Performing make-up services is a core competency for cosmetology professionals in Kenya, requiring both technical skill and client care. This chapter addresses the key stages involved in delivering a high-quality make-up service, starting from pretreatment procedures that prepare the skin to the application of make-up products tailored to client needs. Understanding these procedures ensures hygienic practice, enhances client satisfaction, and promotes professional standards. Additionally, associated services that complement make-up application will be examined to provide a comprehensive approach to client grooming.

1.7 Make-up Products and Supplies

Make-up products are the cosmetics applied to the skin, eyes and lips to prepare, colour and set the face, while supplies are the items that support the service, such as gloves, towels, head bands and drapes. Products are applied in a set order, from skin preparation through base and colour to setting, and each must suit the client's skin type and the occasion. Supplies keep the client clean, comfortable and protected during the service. Example: for a client's evening make-up, the artist cleanses, tones and moisturises her skin, applies foundation, concealer and powder, adds eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, blusher and lipstick, and finishes with a setting spray.

Cleanser

A cleanser is a product that removes make-up, dirt, oil and dead skin cells from the face to prepare a clean base. Make-up applied over unclean skin looks patchy, does not last and can block pores. Cleansers come as milks and creams for dry skin, gels and foams for oily skin, and micellar water for quick, gentle cleansing. Example: the artist uses a cleansing milk on a client with dry skin, removing it with damp cotton pads before toning.

Toner

A toner is a liquid applied after cleansing to remove any remaining cleanser and residue, refresh the skin and prepare it to absorb moisturiser. Gentle, alcohol-free toners suit dry and sensitive skin, while toners for oily skin help control shine. It is applied with a cotton pad, wiping gently outwards. Example: after cleansing a client with combination skin, the artist sweeps a mild toner over her face to remove the last traces of cleanser.

Moisturiser

A moisturiser is a cream, lotion or gel that hydrates the skin and forms a smooth base so foundation spreads evenly and does not cling to dry patches. Rich creams suit dry skin, light lotions suit normal skin and oil-free gels suit oily skin. It is applied in light upward strokes and left to absorb before foundation. Example: the artist applies a light oil-free moisturiser to a client with oily skin and waits a few minutes before applying foundation.

Powder

Powder is a fine product pressed or loose, used to set foundation and concealer, reduce shine and help make-up last. Translucent powder sets make-up without adding colour, while tinted powder adds light coverage. It is pressed on with a powder puff or swept on lightly with a large brush. Example: a client attending an outdoor event has translucent powder pressed onto her T-zone so her make-up stays matte in the heat.

Lipstick

Lipstick is a coloured product that adds colour, definition and moisture to the lips. It comes as matte, satin, cream or gloss finishes, and the colour is chosen to suit the client's skin tone, outfit and occasion. It is applied with a disposable lip brush, never directly from the tube to the client's lips. Example: for a bride wearing white, the artist chooses a long-wearing satin lipstick that complements her skin tone and lasts through the ceremony.

Mascara

Mascara is a product applied to the eyelashes to darken, lengthen and thicken them, framing the eyes. Waterproof mascara resists tears and heat, while regular mascara is easier to remove. It is applied with a fresh disposable wand for each client, never the wand from the tube. Example: a bride who expects to cry during her vows has waterproof mascara applied with a disposable wand.

Blusher

Blusher is a coloured product applied to the cheeks to add warmth, colour and shape to the face. It comes as powder, cream or liquid, and the shade is chosen to suit the client's skin tone. It is applied to the apples of the cheeks and blended up towards the temples. Example: on a client with deep skin, the artist uses a warm berry blusher blended upwards to lift and brighten her cheeks.

Eyeliner

Eyeliner is a product used to outline the eyes, making them look more defined, larger or more dramatic. It comes as pencil, liquid, gel or powder, and the line can be thin and soft for daytime or bold and winged for evening. Pencils are sharpened before each client, and gels and liquids are applied with clean or disposable brushes. Example: for an evening event, the artist draws a thin winged line with liquid eyeliner along the client's upper lash line.

