With Covid-19 on the forefront of everyone’s mind, thoughts of cleaning and sanitisation are too.

Here are some tips professional make-up artists use to keep their make-up sanitised.

1. Wash your hands always

You should always wash your hands before your skincare regimen and your make-up! Not only will this help prevent you from getting sick, but it can also help stop blemishes.

It is always advisable to keep a hand sanitiser in your bag, in case you need to touch up your make-up on the move.

2. Keep your work/home area clean

You may keep your vanity bag clean from any accidental foundation spills and crushed purple eyeshadows, but are you disinfecting your workspace too? It’s important to regularly disinfect spots touched by your bag, such as the top work surface and drawers.

For the bag, make sure you’re using a proper cleaning solution that is suited to the material

3. Throw away the old products

Be sure to pay attention to any warning signs that you may be using an expired product. Changes in product performance, changes in colour, mold and the development of an unpleasant smell may all be indicators.

4. Stop sharing your products

Sharing is not caring when it comes to your makeup now! While make-up containers are sealed, they are usually cool and damp, which can become a breeding ground for germs. Make-up applicators can transfer germs from one person to another. Sharing your make-up is one way you could potentially be infected by Covid-19. Not to mention a cold sore or eye infection.

5. Sanitise your make-up

To sanitise your makeup, it’s best to use 70% isopropyl alcohol in a small spray bottle. For blush or eyeshadow palettes spray directly on to the palette. Rubbing alcohol dries almost instantly, so as long as you don’t over-saturate the products with the liquid, you won’t ruin the product. Lip liner and eyeliner can also be sprayed with alcohol.

For liquid foundation, saturate a cotton ball with alcohol and give the cap and nozzle a good cleaning.

Not only should you be regularly washing your brushes, but you should also be using disinfecting wipes on the handles of your brushes. Using wipes is easy and effective. Additionally, don’t ever blow on your brushes to remove excess product. Blowing on your brushes can put bacteria from your mouth on to your brushes. Instead, simply tap off the extra product to avoid putting on too much blush or shadow, or whatever you’re using.

The columnist manages Ishrat’s Hair & Skin Studio, Lord Sinha Road, Calcutta. Contact @ishratansar