Simple Cosmetic Tips to Help the Changing You
Going through breast cancer treatments or recovery can make it difficult to have the time or energy to put on a full face of makeup. Everything is changing, your complexion, hair, nails, eyelashes and eyebrows. Playing with makeup is a chance to have a little fun and bring back a sense of normalcy to this time in your life. Here are five tips you can try to help keep you looking like yourself again and if you look good, you’ll feel even better!
1. Complexion.
During treatment your skin will most likely change in both color and texture. When your skin texture is changing or if you have discoloration, try using a few of these products:
- Primers help make the surface of the skin smoother and even toned. There are also many undercoats available in shades of green, lavender and yellow to help brighten skin — green counteracts redness, and lavender works for sallowness.
- Concealers can be used to spot-cover a blemish or help define your cheekbones.
- Tinted Moisturizers with SPF are a good choice if you don’t have a lot of time.
- If you feel unnaturally pale, self-tanning products or bronzers will help bring back your depth and dimension.
And, don’t forget to use a high-quality lip balm and a little lipstick to make you feel and look healthier.
2. Hair Loss.
Hair loss can be one of the most difficult side effects of breast cancer treatments. However, hair loss from cancer treatment is most often not permanent and your hair will grow back once therapy has been completed. Before your hair falls out, try a funky, new, bold short haircut. Or, you may want to shave your head altogether. To avoid making hair fall out faster, try these tips:
- Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner and try to shampoo only twice a week. Avoid shampoos with a lot of chemicals, strong fragrances, or that contain alcohol.
- Avoid coloring or perming your hair.
- Lower your use of a hair dryer, straightening irons and curling irons. If you have the time, air dry your hair.
- You may also want to consider a wig once you lose your hair. There are many wig salons that will help you find a fit and style that suits you. And, don’t forget to see if your new wig can be used as a tax deduction.
3. Nail Care.
During treatment your nails may become pigmented or discolored. They may also become brittle and break more easily. This too is reversible, but it is important to take extra care of your nails right now to avoid any additional discomfort. Here are a few nail care tips you can try:
- Clip your nails short.
- Avoid cutting your cuticles. Massage natural oils, creams or gels into your cuticles and push them back gently.
- Use gloves while doing chores.
- Use nail polish to cover any discoloration.
- If you get manicures, bring your own instruments to avoid exposure to bacteria.
4. Brighten Your Eyes.
Eyes are one of the first things people see. When you’re not feeling well, your eyes can take on dark circles and become dry and puffy. Here are some tips that will help you brighten your eyes and your face!
- Moisturize. Use an eye cream or eye gel to treat dryness, dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles.
- Concealer. Try using concealer to help with the dark circles and any redness.
- Creamy Eyeshadow. Stick to creamy eyeshadow formulas which are much less apt to get caught in the creases and folds of the eyelid.
- Eyelashes. Use a fine eyeliner brush and smudger to create the illusion of lush lashes. Lost all your lashes? Try fake lashes for special occasions. It’s amazing how natural they look!
5. Eyebrows.
Thinned-out brows can completely wash you out and appear to change the shape of your face. Filling them in with an eyeshadow or brow pencil is a key trick to learn. Here are easy steps to create a natural looking brow:
- Apply a little foundation on your brow to create a base.
- Lightly trace the shape of your natural brow.
- Apply the shadow or pencil with light, feathery, hair stroke motions throughout the brow hair.
Breast cancer treatments have side effects that can leave you feeling far from your best. We hope that by trying some of the above tips will help restore normalcy, allow you to take back some control in your life and provide you with that boost of confidence you need!
Note: These are suggestions. We are not recommending any specific products. Please consult with your doctor on what products and techniques are right for you. ~ Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation
