Cosmetic things that worked for me - sharing girly stuff

Apple, lololol! 

To GramE and others - if you are able to get your nails done at a salon, you might try the shellac manis.  I too had worn acrylics forever and had to get them taken off before starting chemo.  My nails were pretty wrecked and thin and they would have just all peeled off.  The shellac for me lasts almost as long as acrylics do, and they give a lot more protection than anything else.  Note though, that I do not garden or do stuff that is hard on your nails, but still I've been pleased.  I am hoping that I can still wear the shellac during Taxotere.

Regarding nail polish -

At Easter, I tried that Sally Hansen "Salon Effects" nail polish strips, in a pattern of little pastel colored birds! It was fun and cute to look at, but a booger to put on.

The strips are flimsy and tear easily. I finally put several coats of clear polish on top just to seal the edges and holes.

Then a few months ago, we were at a fundraiser for a local Breast Cancer support group, and there was a vendor for a new product called "Jamberry Nails."

These are also strips that cover the fingernails and toenails, but instead of being flimsy, they're more the consistency of contact paper. You pull off the correct size, then heat your nail and the strip with a hair dryer. This bonds the strip to your nail without any glue, yet it can still be easily removed with just heat.

I haven't tried them yet, but will soon.

My own nails are brittle and split easily. I use them as tools, and have them in dirt and water constantly (not always wearing gloves - I know, BAD!)

I already spend $25 a month for a pedicure so I don't have to bend over and do it myself. I'll try the Jamberry nails and see if that's a good way to go, and if it will protect my nails at the same time.

http://www.jamberrynails.net/home/default.aspx

Thanks for the nail polish hints.    Opi does work better than most others and I add another coat sometimes.   My fear is an allergic reaction to any press on or acrylic since I am allergic to adhesive tapes.   My toe nails don't flake.   A pedicure sounds good, but my big toe nail is so deformed after chemo that I am embarrassed to have someone see it up close.   

Second (or third) the recommendations for OPI or Essie polishes!!  Luckily, I didn't have any nail issues with chemo (that's OK, I had enough other SEs). After chemo, I've had 2 pedicures professionally done with OPI polishes, and they've lasted up to 6 weeks without touch-ups.

OPI...with a layer of opi's "chip skip" first. Two coats of polish and OPI's fast drying top coat. It's worked for me and having been in the buisness of having my hand in water for years, I found it works the best.

Iago - and others that may have this problem.....after years of trying many natural remedies for toe nail fungus, I finally tried hydrogen peroxide.  Just wet a Q-tip and dab it on the affected toes morning and evening.  I was astounded that something so simple actually worked for me and rather quickly.  Hope this tip helps someone.

I saw a you tube video that Lisa Eldridge does and she says the best eyebrow pencil post-chemotherapy is Suqqu liquid eyebrow pen.  I' remember someone was asking about this a few pages ago.  I don't know if my link will work, but here goes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ODmwOXVjfk&feature=related

Thanks for the liquid eyebrow pen link.. that looks like it would work for me.  I build up a combo of waxes, pencils, powders  and brush it into strokes to creat an eyebrow that works for me and stays on at least for a while.

I have a question.. do you think makeup artists use the same makeups on client after client?  I never see them wiping the top layer of the makeup off after they've given a demonstration...  how do they protect from germ migration?  I get these eeeeeeeeeww moments everytime i approach a counter.. just can't do it... and i want to try them so bad.  i am glad they have samples but feel like such a freeloader just asking if i can try samples.  the girls look at me like I'm sallyspecial.

So, what do they use to put blush on you?

If I recall correctly (it's been a looooong time since I went to a makeup counter!) the girls just used a regular blush brush.

I remember being faintly creeped out about this but never thought to ask. How would they disinfect soft brushes between customers?

(Ew. Now my cheeks are itching just thinking about it.....)

I know with Bare Escentuals (at the stores) they use a spray cleaner on their brushes in between clients, in addition to disposable stuff.

so yesterday i ventured into the mall.  shudder and looked for Suqqu liquid eyebrow pen - I'll have to find it on the internet.

at my LGFG class they gave me a stick of Merle Norman lip Liner.. omgosh.. it is the best.  I couldn't find Merled Norman products at Nordstroms and was tired of walking so i went home. 
The girls at the makeup counters were ready to pounce.  I'd start to drift their way and 3 of them would gather like wolves.

scarey.

I think you have to get merle norman at the merle norman store - at least they used to have their own store!

That eyebrow video is worth it's weight in gold! Thank you so much for sharing this link!

I love the age eraser products by Maybelline as well especially the undereye concealer.

sbelizabeth - those videos were awesome! That young woman is just beautiful, and I could listen to her talk all day....

I wore liquid eyeliner all my life. Had no problem putting it on, and quickly, too! But then I, er, um, matured......and my eyelids got wrinkley. And try putting liquid liner on THAT!

So I've moved on to eyeliner pencils that are more forgiving, but those videos sure brought back memories.....