Make up dilemma

[Microbabe]

I don't tend to wear much make up but since losing my hair and eyebrows are thinning I decided to make an effort for our 30th wedding anniversary. I discovered having no hairline where do you stop with the foundation. Hilarious to me I just looked at myself in the mirror and laughed.

[January-2016-UK]

I know exactly what you mean as losing hair and eyebrows means makeup becomes somewhat more important, even if it's been unimportant before. Debs (dollies mum) has some truly excellent make up tips. I've managed to put foundation on my wig so I'm not a good example.

I love that view behind you. Where was that taken? Is it your 30th wedding anniversary pic?

All the best! Helen

[Microbabe in reply to January-2016-UK]

Debs does look amazing doesn't she... I've never had good make up skills because I hadn't much need for it.. Like you say when you have no hair it dies become more important. The pic is from our 30th anniversary. In the grounds of kings croft hotel pontefract West Yorkshire. My son got married here. The dress I'm wearing was the one I was going to wear to his wedding. Because I had my operation 12 days before he got married I could not tolerate anything near my scar so wore a maxi dress.

[Yoshbosh]

I don't know much about foundation because I don't wear it, but there are videos on Youtube for eye brows and eye lashes. I've also found a lovely blog written by a lady with alopecia who has step by step examples (eyelineher.org). I hope you get some ideas

[Microbabe in reply to Yoshbosh]

Thanks yoshbosh think it's difficult when you haven't used it before.

[HogwartsDK]

Hey Shelly!

Before I was diagnosed you could count on two hands how many times I wore make up and it usually coincided with family weddings! Then I realised that I looked like a bald ghost so thought I should do something about it! Now I love make up and get compliments all the time about it eventhough I still just do it myself in the mornings!

Two tips! Get yourself to a Look Good Feel Better workshop they are fab and will give you loads of tips especially about eyebrows and you get a lovely bag of goodies too@!!!

And I have put a link below to a blog written by a 25 year old OC sufferer who was determined to survive the disease "with style". There are loads of tips about make up and skin care as well as nutrition and loads of other things! She is amazing and I have used loads of her tips! Enjoy!

You look fab and I love the Guna (that's dress in Irish!!! )

Dxx

survival-with-style.com/

[Microbabe in reply to HogwartsDK]

I felt the same like a plan pale washed out ghost of myself. There is a workshop near me on 27th September wasn't sure it was for me but will definitely go. Thank you so much for link will check it out, I need all the help I can get. Glad you like my guna lol.

[Yoshbosh in reply to Microbabe]

Sorry Shellygirl - I've just jumped on your wonderful post! I love make-up tips

[Microbabe in reply to Yoshbosh]

No problem yoshbosh that's the best thing about ovacom everyone chips in ... I so need makeup tips 😃

[Dollysmum in reply to Microbabe]

Hi Shelly,

Love your dress! Gorgeous pic.

Do go to a Look Good Feel Better workshop. Not least for the goody bag containing loads of good swag.

If you don't like foundation, try a little concealer to even out the skin tone. A little highlighter on the nose toward the inside corner of the eye brightens up the face too and maybe a dusting of light bronzer for warmth. If you do want to venture into the realms of foundation, try Laura Geller baked powder foundation - it comes with a brush from QVC. I would suggest medium or light going on your pic. I love this product because it is quick and easy to use and gives a flawless finish without being caked. Nor is it drying.

When my eyebrows rode off into the sunset, I used NYX brow powder duo and wax (all three with a small brush in a little compact). It's as cheap as chips and one of the best I've ever used AND bullet proof so you don't smudge it off.

Learn to 'tight line' your eye. Rather than try to draw a line across the lid, use a waterproof, soft pencil to line the inside of the top lit and in between what is left of the lashes. I'm currently using an AVON one in black which is around three quid and stays put all day. The technique gives the illusion that you have more lashes and can see you through until you learn to apply false lashes (if you want). There are loads of vids on YouTube.

Debs xx

[Microbabe in reply to Dollysmum]

Debs thank you so much. I have found that one of the foundations dries and cakes and because I wear glasses it's even worse I will definitely try the one you have suggested. Love your description for your eyebrows. Definitely try tight lining I guess practice makes perfect. I bought some false lashes yesturday as I now have very few of my own left. You look beautiful so if I can get anywhere near your look I will be pleased 😃😃

[Dollysmum in reply to Microbabe]

Without the slap, believe me, I look like an old bucket. I've always worn a bit of make up, but since this beast invaded, I wear more and take a little time to apply it properly. I call it warpaint because I do feel as though we've gone into battle. I've learned many little tricks and techniques along the way..

