10 Tips That Are Pretty Powerful

Despite the cancer treatment you may be going through, looking good can help you feel better. Putting on a pretty face is a simple way to take back some control. Here are ten ways to do just that.

1.  Wigs are a great way to deal with hair loss. Choose one that is close to your natural hair colour or be bold and try something radically different. Sometimes a brand new look can have a big effect on attitude and emotion -- now is the time to dare. Have it fitted and styled by a knowledgeable professional to make sure it feels comfortable and looks natural.

2.   Hats, scarves and turbans are fun to wear, convenient and can be changed with your mood. Natural fabrics let your scalp "breathe." Wearing a turban allows you to create a different look by adding a scarf, brooch, even fabric flowers.

3.  Skin needs extra attention to combat the drying effects of chemotherapy and radiation. First, drink plenty of water to help rehydrate your skin. Then, pamper your skin by using mild soap or a creamy cleanser, and applying a rich moisturizer morning and evening. Outside, always wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) or use products with a built-in sun block. Avoid products that contain alcohol or Retin-A.

4.  Choose a moisturising foundation that closely matches your normal skin tone and use it to even out your complexion. A light application of translucent powder will set the foundation.

5.  Brush blush over cheekbones and out towards the ears for a vibrant, healthy look. If your face is puffy due to weight gain, contour with brownish powder.

6.  Study your eyebrows before they are affected by treatment. Then, if necessary, fill in or create eyebrows using feathery strokes of colour with a brush-on eyebrow color or pencil. Choose a shade that matches your natural hair colour. Make the brow fuller on the inside corner, thinning as it moves out.

7.  Brighten eyes with shadow. Sweep a medium shade across the entire lid and add a lighter color just below the arch of the brow. Finish with the deepest color in the crease to emphasize your eye’s natural shape. Blend well to soften the effect.

8.  Recreate the look of full lashes by using liquid eyeliner or eyeliner pencil to apply a thin line along upper and lower lids. Mascara will help restore a lush look to thinning eyelashes. Apply first to the top and then to the underside of lashes. Brush the tip of the wand back and forth across the lower lashes. Lash volumizers are also available if necessary -- apply under your mascara.

9.  Lip color helps balance your face. First outline lips with a soft lip pencil that complements your lipstick. It will keep color from bleeding. Then choose a creamy, moisturizing lipstick in the same color family as your blush. You may also want to try one of the lip stains on the market that last most of the day.

10.  Rather than covering nails with acrylics or another type of wrap, use a light-color nail polish to camouflage nail imperfections. Use only non-acetone-based nail polish removers to keep nails from drying out.