4.3 Disposables and consumables
While we want to try and reuse what we can for environmental reasons, in the interest of hygiene, there are certain products that will have to be single-use. In this lesson, we will look at the full range of disposables and consumables that you will use on a daily basis as an MUA.
Lip brushes
You can buy reusable lip brushes, but you might find it easier to just use disposable ones, especially if you are applying multiple lip products. If you have clients who have cold sores, always use disposables – it’s just not worth the risk! Disposable lip brushes come in all shapes, sizes and colours, and they are relatively inexpensive. Usually, if you buy in bulk, you will get a better per piece price.
Mascara wands
Disposable mascara wands an absolute must. Even though there are reusable mascara wands available in most brush kits, for hygiene reasons, it is best practice to use single-use wands on your clients.
Because eye infections can be highly contagious, using reusable mascara wands (even if sanitised correctly) increases the chances of spreading infections between clients. Mascara wands are inexpensive, and you will usually purchase them in bulk packs. Some suppliers also have a range of disposables with different wand heads, so be sure to shop around.
A good little tip is to buy mascara wand with coloured heads, like the ones pictured. That way, when you dip them into the product, you can easily see how much product is on the brush and how much you have left after application. If you buy wands with black heads, this is not as easy!
Spatulas
You will definitely need spatulas in your kit to help you decant product onto your mixing plate or palette. Spatulas come in all shapes, sizes and materials.
Cotton tips
Cotton tips or Q-tips will literally be your best friend as an MUA. These are an absolute must in your kit as they work like little magic erasers. All you need to do to remove fallout or mistake is to apply a bit of micellar water, and then bam – the makeup is gone! If you have wet mascara that transfers onto the mobile lid, wait until the mascara has dried first and then you will be able to lightly twist the Q-tip onto the mascara, which will help it crack off. This way, you won’t have a big chunk of your perfectly blended shadow missing!
Sponges
Sponges can be used for various tasks, including applying product, cleansing, and blending! You can purchase inexpensive disposable sponges from most suppliers or even from your local chemist.
Makeup remover – both with oil and without
When booking appointments, you should always request that your clients arrive without makeup; however, this is not always possible. If your client has just come from work, they may have makeup on, so you should ensure that you have makeup remover in your kit just in case. There are lots of makeup removers on the market, and we will look at a few in more detail in a later module. In your kit, you should ensure that you have regular eye makeup remover for standard makeup removal and oil-free eye makeup remover to easily remove any waterproof products your client may still be wearing.
Cleansers
A common misconception when it comes to cleansers is micellar water. Many MUAs think that micellar oil-free. However, some formulations actually contain oil, so if your client has oily skin, you’re best opting for a water-based cleanser. The image below outlines suitable cleansers for different skin types:
Moisturiser
Moisturisers come in a range of formulas, and when you have mature clients or those with dry skin, then you should opt for thicker and richer formulations to give the skin an extra hydration boost! Moisturizing is an essential part of skin preparation, so always make sure you have a moisturiser for sensitive skin in your kit.
Eye cream
Eye creams are not essential, but they can be excellent for skin preparation. If you are doing bridal makeup, we highly recommend including eye cream application in your sequence. Your bride is bound to smiling from morning until night, which is great for photos but not so great for under-eye concealer! To prevent creases and wrinkling, ensure the under eye area is hydrated.
Primer – for both dry and oily skin
The main purpose of primer is to smooth the skin and provide an even base for other products to be applied. A good primer will fill pores, blur blemishes, and will make the skin silky smooth. Be sure to have primers suitable for all skin types in your kit.
Brush cleanser
You will be cleaning your brushes lots, and we mean lots! Getting a good quality brush cleaner will literally save you hours every week. You want a brush cleaner that does the job but is not too harsh on your brushes. You can get brush cleaners that are soaps, sprays, foams and liquid.