One of the highlights of our HIV women’s retreat was our “look good feel good” night. We would bring in hair stylists; make up specialists and even people that provided tips on ways to dress. Every body looked terrific by the end of the night and many kept up the changes long after the retreat was over.
How you look can impact how you fell and how you feel can impact how you look. If you take a quick peek in the mirror and think, “train wreck, “ those negative feelings about your appearance can ultimately make your feel less healthy.
Side effects of treatments (medication, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation etc.), the condition itself as well as aging in general can take quite a toll. Yet, with a bit of guidance and some trial and error, it is possible to significantly improve how you look, which can lift your spirit.
I’ve worked with a number of people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, who with some make up tips and new hairstyles or wigs look so much better that people, who may not be aware of the current situation, will comment, “whatever you’re doing keep it up!”
One of the pioneers in helping patients is Look Good Feel Better, which was initially designed for women with cancer. Today the program is offered at many cancer centers as well as having an excellent “how to” website for women, men and teens. Check to see about scheduled workshops in your area. Not only will you receive personalized care, you’ll leave with a lot of free product.
For those who have difficulty with the use of their hands due to arthritis, tremors or other conditions, as well as for people who have permanently lost eyebrows or sustained other significant changes, such as scaring, there is the option of permanent (micropigmentation) cosmetics. As one person noted, “choose your permanent make up specialist as carefully as you would choose your surgeon.” Check with your medical provider for recommendations before undertaking such a treatment.
Consider the following:
• Visit your local make up counter and ask for a free make over: Let them know the types of issues that you are dealing with so they can make suggestions about what might work for you. Unless these are products you use all the time, and you are just looking for some tips on better ways to use them, don’t buy them at this time. Leave the make up on for at least several hours or longer to make sure your skin doesn’t react to it. This is also a good way to decide if you like the look at the end of the day.
• Participate in a “make over” party: This would be a fun and beneficial activity for a support group meeting. Mary Kay, and Arbonne offer in home consultations to groups. An area spa may be willing to donate an afternoon to your group, so don’t hesitate to call and see what they might be willing to do. Again, if these are not products you generally use, wait before making a purchase.
• Check with the medical center where you receive your care as some programs have staff and volunteers that can provide assistance in this area. Some programs will include adaptive equipment to help you apply cosmetics.
• Connect with the local chapter of the condition specific organization (e.g. American Cancer Society) and ask them for information on programs, types of cosmetics best to use for people in your situation etc.
• Not all cosmetics are equal and in fact, some can be harmful. Lotions that promote high levels of something, such as vitamin A, can be unsafe. For example, someone with hepatitis does not want to use a product that has a lot of vitamin A, which can be harmful to the liver. Check with your medical providers about what you may want to consider or avoid. Ask for samples of items as many medical centers, particularly cancer centers, are given items for patient use. Check the safety of products that you are currently using or are considering at Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.
• Check out on-line resources for make up tips, best wigs etc. Some links to help you get started:
Web MD’s Slideshow: Look Younger Secrets that Work
Coping with Lupus Skin Care
Beauty Tips for Cancer Patients
How to Apply Makeup During Chemotherapy (video)
Tips on Makeup to Hide Scars
Beauty Ability: Written by a woman with a spinal cord injury, the purpose of this blog is to “help women with disabilities realize their awesomeness.” Lots of tips and suggestions
If you have some tips to provide on “looking good,” please post them to this blog or to the Healing Whole Facebook page.
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