When it comes to skincare and makeup, there are ingredients or processes that can cause an allergic reaction to irritate the skin. When this irritation won’t go away and leads to persistent symptoms, that’s where the problem arises. Many people have allergies to foods or ingredients, which means you will need to be careful when applying makeup to a new client. When the body and immune system mistakenly identify an ingredient as a threat, and then releases histamines to fight it. If you want clients to avoid having a rash, itching, blisters, or swelling, here are some ways to deal with an allergic reaction to makeup.
Symptoms Of A Makeup Allergy
All skin types and allergies are different, but there are some common signs that indicate irritation from makeup products. Allergic reactions are caused by the body’s defense system reacting to something that could be an irritant or attack other elements of the body. The common symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Eczema
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Watery eyes
Every client will be different, so symptoms can vary widely when a client has an allergic reaction. Taking steps to prevent allergic reactions will prevent discomfort for clients and protect your reputation as an esthetician or makeup artist.
Common Allergens
There are some ingredients that a lot of people are allergic to, including things like latex and fragrance. Some ingredients that are used to preserve makeup and skincare can also irritate the skin or eyes. If someone has had skin allergies in the past or is prone to breakouts, using certain beauty products may not work for them. Soaps, detergents, eye makeup, lash glue, or lip stains may cause allergic reactions and redness during a professional makeup session.
Preventing Allergic Reactions For Clients
When choosing cosmetics you will carry in your kit and use on clients, it is important to choose clean products without fragrance or excessive dyes. Since cosmetic companies don’t have guidance on what to put on their packaging, something that says it is non-irritating doesn’t mean it will be for everyone. Here are some additional tips for preventing an allergic reaction to makeup.
Do A Patch Test
Before applying makeup to the entire face, it can be helpful to do a patch test on the client’s arm or neck to see if they react to the makeup. Doing a patch test on an area that will be covered up during their event or big day, just in case they do have an allergic reaction. Starting on a small area will also prevent the irritation from taking over and causing immense pain for the client.
Use Hypoallergenic Skincare Products
Prepping the skin with clean skincare products or hypoallergenic moisturizer will limit allergic reactions. Skincare products are more likely to irritate, so choosing quality products can set the tone for the rest of the makeup look.
Ask About Known Allergens
When a new client shows up for a service, they often expect to fill out paperwork and answer questions about their allergies and current medications. Asking your clients about any allergens will help you avoid using these products during their service. Many people will know if they have an allergy to something, so you can typically determine if you are safe to use a certain product if they don’t provide any allergens.
Additional Tips For Doing Makeup On Clients
For estheticians or makeup artists working on clients, having makeup tips in your back pocket can help you in a pinch. While you don’t want your clients to experience an allergic reaction to makeup, poor blending, or be unhappy with the final makeup results, sometimes it happens. As a makeup artist, having a kit full of different makeup products in different shades and different ingredients will help you be prepared for even the worst-case scenario.
Doing a trial on clients can also help you correct before the big day. Makeup trials will allow you to test out different looks and shades of makeup, without worrying about time or environmental factors. While a trial won’t prepare you for everything, it can help you feel more confident in the makeup application if things were to go wrong on a wedding day, prom day, or before a proposal.
Esthetician Schooling From The Skin Institute
The Skin Institute in St. George, UT, trains estheticians in skin care, massage, makeup application, and cosmetic procedures. Our school is dedicated to preparing the next generation of estheticians to work in a variety of industries, building a well-rounded career. Whether you want to be an independent makeup artist, work in a medical spa, or in a salon, your education from The Skin Institute will set you up for success.
