When I started my chemotherapy treatments in late February, I was well aware of the physical changes that could and would affect my appearance.  Besides my hair loss, I didn’t notice these other changes until my fourth treatment – thinning brows, patchy lashes, skin texture changes, redness and a few blemishes here and there. Although these changes may sound small, at the time I felt like I was losing another part of myself to my treatments, to this cancer, and it had the biggest effect on my self confidence.  I caught myself wondering what people would think if they saw me without makeup, without my wig – the accessories that shielded me. We all feel self-conscious at times, and that feeling hasn’t escaped me.

(photos taken on the same day: without makeup; with makeup).

I have found that keeping up with my everyday skincare and beauty routines, even with experiencing these changes, have helped me feel a little better throughout this process.  But I must confess.. I’m obsessed with beauty products! I love watching makeup tutorials on YouTube, reading reviews online and scrolling through pages of new products… it’s my happy place.  And strangely, it relaxes me.  Trying out new products and revisiting old ones to help with skin changes and hair loss has given me a much needed boost of confidence to keep going.  It reminded me that I didn’t need to give every piece of me to this cancer and treatment, and I could still have fun. 

With time, I’ve found myself wondering less about what others may think, and learning to embrace the beauty and flaws that make me who I am.  I walk out the door in full glam, minimal makeup, no makeup, a beanie.  It’s refreshing.  It’s funny that as adults we still have this nagging sense of insecurity from time to time.  It takes a lot effort to overcome our doubts… this is something I’m working on to become a healthier, stronger me (wigs and makeup were my first steps).

I hope this can help provide others going through this a sparkle of inspiration and motivation.

These have been my go-to products during these past few months (all of which I’m wearing in my photo):

• YSL Touche Eclat Cushion Foundation.  This foundation provides light-medium coverage.  It’s lightweight and provides a dewy finish to keep my skin looking glowy and healthy.
• Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon.  Once set, this liner doesn’t go anywhere, even with my watery eyes!  
• Benefit Cosmetics Fool Proof Brow Powder; NYX Micro Brow Pencil; Loreal Brow Stylist Shape and Fill Pencil.  Brows have been a whole new game for me. Because my brows are so sparse now, I use a multiple products in different shades to help me achieve thicker brows with dimension.
• Dior Addict Lacquer Stick. I’m obsessed with this lipstick!  It provides great color and wear throughout the day and keeps my lips feeling moisturized.  
• Ardell Faux Mink Demi Wispies.  These are my favorite everyday lashes and are such a great price!