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It is a fact that currently, in this country, you do not need to be qualified, nor licenced, to offer make-up services professionally. Many people wrongly believe that if someone looks good with their own make-up on, and have a bit of experience under they belt, they are perfectly suited to applying make-up to other people's faces. That's a worry because for you, that means there is a risk. Why? Imagine if the worst happened...it's a month before your wedding day, you arrange your practice session with someone you've never met before. Something goes wrong...you get an eye infection from the brushes they were using, or they poke you in the eye or scratch your face...who's regulating all of this? Are your protected? Where do you stand legally? How can you ensure that they don't do the same again to anyone else? The simple answer is that they could easily wash their hands of any responsibility and simply disappear, deny everything and leave you in the lurch. So what can you do to ensure you are in safe hands? Follow my tips to ensure that your risks are minimized and that you choose the right make-up artist for you on your important day. Did you know that trained make-up artists follow very strict hygiene procedures as set out by the beauty industry code of practice, and that lots of nasties such as impetigo, conjunctivitis, and even the aids virus could be spread if the correct hygiene methods are not strictly followed? First of all check if your make-up artist is a member of a professional body such as The Guild of Beauty Therapists, or The British Association of Beauty Therapy or Cosmetology (BABTAC). Just because someone displays a logo on their site does not automatically mean they are a genuine member...this can easily be faked. Ask which professional body she belongs to, get her membership number and then phone up that organisation to check that person's credentials. They'll be able to tell you if your make-up artist is indeed a full member, qualified, or a student. You cannot be a member of these organisations unless you are fully qualified or in training and have adequate public liability insurance, so it's a good safeguard for you. Next, check that your make-up artist is insured. That way, if the worse does come to the worst and you end up claiming for damages, their insurance can adequately cover the costs. Ask to see a copy of their public liability insurance certificate if you are in any doubt. Your make-up artist cannot get insured unless she is qualified. So if she doesn't have an insurance certificate, she may be practicing without any formal training. Ask to see copies of qualifications, and remember, there's a difference between 'having certification' and 'being qualified'. You should be looking for something like an NVQ or IHBC qualification. Without the correct training by an accredited centre, your make-up artist probably won't have the first clue about the proper hygiene methods such as how to clean and sterilize brushes between uses, how to prevent cross-contamination, secondary infection and what to do at each and every appointment to ensure you are safe. Finally before someone puts make-up on you, ask exactly how their brushes have been sterlilized and if they will be using any disposables, ensure they wash their hands thoroughly, do not have an infection themselves, and have short, unpolished, clean fingernails. When it comes to touching your face, eyes and lips for your make-up appointment, who would you rather choose? |
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Tips
on Choosing Your Make-Up Artist