You look absolutely stunning and already have a cracking canvass. xx

PS. I found my skin care routine had to change too. The chemo ravaged my face and skin became more dry in patches. In the 'Look Good..' bag, I received a small bottle of Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion. This has been around for decades, yet I'd never tried it. Well I have to report that it's wonderful and seems to moisturise where I need it most. I'm on my third bottle now.

xx

[Microbabe in reply to Dollysmum]

I have awful dry patches too!! War paint love it 😍😍

[Yoshbosh in reply to HogwartsDK]

Oooh! I've never heard of Look Good Feel Better - I've just looked it up. Thanks for the tip!

[HogwartsDK in reply to Yoshbosh]

Yoshbosh! The look good feel better is fab! I got a great bag of make up and skincare products and met with some lovely ladies in the same position as me! The beautician gave great tips about all the products and it was all free!!

ENJOY!

DX

[Yoshbosh in reply to HogwartsDK]

Was it a workshop or masterclass that you went to? There's a workshop in the hospital in the next town to me (sadly not at my hospital - they are missing out!!), or a masterclass a bit further away at the end of September. They look fab!

I've had a chemo makeover from a local charity, which was such a lovely experience, but because it was done to me, I didn't really learn how to do things properly!

[Microbabe in reply to Yoshbosh]

The one near me is a Masterclass 😍

[HogwartsDK in reply to Yoshbosh]

As far as I know it was a workshop! We did all the work and the beautician was there to show us and watch us do it so learned by doing which was great! I had you travel too it wasn't in my local hospital but about an hour away in the Centre of Excellence hospital but it was worth it!!!

Dx

[Yoshbosh in reply to HogwartsDK]

I'm feeling stupidly excited about this discovery. I'm going to call them on Monday!

[Annr5h in reply to Yoshbosh]

I went to it at the Robert Ogden centre st james Leeds, it's held there every Tuesday, you have to book it. They give you a fabulose goodie bag of cosmetics and skincare products. Also great tips on how to apply your makeup and it's all free. X

[Microbabe in reply to Annr5h]

I live quite close to st James I had no idea have you got any contact details ??

[Annr5h in reply to Microbabe]

Robert Ogden centre tel [phone]

Call them to booking in its in the afternoon for a couple of hours.

You are allowed 6 free treatments also so you can ask about them too.. I had a lovely foot massage while having my chemo.

[Microbabe in reply to Annr5h]

Oooo sounds like heaven my feet do get really sore and my hubby won't go near them he doesn't like feet lol.

[Hidden]

HI Shellygirl that dress looks amazing, yes I agree a Look good feel good workshop is very beneficial as they usually show you how to do the eyes to make us feel better. I would also wear a foundation cream and make up only. I found Clarins beauty balm flash helpful to brighten the skin while on treatment, The BB Creams are also very good,

[Microbabe in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Suzuki I think I deserve a treat, as do we all. So I feel a shopping trip coming on the clarins sounds good will give it a go 😃

[Hidden]

I just go right over 😂 It's going to cost a fortune, you look lovely, great pic. X

[Microbabe in reply to Hidden]

Yes I found I was doing the same... Thank you I had a lovely evening 😃 You need something to look forward to whilst having chemo as you feel rubbish most of the time. It felt so good to put on since dress. Was a new experience drawing my eyebrows on lol 😂😂😂

[Annr5h in reply to Microbabe]

I was told no waxing or tinting of hair for at least 6 months after chemo. You may of been better with threading.

I've notice my hair is coming back on my face with avengense. Xx

[Gleedy in reply to Annr5h]

I think you are right. Panic set in and I've definitely been silly xxx

[Gleedy]

Just thought I'd share where vanity got me on Friday. Face so hairy after chemo and with son's engagement party on Saturday I went to a beautician for waxing. Explained not long out if chemo etc. No problem.....she would use wax for sensitive skin etc. I was a bit worried when I felt her going over the area for the third time. Went home. Areas of weeping removed skin visible. I went to the engagement party with a face like a baboons backside. Be warned ladies mo waxing. I feel stupid for doing it. Yours truly scabby face. X

[Annr5h in reply to Gleedy]

I was told no waxing or tinting of hair for at least 6 months after chemo. You may of been better with threading.

