Cancer treatments can present extra challenges when it comes to cosmetics. Normally oily skin can become temporarily dry and flaky. Even skin tone can change, creating a more ruddy, sallow or tanned appearance. Because treatments further weaken the immune system, special care needs to be taken when choosing and applying cosmetics. A few general tricks of the trade can help.
Foundation and Tinted Moisturizer
Even women who usually steer clear of cosmetics, will be grateful now for a moisturizing foundation. As a result of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the skin on the face may be dry, sensitive, discolored or sallow. Patients are advised to choose products specially designed for the way their skin looks and feels now. As skin changes, foundation and shading can be altered to complement skin tone and even wig color. The color should match normal, healthy skin tone to help even out the complexion, mask imperfections and prevent conspicuous flaking. Colorescience's Creme de la Creme Foundation Primer in California Girl will provide great coverage. For added moisture or just a hint of color, a tinted moisturizer, like Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Shade 2 or MD Skincare All In One Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 Medium underneath foundation will do the trick.
 Discoloration
If skin looks blotchy or sallow, try going a half shade lighter with foundation for a fresh, bright look. There are also many concealers and primers, such as Colorescience Line Tamer Foundation Primer and Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Redness Concealer available in shades of green, lavender and yellow to help brighten skin — green counteracts redness, and lavender works for sallowness.
 Eyebrows
If patients lose eyebrows and eyelashes due to chemotherapy, some may want to use makeup to restore balance to their features. It's a tradition that goes back decades. Greta Garbo, for instance, shaved off her eyebrows and painted on graceful arches, which became part of her signature look. To flawlessly fake having full brows, try the TALIKA Eyebrow Extender in Dark Brown. It has small rayon fibers that give the appearance of hair. Or stencil in your brows with the help of the Colorescience Voluptuous Stencil.
 Lipstick
Keep lips well moisturized to avoid flaking and chapping, which can occur as a result of chemotherapy and/or radiation. Choose creamy, moisturizing lipsticks as opposed to matte, long-lasting formulas, which can accentuate and even exacerbate dryness. Customers rave about Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick SPF 15.
Cancer affects us emotionally, socially and physically and how we look can affect how we feel. Just by primping with a little lipstick or stroke of blush, a beautiful thing happens. Emotional well-being is boosted and we are ready to face the mirror (and the world) with confidence once again. If you look good, you'll feel good and do amazing things. |
