Category: Daily Living
Hi, all. This post is primarily for the ladies. If guys wear make-up, I'm going to get very worried. Hahaha!
OK, so do any of you women wear make-up? How do you pick it out, if you're totaly blind? And more than that, how do you apply it, and know it looks good, when you can't look at yourself in the mirror? I don't wear make-up much, for these very reasons. I live alone, so I don't have a sighted person to tell me what it looks like before I'd go out, and I'm not about to go out looking like crap. *Grin* So, any ideas?
Oops, I just saw that I didn't look far enough down on this board, and that this topic has already been tackled. My bad. I'll go read that thread now, and post any further questions I have in there.
Makeup isn't really that scary for blind women. First, have a close friend/family member tell you what shades look best. Another option is to surf the web. a website called free beauty tips online also gives great tips for choosing the right shade. I'm not totally blind and I wear makeup almost daily. Don't assume that any shade will look right, they don't. I'll give you some tips that work well for me. As a makeup-wearing veteran, let me tell you that it's not that daunting.
For foundation: try to find a cream-to-power kind. This'll make it easier for you to blend. Avon makes a nice one. It's critical to match your skin tone to the foundation otherwise you'll look like you're wearing a mask.
For eyesheadow: find shades that'll compliment your eye color. Many people use multiple shades and layer them. try to get a palette with three or four colors that'll go together. First, blend the lightest one on your browbone. Next, use a darker one to cover your entire lid. Sometimes it's easier to do this first before adding the first sheadow. Finally, take the last color which can be lighter or darker and use this on the outer corner of your eye. If you want your eyes to appear larger, use lighter shades, although darker ones often work well for evening. Many people use an overall eye highlighter which helps sheadow stay and helps define color. If you want your sheadow to last longer, use a loos face powder on your lids before you apply your sheadow. Again, seek advice from family/friends on this one. Some people like cream sheadows but beware, these are often harder to blend. It's a good idea to keep some tissues and some eye makeup remover on hand for mistakes.
For mascara: This is one of the trickiest parts to master, but once you do, it's really not that hard to do. I'd recommend a waterproof mascara. This way you can go out in wet weather, or cry after a really horrible day and you won't end up with mascara streaks on your face. For starters, tape or hold a tissue under your lashes. I actually learned to apply mascara by first taping two small pieces of tissue above and below my eyes. Not only does this help catch any smudges, it'll actually give you an example by touch, of your eyelash area. Then, just take the mascara wand from the tube and slowly apply it to your upper/lower lashes. I'll often hold the wand in one position and just blink. This is what my older sister taught me to do, and it's pretty easy. Once you have this down, you'll get the feel for how to apply mascara. Don't worry about mistakes, we all make them. Again, tissues and eye makeup remover are key.
For lipstick/liner: I really don't use lip liner. My lips are quite full so I steer clear of it. It's really important to match the liner with your natural skin tone. Some people do go darker though. A lipstick is easier to use. just follow the natural curve of your mouth. or just dab it on your lips and rub them together to blend the color in. It's a good idea to use a tissue to blot the excess color.
For blush: I don't use this either, but some people smile and apply it lightly on the apples of their cheeks. I'm not a huge fan of it myself. If you do use it, be careful of the shade you choose. Again, some websites will give you tips for applying it.
Another note on foundation: start with a dot each on your chin, forehead and each cheek. blend this in verry carefully. I can't stress this enough. Creamier foundations may be easier for for you to work with. Plus, you can easily apply more on the go with a sponge. I find liquid types feel yucky. I often follow with a light dusting of face powder if it's hot. This cuts down on shine
I hope these tips are helpful. Don't be surprised if friends/family are amazed that you can put on makeup. If you have any questions, please feel free to write me back.
Sincerely, Brenda .
Woa!! Sorry about all the mispelled words. I'm a fast typer.
For eyeliner: use a cream-to-powder shade or a powder liner. stay far far away from the liquid type. I know sighted women who won't use that stuff. Place one finger just above your lash line. You'll feel a slight crease between your eyelid and your lashes. this is where you want your liner to go. Instead of using a straight line, use very small dots placed close together. Then carefully blend them with a fingertip or a rubber applicator. I've found that applying eyeliner to the lower lashes is more complicated. Also, some women add just a hint of shadow under their lower lashes. But ask, if this is done, since it could have been a passing fad. A good rule of thumb is that neutrals like beige, brown and some shades of gold and green generally work best on everyone. For brighter colors, use with caution, and you can mix these with more neutral shades. You don't want a clown effect from too many bright colors. If you want to play up one feature with lots of makeup, try to keep your other features less dramatic. Again, feel free to write back with questions/comments.
Brenda
Well, my problem is I can't use eye makeup because I have prosthesises. Every time I do, I get infections. Wonder if therere is any on the market for prosthesis users?
Hello, Have you ever tried using eye makeup that's hypoalergenic? I'm not sure if cosmetic companies make makeup designed specifically for prosthetics. Perhaps you could use eye makeup designed for contact lens wearers. These may be a bit more gentle. This is just a suggestion, since I don't have prosthetics. I know Avon's makeup line is hypoallergenic and Almay is as well. Maybe you could do some research online. This might also be an issue to inform cosmetics companies about. I know many eye makeup removers are designed for sensitive skin as well.
For anyone interested, I was browsing on blindcooltech.com this morning and came across a podcast on applying makeup. I didn't listen to it so don't know how good it is, but I remembered seeing this topic on here and thought I would let you know. The link is called putting on makeup and is dated 2/30/07.
I found a link for another podcast on the same site just a few links down from the first. This one is called applying makeup.
Cool, I'll check these links out. It never hurts to have a refresher course.
I just looked at both of them and they do help. But I would go to a beauty store and ask an expert what shades are right for you, not only a family me mber or friend who might be unexperienced.
The beauty representative is also a good idea. My Avon rep knows how to recomend different makeup shades.