Common beauty and makeup questions

Makeup artist Debbie Storey gives beauty tips and answers some common questions about makeup after breast cancer treatment.

PiNK 2019 Spring pp.24-25

My skin is sensitive and dry. Should I avoid using an exfoliator?

You could try a gel exfoliator, which is gentle, won’t irritate your skin and won’t leave it dry afterwards. Apply it using upwards circular motions.

What’s the best way to apply makeup to sensitive skin?

‘Beauty blenders’ are little sponges that come in a range of sizes – they expand when you soak them in water. They’re a very gentle way to apply makeup. You can use a small one for eye shadow, a medium one for your cheeks and a large one for your foundation.

I’m having hot flushes. How can I keep my makeup in place?

Estée Lauder has an amazing range of products, including an eyeshadow paint that won’t move if you’re sweating. They also sell a Lip and Cheek MultiStick.

I want to recreate my eyebrows, which are thinning because of chemotherapy, but I’m struggling to find products that match my natural colour.

My top tip when trying to find an eyebrow product in the right colour is to go to a store and speak to an expert.

They will be able to find the correct colour for you. The best way to recreate natural-looking eyebrows is to use a template.

Since treatment, my nails have thinned – and some have split. What can I do?

Massaging them with olive oil will help. In the evening, perhaps while you’re sitting watching TV, take a small pot of olive oil and massage it into the cuticles. Be gentle, but do apply a little bit of pressure. Sally Hansen has an amazing nail hardener that contains vitamins. Coat your nails with this after massaging them and before applying nail varnish.

What’s the best way to remove makeup around my eyes?

If your eyelashes have thinned, you need to be extra gentle when removing makeup like eyeliner or mascara. You can use a cotton bud dipped in olive oil. When removing makeup, roll the tip around rather than dragging it across the skin.

Can I wear false eyelashes?

Yes, you can wear false lashes. If possible, it’s a good idea to try them out before your eyelashes start to go, so that you get used to using them.