Cosmetic things that worked for me - sharing girly stuff
Ok, I pondered a bit as in to where to put this thread. I hope I got the right board. Not even sure if this kind of thread even existed so if it did, sorry to be redundant.
With all we have been through - worries, pain, anxiety, the dreaded chemo, etc - we do not feel sometimes that we can ever look good as we did before this journey started. The truth is - we actualy might not, and we have to accept it, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't try our best.
I mean, before it all started, you might have been a 40 yo, looking 35, now you feel you look 50 - yes, chemo does that number on you. Doesn't mean you have to lose hope.
I was thinking that for some of us certain things worked. And I am not talking about expensive salon treatments or face lifts. Just things that would be affordable more or less for everybody. From skin care to hair color to make-up.
Why not have our own little BC Sisters Salon? Like for other boards, little tips that help others find a solution for something, that for others might mean nothing to worry about but for us means a lot. I know it might seem 'spoiled" and "wth, that's my least concern" but for me, for example, it is important - heck yea, I'm vain like that 
I am not a cosmetologist. I used to be in my home country a certified alternative therapist (including skin care using natural ingredients). So I can give some advice in certain areas, but mostly I am interested in sharing things that worked for me with you and learn from you things that worked for you.You know, little tips like that can make us have a better mood and increase self-image (Gods up there only know what a hit that has taken on all of us).
So, this is my sharing.
After chemo - long term effects:
1. greyish skin, very dull, no radiance.
What I did: once a week - micro-derm abrasion cream (the l'Oreal kit). After that, mask with 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp olive oil,1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey (fresh, from a local apicultor). Put on, let dry (no NOT move face) then rinse with warm water. Then on clean face, applied the l'Oreal pore reducer. Followed by ointment prepared at home from organic coconut oil with ground propolis (from same apicultor) macerated for 2 weeks, gently massaged into the skin and left on for 1 hour. Then cleaned with a baby wipe, applied regular moisturizer. Took about 1- 1/2 months to regain healthy look of skin. Now I am using the Age perfect of l'Oreal and l'Oreal Hydra-renewal (still doing a microderm abrasion but only twice a month). Also found a "laser skin rejuvenation unit" on ebay that was about $50 with shipping, and I could see results after only 3 days (it's the mitochondrial stimulation, not the laser peel kind).
2. bags and puffiness of the eyes, dark circles under my eyes. Initially I used potato poultices (take one medium white potato, peel and also remove about 1/2' of the flesh under the peel, then grate on small grater, put in gauze pads and put over the eyes for 10 minutes at a time, twice a week. Worked up to a point. The VERY dark circles under my eyes were gone and there was a hint of the bags kind of getting smaller. Been trying all kinds of theses and thatses and nothing worked too well, until I found the l'Oreal micro-pulse collagen vibrating eye treatment. Only a couple weeksago, been using it morning and evening, dark circles almost gone, bags less than a half of what they used to be.
- cheeks sagging some. Tried all kinds of exercises then remembered I had a small home-use muscle impulse machine that I used at one point for my abs a few years ago. The unit has also face pads, I used it until pads got worn out and then bought a new one (they can be found on ebay for about $20 a piece, easier to buy a new one than buy refill pads). Excellent results. I use it once a week. The unit I have is an "Electro-Sage" - you can do a google search, but ebay is the only place I found them with an affordable price.and it doesn't take any time, it's a portable thing that works on batteries and you can just stick it in your pocket or on yoru belt and watch tv or be on the computer while it's working.
3 - eyelashes that came back on my chin - I'm joking of course. But after being pushed forcefully into chemo-pause, and taking an AI (Aromasin) I discovered to my dismay that I started having quite coarse hairs starting to grow on my chin - and a few VERY dark and coarse hairs in my "moustache". Really irritating. Tweezed them for a while, tried waxing, they kept coming back. Finally I did enough whining that my dear boyfriend got me a home laser hair removal unit - sorry, this one is not that cheap, was about $190. Seems to work though, the ones I "killed" didn't come back, just did the second treatment on new hairs, hope to be able to at least keep it under control.
