In the lead up to the first #bekindtoyou Women’s Wellness Week , the Spabreaks.com team are walking 100 miles for cancer support charity, Look Good Feel Better … but the real action is what happens in their workshops across the country every day!  Here they give their guide to eye make-up when you’re having treatment for cancer … 

Eyebrow pencil or powder brow shaper

This is essential if treatment causes your eyebrows to thin or fall out. Many women are surprised to find how much the loss of eyebrows changes their appearance: a well-applied eyebrow pencil or powder will help to restore your normal look. Choose a shade that is the same colour as, or slightly lighter than, your head hair. Many eyebrow products come with a useful brush for ‘training’ remaining hairs or new growth.

Eyeshadow

This is helpful to enhance and define the eyes. A ‘duo’ powder pack containing a lighter and darker colour is particularly useful: the lighter shade highlights the lid and arch of the brow and the darker shade defines the shape of the eye. The darker shade is particularly helpful if you lose your eyelashes. Cream eyeshadows are also very effective and easy to apply. Neutral, matt shades are good, but metallic shades can also work well on younger eyes, as they reflect the light and add a little sparkle to your face.

Eyeliner

This also helps define the eyes and is particularly useful if lashes are lost during treatment. Eye liner pencils are generally easier to apply than liquid liners and give a softer finish. Grey, brown or soft black will suit most eye colours and complexions. For darker skin, choose a black or smoky charcoal pencil.

Mascara

Whether you keep your eyelashes through treatment, or lose them and regrow new lashes, they will need some extra TLC at this time. It’s a good idea to use non-waterproof mascara that can be removed gently and easily, but if you find that your eyes become ‘teary’ after treatment, waterproof mascara is fine as long as you remove it gently. For thinning or newly regrowing lashes, it’s best to use a non-fibrous mascara, as fibre building products are often too heavy for fine lashes.  False lashes can be very useful, but they do need some existing lashes for support. Also, if you are having chemotherapy, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor or nurse before using false lashes as the adhesive can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.

Tips

–       Eyelash curlers are a great tool for opening out your eyes but, if you have newly regrown lashes, don’t use them until your eyelashes are a little bit stronger and less brittle.

–       You may already have a collection of favourite brushes and other kit in your make-up bag. If you do, be sure to check that brushes and other make-up tools are really clean, because you will be at increased risk of infection during treatment and for some time afterwards. Here is a check list of additional items that you might find particularly useful:  Eyebrow comb: useful for shaping new brows as they come through; Metal eyelash comb: used gently, these help to give a natural finish to mascara.

For more information and for a complete DVD Confidence Kit visit Look Good Feel Better .  Also check out their make-up guide in the #bekindtoyou Guide!