara Wands with Bamboo Handles - 100 for $30
I literally hate being responsible for creating unnecessary waste, but in this case, disposables are are non-negotiable. I carry disposable mascara wands, lip applicators and (obviously) cotton tips in my kit. I never, ever, double-dip back into my products once the tool has hit my client's face.
You need only spend approximately 10 seconds on Google to read someone's horror story of an eye infection caused by an artist with poor kit hygiene, who used the wand directly from the mascara tube.
When it comes to purchasing disposables, I try to offset the damage done by purchasing eco-options where possible. I usually look out for the best bulk deal I can find on eBay. I've been caught red-handed without any disposable wands in my kit on a Saturday and ended up buying a pack of 20 for $9.99 from a chemist on the way to a job. Literally 👏🏼 Never 👏🏼 Again.
3. Cosmetic Pencil Sharpener
Kmart Cosmetic Pencil Sharpener - $3
To be fair, this one seems basic AF but I'm just putting it out there. Like, if you're a non-artist reading this & you sometimes get your makeup done, if you see an artist coming towards you with a pencil of any kind, make sure you see them sharpen it.
I like this sharpener from Kmart because it has two sizes - one for regular pencils and one for fatter ones, like the NARS chubby lip crayons. Obviously you can get more high-end sharpeners but meh, I'd rather spend the cash on donuts.
4. Mini Bin Bags
Merton Muaremi 'On Set' Mini Bin Bag Case & 2 Bag Rolls - $32.95
Okay, mini bin bags are a GAME CHANGER. When I did my course five years ago we had did use rubbish bags, but overtime I got distracted & ended up carrying at least 10 used disposable kit thingys in my hand at the end of the job, desperately searching for the nearest bin... ☠️
Merton has absolutely knocked this one out of the park with this little leather-look case. It clips perfectly on your brush bag and looks sleek AF. I like hooking the bag over the tall handle of my kit and at the end of the job it is a painless trip to the bin. Like I said, game changer.
5. The Makeup Cleaning Mist
Saint Jack's Makeup Cleaning Mist - $36
Okay, you knew this was coming but obviously my ultimate kit essential is the Makeup Cleaning Mist. When I'm working on multiple clients in a day, especially at weddings, I love how quickly it cleans my eyeshadow palettes and pressed powders. It's also powerful enough to clean all my metals, including the mixing palette and spatula, and I use it to clean my actual kit bag at the end of the day.
It was important to me that my first product was something that other artists could truly depend on as a staple. To this day, cleaning my kit is the absolute worst part of my job and I really wanted to make something that filled the gap as a multipurpose cleaner that also smelt great and looked great.
Like everything, the makeup game is always changing and Saint Jack loves hearing your kit hacks! Hit me up at hello@saintjack.com.au to share your tips & tricks.
Written with good vibes & gratitude, always xx