4 - scars and skin on breasts - well I know that there is a thread about scars at least (if not for the skin) but I'm trying to keep it together. I used Scarzone that I found at Walgreens for about $16 I think, so far I've been using it every evening for almost 2 months, and I still have some (1 oz tube) and it DID work, the scars are getting pinker and less "angry" (I had a few portions of the incisions that were still reddish brown even after more than half a year after the last revision surgery). I used Palmer's Stretch Mark cream with collagen, elastin, vit E and shea butter on the breasts skin and I DID recover a very nasty spot of about 10 sq inches where the skin had been all puckered after a significant seroma (the ones of you who frequent the picture forum know what I am talking about).
What are your tips?
Comments
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Think you're on to something with this thread - I don't have any great suggestions except to say drink tons of water and go walking every single day because it'll take time to get your body back in shape but it's worth it - also be sure to get enough protein.
I'm looking for tips now on a nice moisturizing mask that can be made at home - love the tips you gave for dark circles under eyes and brightening up skin.
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I like the dark eye circles tip. Nothing much to add at this time, but I will keep checking in off and on. I like Vitamin E oil for scars - it can stain clothes, so use at bed time only.
What I need is an anti frizz hair gel or mousse. Among those tried and rejected: herbal Essence, Redken, Tressemme. I hate to use hair spray after blow drying.
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Clarisonic--I've always had dry skin, so can't blame that on Tamoxifen or chemo. But the Clarisonic makes it better than it was before.
Drawing in my eyebrows--I really must do this every day. I had gorgeous, shapely brows--you don't know what ya got 'til it's gone--and now they are trashed, very, very thin. If I don't draw my brows in correctly, I look tired and haggard.
Still haven't come up with what to do about the trashed eyelashes. They are stubby and stupid looking. Not willing yet to go the Latisse route.
I take fish oil, D, magnesium, calcium, and use hemp protein supplements. I think they have made a difference in my sleep, which makes me look better.
I use a caffeine-based undereye cream. To be honest, if I had the money, this is where I'd get some plastic surgery. Nothing works but a professional lift.
I don't smoke anymore at all. I used to be a party smoker sometimes.
I drink more water, even though I hate it, every slurping girly plastic bottle minute of it.
I would like to get my teeth whitened, but would like to avoid chemicals. I'm thinking of the new glo laser-based treatment you can buy at Sephora.
I'm more careful about what I wear. I try not to go out looking too slobby--I could get away with that at 25. Didn't take cancer for my number to be up in that regard ; )
My best "improvement": working out at the gym. My body is more toned than it's been in 15 years.
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I forgot one thing, silly me. There is also a mask that I am using now once a week, very natural, I got it from Sally's but I'm sure you can find similar things other places if you don't have a Sally's around. It's a clay mask, "Queen Helene Mudpack Masque" and it's just that - clay. Skin feels very rejuvenated after that.
208sandy, what type of skin do you have? That is very important.Here's a few:
Dry skin: banana, mashed, apply all over the face for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse well with luke-warm water, then take an ice-cube and rub it gently all over the face to close your pores.
Oily skin: any acidic fruit (strawberry, tomato, orange) mashed and mixed with a tsp of sour cream.
Normal skin: 2 tsp mustard powder mixed with 1-2 tsp water (until it looks like a cream) apply for about 15 minutes.
Natural micro-derm abrasion: take about 4-5 tbsp wheat bran, and let them soak in water for aout half an hour. Strain (do NOT throw away water) then use the bran to gently scrub your face. Wash the face with luke-warm water when you are done, then take a cotton ball and start applying on your face the water from the bran using a gentle massage rubbing motion (always from the centre of the face towards the ear and temple). let dry. After about half an hour, rinse face and apply the ice-cube to close pores, then apply your moisturizer/cream
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It's taken me almost three years to get my eyelashes back so have been using eyeliner and I had some experience with it before but I needed to really work at it to get it to do its job this time around - eyebrows I use a powdered eyeshadow and an angle brush - a Bobbie Brown lady told me to do this many years ago and it works - I won't go the Latisse route because it can change the colour of your eyes (from blue to brown) and also it only works if you use it constantly - the jury's still out on that one (for me at least).