I've notice my hair is coming back on my face with avengense. Xx

[Dollysmum in reply to Gleedy]

Ahem.

Have a solution for that...

boots.com/en/Braun-Face-810...

The cleansing brush is good too.

Sorry, I sound like a know it all.

Suzuki also mentioned a facial hair removing cream that was very good.

Debs xx

[Microbabe in reply to Dollysmum]

It's great to have you in our corner debs!!! Xx

[Annr5h in reply to Dollysmum]

It looks great thankyou xx

[Gleedy in reply to Dollysmum]

Thank you debs. I'll have to let my face heal. Honestly so bad. Whole of chin and lower cheeks scabbing over now. If I'd only stopped to think and had sensible head on this wouldn't have happend. No one said about 6 months to me. I hope this has stopped some one else at least chancing it early. X

[Dollysmum in reply to Gleedy]

Tracey, I would make a point of complaining to the salon. Surely she must have treated patients who have undergone or undergoing treatment.

I wouldn't have known but then I'm not familiar with waxing.

Perhaps you should have your GP take a look at it? You don't want any infections after all you've gone through.

Drink plenty of water.

Debs xxx

[Gleedy in reply to Dollysmum]

Thank you. I've never waxed before. As soon as I got in I saw the removed skin. She must have seen it. I do feel really silly but you are right. She should have stopped when she saw what was happening. A hard lesson has been learnt by me. Xx

[Microbabe in reply to Gleedy]

Don't feel silly you wasn't to know and you did explain before treatment. The blame lies frimly with the beautician!!! X

[Dollysmum in reply to Gleedy]

Not silly at all. She wasn't doing her job properly and could have cost you an infection.

How is it today? Keep an eye..

Debs xx

[Gleedy in reply to Dollysmum]

It has all scabbed over and skin in between has pulled off like sunburn. It hasn't got infected but fact feels tight and hot. Can't cover with foundation because it looks like cornflakes. I'm off to the new forest today so lots of fresh air but a big sun hat needed. Xx

[Microbabe]

O no how awful we deserve to look and feel fabulous. I would not go back to that beautician 😫 Hope you still had fab time at party x

[GoldenGourd]

Hi. I love the picture. In my wig shop there was a selection of eyebrow make up especially for those without eyebrows. It looks like a Cree block and comes in lots of colours, is waterproof etc. I don't know the name as I didn't buy it but I'm hoping one of the fountains of knowledge on this forum will know more.

All the best ang congrats on your 30th anniversary!

Netti

[Microbabe in reply to GoldenGourd]

Thanks netti xx

[thesilent1]

Lovely photo. Happy Anniversary. Ann x

[Microbabe in reply to thesilent1]

Awww thank you Ann. Sometimes you just need a little boost to keep you going xx

[Mrs_Atko]

Wow Shelly you look fantastic in that photo! 😀

You've already been given some great advice but here's my two penneth!

1) enlist in a free make over somewhere like Mac or Bare Minerals at House of Fraser...they'll give you some super handy hints & tips on not only the applications but what will work best with your skin tone;

2) I'd use foundation as normal on my face but then 'blend' passed the hairline/down my neck etc. If you have a make up trial as above, they'll be able to teach you how to do this.

Best of luck & look forward to seeing some photos 😄💋

Jemima xx

[Microbabe in reply to Mrs_Atko]

Thanks Jemima... Never thought of doing the make over as I'm not really a make up person. But as Debs says it becomes so much more important when you lose your hair. I have had quite a few long hard stares when I've been out. It's a bit unnerving so having nice make up gives me the extra confidence to stare back. Enjoy your hols ☀️☀️🌞🌞 ... Hope your feeling much better after your op x

[Mrs_Atko in reply to Microbabe]

Try the make over you might like it!

I'm getting there thanks hun...not long now (fly on the 1st Sept). Seeing onco this Thursday so will be able to get some questions answered about things going forward. Very aware of feeling very vulnerable & sensitive around the incision site so thinking of buying some 'spanx' type things which might give me some extra support whilst I'm away 😕 Looking forward to a change of scene & a very welcome distraction ☺️☀️🍻🍸🍷🍾

[Microbabe in reply to Mrs_Atko]

Yes I found my incision took ages to heal. I wore the biggest pants ever lol. Think if the material is soft it gives you a bit of security ... Best wishes for your onc appointment ....Looking forward to seeing a picture of you in the sun xx