Makeup Application and Eyelash Services
Makeup and lash services are the most contamination-prone and eye-adjacent work in esthetics, so exams test hygiene and eye safety as heavily as color.
Hygiene
Pump or spatula product out of containers; never dip fingers or used brushes back in. Mascara and lip products get single-use applicators only. Sharpen pencils, wash brushes between clients, and sanitize palettes with alcohol. Discard products that have changed smell or texture.
Color and matching
Match foundation to the jawline in natural light and choose undertone - warm, cool, neutral - before depth. Color theory corrects: green neutralizes redness, peach or orange corrects blue-toned darkness, yellow lifts sallow tones. Blend downward and outward so the neck stays continuous with the face.
Eyelash services
Extensions require isolating one natural lash, a patch test for cyanoacrylate adhesive 24–48 hours ahead, closed eyes throughout, and no adhesive contact with the globe or lid margin. Contraindications include blepharitis, active conjunctivitis, watery or irritated eyes, adhesive allergy, and recent eye surgery. Lash lifts use similar isolation and timing rules.
Worked example
A client wants extensions but her eyes are watering and crusted at the lash line. Reasoning: this suggests inflammation or infection, which adhesive and occlusion will aggravate, and the eye is outside your scope. Decline, refer to an eye care provider, and rebook after resolution.
Traps
Using a used mascara wand; testing adhesive on the lid margin; gluing lashes together at the base; working with the client's eyes open; skipping the patch test because the client had lashes before.