Tips for applying make-up - RNIB



Tips for applying make-up

The following tips are used with the kind permission of VisionAware, a website launched by the American Foundation for the Blind and Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight. We have adapted the tips for the UK from .

Introduction

Using make-up can be a complicated subject if you are blind or partially sighted. Perhaps a well-meaning friend or family member has discouraged you from using cosmetics by telling you that make-up application is inappropriate or unnecessary for a person who can’t see – but that isn’t so. Make-up, when properly applied, can enhance your appearance and boost your self-esteem.

Use your sense of touch in applying make-up

Many women who are blind or partially sighted are skilled at applying make-up by using the sense of touch in addition to applicators and brushes. Using your fingertips allows you to explore the contours of your face, the shape of your lips, and your unique bone structure.

Make-up application tips and adaptations

Here we give you a variety of adaptive tips and techniques for make-up application that have been developed and used successfully by women of all ages who are blind or partially sighted.

1. Use a headband when applying make-up to pull your hair away from your face. This is especially helpful when applying foundation and eye make-up.

2. Keep a wet washcloth, wet wipes, or paper towels nearby to remove make-up from your fingertips. Clean your hands and fingertips after each step in the application process to prevent make-up residue from rubbing off on your face, clothing, and upholstery.

3. Protect your clothing by placing a towel in your lap. You can also wear a make-up cape, an oversized shirt, or a button-front smock (not a pullover style) for additional protection.

4. Keep a small bowl or container nearby to hold applicators, tops, and lids. This also prevents them from rolling off the work surface.

5. Keep a wastebasket nearby to hold your used paper towels, wet wipes, and applicators.

6. Specialty products catalogues have an extensive selection of lighted and magnifying make-up mirrors. A lighted make-up mirror with a flexible arm can be helpful. You can also use a magnifying mirror, either with or without lights.

7. Remember that fashions in make-up change over time, just as fashions in clothing change. Check periodically with a family member, friend, or cosmetician to ensure that your look is still in style.

8. Storing your make-up in the fridge can provide a temperature difference that makes application easier.

9. Make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed and dry before applying make-up.

10. Most make-up looks best when applied sparingly and with a light touch. In general, minimal make-up is usually the best choice initially. You can always add more colour to your face, but it’s much more difficult to remove excess foundation, blusher, or eye shadow. For special occasions, however, stronger make-up application may be appropriate. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance or confirmation from a family member or friend.

11. It helps to steady your hand against your face or with your other hand when applying cosmetics, such as mascara, eyeliner, or lipstick, which require precision and control.

12. When applying cleansing cream, moisturiser, or foundation, try to follow a systematic pattern to ensure that you cover your entire face and neck:

• upward and outward from chin to ears

• across and up from nose to temples

• upward from tip of nose to forehead

• circular motions on forehead to temples

• gently under eyes from outer corner to inner corner

• small circular motions around sides of nose

• circular motions on chin

• upward on throat.

13. Counting the number of brush strokes (as in eye shadow or blush) or drops of foundation or moisturiser is a good way to be consistent in your application routine. For example, a small amount (about the size of a five pence piece) of either moisturiser or liquid foundation in the palm of your hand is usually enough to cover your entire face.

14. Certain applications, such as pencilling your eyebrows, can require visual confirmation from a family member or friend.

15. Some individuals choose to have permanently tattooed eyeliner and eyebrows. If this is important to you, the choice is yours.

16. Try to follow the same application sequence each time to keep track of what you’ve already applied. A suggested sequence is as follows:

• cleanse and moisturise

• foundation

• blush

• powder

• eye make-up

• lipstick.

Further information

For more detailed tips about applying make-up, visit and search for “makeup application”.

RNIB sells a range of magnifying mirrors and healthcare products. Call our Helpline for more information.

t: 0303 123 9999

e: shop@.uk

.uk/shop

We are ready to answer your call Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

RNIB October 2014

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