Hello! I apologize for my extended absence these past few weeks; I had another episode with my eye, I had the flu, I have been at my “second home” (the dentist) more times than I can remember, and I have just been busy overall. I also think I am having some seizures (mild, but still scary!). I am also having quite a bit of trouble with the “neighbor” downstairs.
With that brief recap aside, I was talking with my sister a few days ago about makeup and how I have “perfected” the contour / blush / highlight trio into an effective albeit subtle look. In other words, it’s one of those “no makeup makeup” “routines” (series of tricks, really) that “shapes” your face how you would like it to be “shaped.”
Two notes here – 1. I plan on writing out my “tips” and “tricks” so hopefully you can follow along and perhaps learn something on the way, and 2. This is an incredibly “important” issue to me since I have had steroid-induced “moon face” for … let’s just say well over a decade (up and down and back up and down) – and nothing makes you feel worse about going into public – something those of us without serious mobility issues really NEED to do for our “wellness” mentally and spiritually (and whatever other “-ies” you would like to add in there – when it looks like your face is … not your face.
Have no fear, my fellow spoonies! I am here to try to “guide” you (again, a little at a time!) to achieving that sort of “healthier”-appearing face / diminished “mooniness.” The first time I did this without wearing any base makeup or concealer / foundation / eye makeup, I was actually quite surprised by how many people told me how much “healthier” I was looking. And having the self-confidence just to show your face in public when you feel so terrible about the way you look because of medication (or some illnesses!) is, as I mentioned above, something I really do believe is CRUCIAL to our “sanity.”
So without further ado, I would like to start off with the most basic of basics – what is the “undertone” of your particular skin tone? I do find it somewhat helpful to browse photos online as well as to go to a Sephora or Ulta or other beauty store (be careful out there with all these nasty bugs going around! And be forewarned – in the future, things will only get worse!) and try out samples of foundation or BB or CC Cream (whatever “formulation” you prefer!). The best place to sample these items is on your inner wrist – that is, the area right below your palms where you see all the wrist veins, &c. The color you choose should blend in very well – to the point of disappearing – and it should also be able to cover the shade of your veins (perhaps not all the way as that is what concealers and color correctors are for!); the inner wrist / lower forearm is the skin that is the closest “match” to the skin on your face (that is, of course, unless you always keep your hands and arms covered and / or tan your face!). Once you find a “match,” note the “tone” (deep, fair, light, dark, &c.) as well as the UNDERTONE of the product – is it a golden undertone or an olive undertone or a “neutral” undertone or a “pink” undertone. If you need help determining this, please ask someone who works at the store!
For now, I will leave you with that. Go out (preferably during “slow times” and be SURE to wash your hands and all areas where the makeup touched thoroughly – also, DO NOT TEST MAKEUP ON YOUR FACE EVER!) and find what skin tone and undertone works best for your particular complexion. We will take it from there!
As always, I hope you are all having a happy and healthy day, wherever you are in the world! I just wanted to make note as well that I do get really into makeup (as seen on my YouTube channel; something I really do want to get back into doing!) – especially for the “spoonies” among us – because not only does having your makeup done make you feel “happy” and somewhat normal, but the PROCESS of doing your makeup helps you feel more “normal.” It gives you added self-confidence when you need it the most, and for me, trying out new items and sharing tips / tricks like this is such an important part of the “spoonie life” (for women AND MEN!). At any rate, I hope you are all doing well and I will be back soon soon soon!
❤ Always, Beth
Living with Chronic Illness - Thoughts on Life and Life Advice from a Spoonie's Perspective 