I used to be a professional model and now have a C5/6 spinal cord injury. As you can imagine, I am fairly particular about my make-up. It’s not that I expect to look as though I’m ready for the runway or a fashion shoot, but I do want to enhance my features and look natural. Having others do my make-up used to be a nightmare. I often ended up going au naturel or looking like it was Halloween!
Finally I decided I had to find a way to do my make-up myself.
Below are tips and tricks that work for me. Some are techniques that I’ve learned from professional make-up artists, which are used on models and work well for me now.
• I have put foam grips on all my favorite make-up brushes, eyeliners, and lip pencils so I can hold them. Foam grips can be purchased at most medical supply companies. They come in a long roll, which can be cut to the length you desire. The foam is inexpensive and comes in a variety of diameters to suit your grasp.
• Liquid foundation can be very difficult to apply evenly. I use a powder foundation so you don’t see any lines. These come in various shades to match your skin color and are easy to apply with a big powder brush. To avoid the “mask look,” make sure to cover your neck, too. (If you need heavy coverage, try applying powder foundation with a damp sponge, but I find it difficult to do this independently.)
• Use neutral colors such as browns, taupes, and pinks for eye shadow and blush (warm hues for yellow skin tones and cool hues for lighter complexions). This is especially true when first learning, as these colors in a powder form blend better with your skin and mistakes will not be as obvious.
• I have difficulty manipulating lipstick so I use a lip pencil all over, then cover it with gloss or colored lip balm, which is easier to hold. (Use a dab of lip balm first if your lips are dry.) Lip liner looks great and lasts longer than lipstick!
Note: I highly recommend that when learning, you do not attempt this when in a hurry or especially when you have an important event. You’ll just get stressed and probably make a mess. Practice in private and be patient. Over time you will experiment, adapt, and learn what works for you. You deserve to look your best!
Wendy Crawford is founder of the Web site mobileWOMEN.org. She lives in Miami, Florida.