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Day - we were cross-posting - thanks for the mask info (I have dry OLD skin and allergies) the banana looks like a great idea and so does the clay mask from Sally's - thanks.
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After I lost all of the lashes on my left eye (JUST the left eye!) a few months ago I decided to go the Latisse route. I've been using it for two months and my eyelashes are finally starting to grow in. They're stubby and bristly right now, but I can see that they're thicker than they were before.
I have blue eyes and haven't noticed any color change. I think if you keep the stuff just on your skin and not in your eyes, you'll be okay.
Until my eyelashes return, I've been doing eyeliner like Sandy. For brows, I used Rogaine on them for a while (I know you're not supposed to) and it worked, but then I chickened out and stopped using it. Now I'm back to brow powder or pencil.
Cancer SUCKS.
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Great thread!
I added a nontoxic natural self tanner to my regime that gives me a healthy glow. I ordered it online after checking it out on skindeep.com. It's called Caribbean Solutions Beach Colours Natural Self Tanner I also changed to an Organic face cream called Terressentials Flower Therapy Replenishing Facial Cream (also cleared by skindeep)
Lori
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You will laugh, but castor oil really helps with growing hair. Try applying with a q-tip at the base of the eye-lashes, daily. Preferable to do so in the evening before you go to bed. that's another tip I forgot.
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I am blessed with great skin on my face! Horrid stretch marks on my belly, so I got only half the package. Better to have the great skin that shows......
When I do use makeup I'll use powder through the day. But, when I really want to look great, I use any make-up that says "light reflective" or "photo ready". Those liquid bases have a fabulous finish!! I mean really, really good. I have strangers come up and tell me what gorgeous skin I have!!!
I used to use a concealer under my eyes to cover dark circles, but now I just use powder or if I am going out special, I'll use the liquid base under my eyes. So there is no contrast really. It blends in the dark circles a LOT better than 40 years of using concealer!! I learned that one off "What Not To Wear"!!!!
I don't use lipsticks anymore. Just gloss. I find it so much more natural and some of the gloss can be tinted so I get a fresh look.
Can anyone recommend a GREAT mascara???????
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Dr. Oz just had the "Top Anti-Aging Breakthroughs of 2011" on his show. He had a top chemist who said the best hair conditioner is something called "Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment". I looked it up and it's kind of expensive but you only use it twice a week. You can buy it online at livingproof.com- 8 oz. for $42 (free shipping) or at Sephora. It comes with a money back guarantee so I might splurge and try it. Dr. Oz's video had other recommendations, too. Here's a link if anyone wants to check it out-
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/anti-aging-breakthroughs-pt-1
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Oh oh - we get to make-up stuff!
Ok, I used to use liquid "true match" from l'Oreal and loved it but gave up on it as it contains paraben.
The best powder in the world, ladies, is a French powder (I always used the "loose powder" type), the name is Caron. You barely can find it in the US cosmetic stores - I usually buy mine from e-bay. It's that kind of powder that never goes cakey and you can't really see it on your skin - just makes your skin super-radiant. The one you want to get has the "poudre peau fine" as description. It is a little bit more pricey than any l'Oreal, Revlon, Maybelline, but it's worth every cent (it's not THAT expensive though, I usually buy it for about $30 and it lasts quite a while). I've been using it for over 30 years and is absolutely fantastic.
http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp?ItemID=65607
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Barbe, your skin is so amazing I can tell from your thumbnail...it didn't go unnoticed! I must say, Day is a mighty good looking lady, and so advice from you, Day, is well taken! Great tips. Didn't know about castor oil, I'm going to check it out.