Eye shadow

Eye shadow is a coloured product applied to the eyelids to add colour, depth and dimension to the eyes. It comes as powder, cream or liquid, in matte, shimmer and metallic finishes. Light shades brighten, darker shades add depth in the crease, and colours are blended so there are no harsh edges. Example: the artist applies a soft brown shade in the crease and a light shimmer on the lid to give a client's eyes depth for a photo shoot.

Concealer

Concealer is a thick, high-coverage product used to hide dark circles, spots, uneven patches and small blemishes. It is matched to the skin tone, or a shade lighter under the eyes, and colour-correcting concealers neutralise particular discolourations. It is pressed on with a brush, sponge or fingertip and blended at the edges. Example: the artist pats a creamy concealer under a client's eyes to brighten dark circles before setting it with powder.

Make up spray

Make-up spray is a fine mist sprayed over the finished face to set the make-up, blend away powdery edges and help it last longer. Setting sprays fix make-up in place, while hydrating sprays refresh dry skin. It is sprayed from a short distance with the client's eyes closed. Example: at the end of a bridal make-up, the artist asks the bride to close her eyes and mists a setting spray over her face so the make-up lasts through the day.

Foundation

Foundation is a skin-coloured product applied over the face to even out the skin tone and create a smooth base for the rest of the make-up. It comes as liquid, cream, stick or powder, with light, medium or full coverage and matte, satin or dewy finishes. The shade is matched on the jawline, and the type is chosen to suit the skin type. Example: the artist chooses a medium-coverage liquid foundation in a satin finish for a client with normal skin, matching it on her jawline in daylight.

Gloves

Gloves are kept as a supply so the artist can wear a fresh pair whenever a service needs them, such as when working near broken skin or cleaning tools. Their protective uses are covered in Personal protective gear. Disposable gloves are stocked in different sizes and discarded after each use, never reused. Example: the artist keeps a box of nitrile gloves on the trolley shelf so she can put on a fresh pair when needed.

Towels

Towels are kept as a supply for the client during the service: to protect clothing, wipe away product and support the head and neck on the couch. Enough clean towels are stocked so a fresh set is used for every client, and used towels are laundered promptly. Example: a busy make-up studio keeps a stack of clean towels in a closed cabinet so each client is given a fresh one.

Head band

A head band is a soft elastic or towelling band placed around the client's hairline to hold hair back from the face during make-up. It keeps the hairline clear for even application and stops hair getting product on it. Disposable head bands are discarded after one client, and fabric ones are washed after each use. Example: before applying foundation, the artist slips a clean head band over a client's hairline so her hair stays off her face.

Draper

A draper is a protective cape placed around the client's shoulders to keep make-up, powder and spills off their clothing during the service. Its purposes are covered in Client draping. A clean draper is used for each client, and disposable drapers are discarded after one use. Example: for a client wearing a dark outfit, the artist fastens a draper around her shoulders so loose powder does not fall onto her clothes.

1.7.1 Usability of Tools, Equipment, Products and Supplies

Usability is how suitable and effective a tool, piece of equipment, product or supply is for a particular task, client and setting. A usable item gives the right result easily, suits the client's skin and needs, and can be used hygienically. The artist judges usability by checking the client's skin type, the occasion, the finish wanted and how each item will behave on the skin. Example: for a client with sensitive skin attending a long outdoor event, the artist chooses fragrance-free, long-wearing products and applies them with clean brushes and disposable applicators.

• Suitability for the skin type: Products are matched to dry, oily, combination or sensitive skin, such as oil-free products for oily skin.
• Suitability for the occasion: Long-wearing or waterproof products suit weddings and outdoor events, while lighter products suit daily wear.
• Finish required: Matte, satin or dewy finishes are chosen to suit the client's preference and the lighting.
• Ease of application: Products that blend well and tools of the right size give an even result quickly.
• Hygiene: Disposable applicators and spatulas let products be used without contamination.
• Client sensitivities: Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products reduce the risk of reactions.

