It’s a fact. When you look good, you feel better about yourself—despite the cancer treatment you may be going through. Putting on a pretty face is a simple way to take back some control. Here are ten ways to do just that.

1. Wigs are a great way to deal with hair loss. Choose one that is close to your natural hair color or be bold and try something radically different. Sometimes a brand new look can have a big effect on attitude and emotion – now is the time to dare. Have it fitted and styled by a knowledgeable professional to make sure it feels comfortable and looks natural.

2. Hats, scarves and turbans are fun to wear, convenient and can be changed with your mood. Look for hats made from natural fabrics so your scalp can breathe. Wearing a turban allows you to create a different look by adding a scarf, brooch, even fabric flowers. To get started, visit a local women’s healthcare retailer. Or, you can Search the web for wigs, turbans, scarves and other head coverings.

3. Skin needs extra attention to combat the drying effects of chemotherapy and radiation. First, drink plenty of water to help rehydrate your skin. Then, pamper your skin by using mild soap or a creamy cleanser, then applying a rich moisturizer morning and evening. Outside, always wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) or use products with a built-in sun block. Avoid products that contain alcohol or Retin-A.

4. Choose a moisturizing foundation that closely matches your normal skin tone and use it to even out your complexion. A light application of translucent powder will set the foundation.

5. Brush blush over cheekbones and out towards the ears for a vibrant, healthy look. If your face is puffy due to weight gain, contour with brownish powder. For a too-thin face light-colored concealer cream can help enlarge areas.

6. Study your eyebrows before they are affected by treatment. Then, if necessary, fill in or create eyebrows using feathery strokes of color with a brush-on eyebrow color or a pencil. Choose a shade that matches your natural hair color. Make the brow fuller on the inside corner, thinning as it moves out.

7. Brighten eyes with shadow. Sweep a medium shade across the entire lid and add a lighter color just below the arch of the brow. Finish with the deepest color in the crease to emphasize your eye’s natural shape. Blend well to soften the effect.

8. Recreate the look of full lashes by using liquid eyeliner or eyeliner pencil to apply a thin line along upper and lower lids. Mascara will restore a lush look to thinning eyelashes. Apply first to the top and then to the underside of lashes. Brush the tip of the wand back and forth across the lower lashes. Lash volumizers are also available if necessary – apply under your mascara.

9. Lip color helps balance your face. First outline lips with a soft lip pencil that complements your lipstick. It will keep color from bleeding. Then choose a creamy, moisturizing lipstick in the same color family as your blush. You may also want to try one of the lip stains on the market that last most of the day.

10. Rather than cover nails with acrylics or another type of wrap, use a light-color nail polish to camouflage nail imperfections. Use only non-acetone-based nail polish removers to keep nails from drying out.
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Beauty Resources
Resources for improving your appearance during breast cancer treatment.
Beauty is an elusive concept, but one thing is certain. If you feel good about the way you look, you will find more joy in life. Feeling beautiful is even more important if you are experiencing the side effects of breast cancer treatment. Enhancing your appearance will help lift depression and fight low self-esteem while inviting confidence and smiles. Check out some of these resources and take a step toward beauty.

Web Sites
www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
This is a free, national public service program dedicated to teaching women cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during cancer treatment. Teams of trained beauty professionals teach beauty techniques in skin care, make-up, hair care and nail care. There program also includes demonstrations in the use of wigs, hats, turbans and scarf-tying techniques. Look Good Feel Better is sponsored by the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association, The American Cancer Society and the National Cosmetology Association.
www.shopwellwithyou.org
A body image resource for women surviving cancer including suggestions on what to wear, a clothing and accessory directory, and A Guide to Body Image and Cancer.
www.free-beauty-tips.com
This site offers tips about a variety of topics including hair, make-up and skin care that will help you highlight your natural beauty.

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