Bella Faccia Painting
973-252-9140 NJ
440-961-0841 OH
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HomeIf you are a face and body artist... start here The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling!

The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling!

March 11, 2020 By Diane Spadola If you are a face and body artist... start here

The reports of deaths, corporate shutdowns, quarantined cruise ships, and school closures due to the coronavirus outbreak have been featured first in my newsfeed every day this week.

I have never been a worry wart–I tend to be a “glass is half full” type of person. But to be honest, when I read about the restrictions in travel from US-based corporations, or how large trade shows are being cancelled, or soccer tournaments going on with NO spectators…I have to give pause to the possibility that this might be more serious than I had originally thought.

I am a little worried about my upcoming face painting assignment on board a cruise ship…in April. Being on a plane, touching public spaces in distant lands…and thinking about the rare possibility of 24 hour confinement to a tiny interior stateroom on a ship? EEK, it is enough to make me dive back under the covers. And then the really scary, self-focused thoughts float to the surface.

How is my business going to be affected by the cancellation of events, the reluctance of hosts to have face painting, or maybe even to have parties? What if I get ill, who is going to work in my place? What if I can’t work or there is no bookings during the upcoming busy season because people are afraid of infection?

But then I remind myself that it is not about ME, it’s about my client. I put myself in his or her place and that brings me back to a more positive mindset and also reminds me what I need to be communicating outwardly.

Perhaps these thoughts on the subject will be of some comfort to you. Please don’t panic, and don’t fault the worrying MOM who feels she needs to reduce the risk of contagions by canceling her event. Put yourself in her shoes…and ask how you can make her decision easier, or less painful. After all, that is what we are supposed to be doing in our businesses: helping our clients come to the best solution for their problems. Whether that problem is what type of entertainment to have? How to keep all ages occupied at an event? Or how to minimize risk of infection in a crowded social event?

Why not be proactive and share your safety and hygiene practices with your clients? Put their minds at ease before they have to ask the question about lessening the risk of “catching” something. Or before they have to cancel their party because they are operating from a place of fear and uncertainty! You are the expert! Tell them what they need to know to make a good decision. Your business may or may not be affected by this outbreak, but your customers will be grateful you communicated information that was helpful.

I shared the following statement with my clients and prospects last week.

First of all, face painting is not a risk-free activity. But then again, once you leave your home, there is very little out there that DOESN’T put you at risk of picking up a germ or two. (Think of the grocery carts you push, the hands you shake, the railings you hold onto climbing stairs, the money you handle, and even, the elevator buttons.) But in my world of special events, I do a great deal to protect the health of my party clients and their guests.

Safety and Hygiene Practices

  1. Only use the right products that are safe for face and body painting. Compliant with FDA guidelines and designed for use on the skin, most high quality makeups contain antibacterial components. These makeup products are DRY to the touch and are activated only with fresh, clean water, which gives them their creamy texture. After the event, lids are left off so that the moisture can evaporate (bacteria cannot survive without water). Acrylics and water-based poster paints are never used.
  2. Two basins for water are used: one for activating clean makeup, with water that is clean enough to drink. The second basin contains rinse water for dirty brushes with a sterilizing liquid soap added. These basins are cleaned and water refreshed after every 10-15 guests.
  3. One sponge for the application of makeup (base colors) per guest. No re-dipping in the makeup. Once the makeup has been applied, each sponge is discarded for later washing in hot laundry water with detergent.
  4. Brushes are cleaned in between guests by spraying with liquid brush soap that kills bacteria.
  5. Individual cotton swabs are used for application of lipstick, never brushes! After application to the lips, the swab is discarded. No double dipping.
  6. Hands of the artist are clean to start…always washed with soap and water before the event starts. Frequent use of hand sanitizer after each guest. Any visible cuts or sores on the hands demand the use of disposable NON-Latex gloves.
  7. Equipment, such as makeup chairs and tables, are clean. Artist brings their own chair, and are responsible for sanitizing it, instead of using tables and chairs from the venue. Anti-bacterial wipes are used on all surfaces.
  8. During the event, the artist will stop to refresh water basins, and clean surfaces…taking a few minutes between guests, in order to protect those that come later.
  9. Makeup is only be applied to clean, dry skin, without damage, rash or wounds. Do not paint over freshly healed skin, but instead encourage a hand or arm painting.
  10. Require a clean and dry “canvas” to start, the artist will have clean wipes available for guests to use prior to getting decorated.
  11. After each event, brushes are cleaned thoroughly with soap and hot water, and then sterilized by dipping in rubbing alcohol.
  12. Good judgement should always err on the side of caution. If a guest is clearly ill, they should not be painted, but provided with another form of entertainment. Stickers, bling, stamps with designs, and glitter tattoos are all acceptable body art alternatives.

My kit and equipment is PRISTINE before the job starts, and I take a few minutes in between guests in the midst of the event to keep my work station clean and sanitary.

Both of these practices will be appreciated by our hosts and guests, if we explaining why we are taking a “cleanliness” break.

Coronavirus Up-to-date Information

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