I really like the sheer foundation by Korres. I have been trying to cut parabens out of my "diet". I live in a dirty city downtown, and I feel like whatever I can do to make choices to lower my risk is good.
I use Jojoba or Coconut oil as moisturizer. Nothing, and I mean nothing has improved my skin like the coconut oil on my body. I have better skin than I did before BC! I used to get very dry, bumpy, etc. Cleared almost all of it up.
Post chemo I have a hard time with ingrown hairs in shaving areas. I read in a magazine that shaving with oil instead of foam or soap helps--it seems to have in my case.
As for the mascara, I really like Smashbox's line. Sadly, post chemo I don't have enough in that department to warrant mascara (tried it once, I looked horrible).
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Oh, thank you, LthoteK! Tbh I feel like the chemo aged me at least 20 years lol.
Anyway, as for mascara, in all honesty, I do not wear too much (and definitely no fake eyelashes unless it's some evening event). If I wear my glasses, I can't wear mascara as my eyelashes would hit the eyeglass lens (very unpleasant) . I was "blessed" with eyelashes that are curling up by themselves, at the corner of the eye sometimes they form a full circle and I need to straighten them up with mascara. Never heard of curly lashes? Neither have I, I guess I'm some kind of freak lol.
Whenever I DO wear mascara, there's a Maybelline that's got two ends, one with a whitish substance that lengthens the eyelashes and the other with the regular black mascara with which you tint the whitish substance black. I was honestly thinking of going to get a little of eyeliner tatoo. the only thing that stops me is how will I look when I'll be 80? Ain't that funny? On one hand I am scared of recurrence and that my life will be shortened, and on the other, I don't do things because I think how would they look on me 30 years from now? Basketcase.
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I so much appreciate all of the advice! I don't have anything to add, but I just wanted to say I am reading and rereading all of what you have said.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post and explain details!
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Day what a great post!!
My most helpful tip is Anastasi Eyebrow Kit. Its a powder kit with stencils (and instructional dvd) that is great. Even on the hottest sweatiest days ....my brows stayed put! It was great when I had no brows and I still use it to fill in. I too havent done Lattisse but may soon give in..my lashes are not what they used to be. I use Lancome Definicils mascara but when You are missing chunks of lashes no amount of mascara will help.
HEY ENJOYOUS!!! We need a date! LOL
Diane
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i had my eyebrows tatooed.
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This is a great idea. I am excited to hear the home laser hair removal worked. I am going to try it. I have wondered about it for a while but was afraid it would be a waste of money. I did the salon hair removal on my legs, underarms and bikini several years ago and it worked great. Hurt like hell, but totally worth it.
I like bare minerals makeup and their "clear radiance" product is great for a glowing look on your face.
Hair product - the absolute best in my opinion is Fekkai Glossing Cream. I have always had naturally curly hair and have tried just about everything and this one beats it all. Also Fekkai makes an overnight leave in treatment that makes frizzy hair so soft. It is not cheap, but it works. And a Chi hair dryer for blow outs. Again, not cheap but it is all the difference in straightening curly hair. . . a life long battle for me.
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I bought some jojoba oil for my scars, but it felt so good that I started using it on my hands and face as well. It really seems to help restore the skin and take the edge of that dried up prune thing I had going on. I also keep a tub of nivea cold creme around for my feet and legs.
As someone else mentioned, I have made more of an effort to dress well since my DX. It makes me feel better and less "sick" somehow. Although I was never much of a shopper, I find it to be quite relaxing and distracting on days when I am bored but not up to much. It also gives my doctors a kick when I show up for chemo in a diva hat and hot boots, so why not?
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Anyone have suggestions for dry eyes? I'm going to be good about my fish oil capsules (heard that helps). But, the lubricating tears aren't helping much.
also, I have dark circles under my eyes. Day, how exactly do you do the potato mash again? -
MandaLynn for my dry eyes I use the liquigel it seems to work better than the regular lubricating tears. Also during rads last year I was dry and dehydrated all over. I used the nighttime lubricant. It really worked but do it right before going to bed because your vision will be blurry. But I have to say my eyes felt so much better when I would wake up.
