Who said because you have cancer you can’t “Look Good and Feel Better!”
I know I talked about the look good feel better class that I have attended. This is free of charge. You can find one near you by contacting the American Cancer Society via phone or look on the website.
Sorry fellas this one is for the ladies. However, if I find some tips for you I will let you know! Let’s go over some makeup tips that I learned from the class. I don’t use all of these but I know that there can be changes in skin due to those that take radiation or any chemo. Chemotherapy causes hair loss and not just on your head. You lose hair everywhere and I mean everywhere! Some may be fortunate not to lose their eyebrows but some are not. So, what can you do in order to feel better about yourself…keep your femininity?
Skin:
You may notice that your skin can become dry or drier if you already suffer from dry skin. I don’t use lotion and have been using shea butter for years but that wasn’t even helping me. When I started to do my own research I came across a product called cetaphil, walmart has their own similar to it, and it seem to work great for me. It is very mild, and I would use that then my shea butter and my skin returned to normal rather quickly.
I will be getting this straight from the book because I don’t know anything about this whatsoever. So, if you wear makeup on your face, you want to make sure you use a cleanse your face with warm (not hot) water and an easy to wipe off creamy cleanser or mild soap. Then you may use a mile non-alcoholic toner. Use a moisturizer with a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Proceed with using a concealer under your foundation. If you are unsure which concealer to use and/or shade consult a beauty professional. Your foundation should closely match your normal skin tone and then you set foundation with loose translucent powder. Your final step is blush.
Eye area: Some people will lose their eyebrows. You can purchase eyebrow stencils for next to nothing on ebay or amazon. The stencils will come in different thickness and shapes. You can add eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. This section I know something about. If you scared to experiment with eye shadows, keep it neutral with golds and browns.
Lips: Lip liner and/or lipstick. If you use both, use a lip liner that matches or compliments your lipstick to help the colors from not bleeding. If this doesn’t appeal to you, you can find you a nice lip that shines and pops…you can either purchase one or make your own like I do.
Hair: Some women won’t mind rocking a bold head and if you choose to, do you and rock it with confidence! I understand for some women it is devastating especially if they are accustomed to only having long hair. You can get a wig or wear cute headwraps. Ensure that you get a wig that compliments you or this is a chance to try different looks that you have always been interested in but didn’t want to alter your hair. If you are creative you can log right on to youtube and make your own wigs too. If not, consult with your beautician. There are several tutorials on youtube for ways to tie a scarf. There are even some organizations that will send you a complimentary scarf. If you aren’t feeling the wigs or scarves, you can always rock a hat if that is what you like.
Nails: Now understand that sometimes your nails will turn black, I was told this by my nail tech and I saw it for myself. DON’T PANICK…it will grow out. Some oncologist will tell you that you must get rid of your gel or acrylic nails. I do grow out my own nails and wear an acrylic overlay on them and have NEVER had to soak my acrylic off during this journey. Your nails and toe nails may become brittle and even split down the middle; however…the acrylic helps. Now what works for me may not work for you so ask your doctor.
Do what makes you feel good! Makeup, nails, clothes, shoes, etc.! Got scars..ashamed? Yea I was too, some will even cover them with tattoos once they get approval to do so. However, regardless if you choose to cover them with clothes, a tattoo, or leave it out there for the entire world to see…remember that that scar or scars tell a story, I’M A SURVIVOR!
So do whatever you want to make you look good and feel better!