Order of product application

1. Cleanse: remove dirt and old make-up with a cleanser suited to the skin.
2. Tone: refresh the skin and remove cleanser residue with toner.
3. Moisturise: apply moisturiser and let it absorb.
4. Apply foundation: even out the skin tone with a matched foundation.
5. Conceal: cover dark circles and blemishes with concealer.
6. Set with powder: press powder onto areas that shine.
7. Apply eye make-up: apply eye shadow, then eyeliner, then mascara.
8. Add blusher: add colour and shape to the cheeks.
9. Apply lipstick: line and fill the lips with a disposable lip brush.
10. Set: mist make-up spray over the finished face.

1.7.2 Factors to consider when selecting tools and equipment

Selecting the right tools and equipment affects the quality of the make-up, the safety of the client and the running costs of the business. The artist weighs each item's quality, suitability, hygiene and cost before buying. Example: a make-up artist setting up a new studio chooses a sturdy adjustable couch and a set of synthetic brushes that are easy to wash, balancing quality against her budget.

• Quality and durability: Well-made tools give consistent results and last longer with frequent use.
• Suitability for clients: Soft synthetic brushes and latex-free sponges reduce irritation for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
• Versatility: Multi-purpose tools, such as a dual-ended brush, save time and reduce the number of tools needed.
• Ease of cleaning: Tools and equipment with smooth, washable surfaces are easier to keep hygienic.
• Cost and availability: Items should balance price and quality, and replacement parts or refills should be easy to find.
• Comfort and ergonomics: Brushes with comfortable handles and adjustable couches reduce strain during long services.
• Size and space: Equipment such as couches and trolleys must fit the work area and allow free movement around the client.

1.7.3 Maintenance of tools and equipment

Maintenance is the cleaning, inspection, repair and storage of tools and equipment so they stay hygienic, work well and last longer. Poorly maintained tools spread infection, give uneven results and need replacing sooner. Each item has its own routine, and single-use items are never cleaned for reuse but discarded after one client. Example: at the end of each day, an artist washes her brushes, wipes the couch and trolley with disinfectant and checks the magnifying lamp cable for damage.

• Make-up brushes: Wash after each client with a gentle brush cleanser or mild shampoo, rinse, reshape and dry bristles-down.
• Make-up sponges: Discard disposable sponges after one client; wash reusable sponges after each use and dry them fully.
• Spatulas and applicators: Discard disposable ones after one use; wash and disinfect reusable metal or plastic spatulas.
• Make-up couch: Wipe the cover with disinfectant between clients and check the adjusting parts work smoothly.
• Trolley: Wipe shelves and drawers with disinfectant and keep the wheels free of hair and dust.
• Magnifying lamp: Wipe the lens with a soft cloth and suitable cleaner, and check the bulb, arm and cable for damage.

Steps for tool maintenance

1. Remove excess product: wipe residue off tools straight after use so it does not harden.
2. Clean: wash brushes and reusable sponges with suitable cleaners and rinse thoroughly.
3. Disinfect: disinfect tools and wipe equipment surfaces as directed on the disinfectant label.
4. Dry: dry brushes bristle-down and sponges fully to keep their shape and prevent mould.
5. Inspect: check for damage such as loose ferrules, shedding bristles, torn covers or frayed cables.
6. Repair or replace: repair faulty equipment or replace worn tools before the next use.
7. Store: keep tools in clean, dry, closed containers away from dust.

Chapter Summary

This chapter focused on the essential steps involved in performing a make-up service, beginning with pretreatment procedures that prepare the skin for application by cleansing and moisturizing to ensure a smooth and lasting finish. The core make-up procedures were then explored, highlighting techniques for applying foundation, eye make-up, and lip color while considering skin type and client preferences. Attention was given to associated services such as contouring, highlighting, and the use of false eyelashes to enhance the overall look. Finally, the chapter emphasized the importance of after care advice, guiding clients on how to maintain their make-up and care for their skin to prolong the results and prevent irritation. These stages collectively ensure a professional and client-centered approach to make-up services.