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Hi Roseann,
Thinking about reconstruction has gotten tedious, so I moved on to the more "doable" maintenance issues!
Even looking at fat injections to cover under eye bags!
Amanda -
Any recs for haircolor? Natural Instincts is nice on me, but only lasts 4-5 shampoos on me.
Anyways, I make a homemade facial scrub of 1/2 honey and 1/2 brown sugar. Use only once a week, it is a fairly strong exfoliant. Avoid this if you have uber-sensitive skin.
I like Pure Fiji body scrubs, they have coconut oil. Careful, as they can make shower slippery.
I have been mixing a little luminizer in with my foundation to make my own tinted moisturizer - less aging than foundation.
Try Liquid Goddess or PassionLube for "all natural" moisture "down there" (is in a coconut oil base).
I like Evan Healy eye cream - SO gentle - but $$$ (around 30 bucks).
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MandaLynn, there are some OTC pills that are called "Thera Tears" that do wonders for dry eyes. I am sending them regularly to my mother in Europe (she can't find them there) and she swears by them - she has Sjorgen's syndrome and macular degeneration.
The mask for the eyes (for dark circles and bags). Take a fairly big potato and peel it. Also "peel" about 1/2 inch more of the flesh if it's not an organic potato (to remove any trace of preservatives) . Grate the potato on the smallest grater (the one that you normally use to prepare baby food, like apples and carrots). Set the raw grated potato betweentwo pieces o bandage gauze or cheesecloth and apply on closed eyes, while laying down. Let it be for about 20 minutes. Remove and rinse your face.
Also, that vibrating massager from l'Oreal that I bought has substantially reduced both the bags and the dark circles.
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Hello, ladies. I have been working in cosmetic business for 10 years and always loved skin care and make up. However, I discovered ,in many articles, that PARABENS ( metyl paraben, etyl paraben, etc) mimic estrogen in our body, and estrogen feeds cancer cells ( my cancer receptors are estrogen sensituive). I use everything now strictly organic and check every lable. They even are in hair products. Sorry, I cannot put in the forum any w-sites, it does not let me do it. I t even is in Wikipedia. I am very careful now.
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Hello, ladies. I have been working in cosmetic business for 10 years and always loved skin care and make up. However, I discovered ,in many articles, that PARABENS ( metyl paraben, etyl paraben, etc) mimic estrogen in our body, and estrogen feeds cancer cells ( my cancer receptors are estrogen sensituive). I use everything now strictly organic and check every lable. They even are in hair products. Sorry, I cannot put in the forum any w-sites, it does not let me do it. I t even is in Wikipedia. I am very careful now.
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great and timely thread.. lost the hair again so I am back into the regimen, makeup thing which includes liquid eyeliner (yuk, but it works).
how to you do it..? foundation, powder or creme first.? techniques?
It makes such a difference.. that and the eyebrows which I've gotten really good at.
btw.. pure coconut oil is my moisterizer of choice.. it works so much better than anything in TINY amount.
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oh and i found the best Wet and Wild (i think)lip lacquer.. it glides on perfectly and precisely.. a gorgeous color.. who'd a thunk 2.99 could buy so much. It's called Wild Shine
I am so impressed.. it probably causes cancer tho.
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Hi Apple,
I go for fashionista stuff re: cosmetics. I did learn the hard way not to exfoliate while on chemo. I removed a good sized patch of skin behind one ear! It grew back.
Routine is: moisturize, then foundation. I also have eyecream that I use. Do eyes after foundation, with liner, shadow, and brow pencil. I used softer ones for more coverage while on chemo, but same basic routine. I got some super-flattering shadow.
Finally, some blush and lipcolor. I use gloss over lipstick for extra moisture and shine.
I got really expert at eye makeup during chemo. - Claire
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