Hidden dangers of the beauty counters

Next time you have a professional makeover at a beauty counter, you might want to be on your guard. Find out why.
Hidden behind a cloud of dusting powder and a mist of fine fragrance is a shocking truth. Some beauty professionals and make-up artists behind the beauty counters may be falling short in the hygiene stakes, says Antonia Hawke, founder and CEO of the Safe Beauty Association.

A new survey, conducted on 380 make-up artists, has revealed more than a third choose to use their professional brushes over the more hygienic, disposable, single use brushes and applicators.

"We already know that using the same mascara wand from person to person is a big no-no, as is passing around a lipstick, a lipgloss wand/tube or using the same sponges and brushes on different people," says Antonia. "Yet when we queue at professional make-up counters across the UK, we're allowing beauty experts to use mascaras, lipsticks and foundations on our skins which have often been used on many other women."

A look at the nasties which can be spread by the repeated use of unclean make-up brushes doesn't make for pretty reading. Lash lice, acne, ringworm, corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis and herpes (which once contracted, stays with you for life) are just a few of the infections which can be passed from person to person via a make-up brush.

So what can you do?

"When you're having your next makeover at a beauty counter, check to make sure your make-up artist is safe and hygienic," says Antonia. "And be sure not to patronise offending brands."

What to look out for:

- Are lids and protective covers provided for all testers on display?

- Are surfaces free from spillages, used wipes and tissues etc?

- Does the make-up artist sanitise their hands before applying your make-up?

- Are application tools taken from a grubby-looking 'brush belt'? Or, are they taken from sealed plastic wrappers?

- Are tools double-dipped - upping the chances of cross-contamination and spreading bacteria and viruses?

Another sure-fire way of protecting yourself against contagious bacteria that's passed through make-up brushes is to take along your own beauty brush kit.

The launch of the first of Antonia's ventures, thepromakeupshop.com, addresses the need for a reliable supply of hygienic, professional-quality, single-use brushes and applicators.

Antonia has devised a mini kit containing 15 essential make-up brushes, which at £4.25 is easily affordable for customers to use in stores.

Her venture has already secured the backing of the Jemma Kidd Make-up School, Dermalogica and Colour Me Beautiful.

"Don't be afraid to ask the make-up artist behind the counter to use them," says Antonia. "The quality is professional grade and the artist benefits from the same application quality as their pro brushes. The difference is that you know the brushes are 100% clean and haven't got bacteria and viruses lurking.

"The industry has a responsibility to wake up and good hygiene is all about the brush. Otherwise customers are being forced to play Russian roulette."

Soon you will be able look for the SBA's logo to help you to choose a hygienic make-up artist to make you over, and to help identify those make-up brands and retail outlets that practice safe beauty. Visit safebeautyassociation.com to find out more.

And to discover more about safe beauty practice with disposable and essential hygiene make-up brushes, applicators, tools and equipment, visit thepromakeupshop.com.

Source : style.uk.msn.com