ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Facial Issues => Topic started by: Karen on January 26, 2008, 04:28:15 pm
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Doi any of you with facuial paralysis use eye make-up? I don't have feeling in my cornea. Should I use make-up on the good eye and non on the bad ? Do any of you use mascara on the bad eye or eye shadow? Karen
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Hi Karen: funny you should mention 'makeup'. I haven't worn any since my AN surgery, but I've been thinking about it recently.
I never wore mascara because I had great eyelashes pre-surg., I use to curl them & that was it.
Now, with all the lubricant in the lashes, they won't curl, so I don't even bother with that anymore.
I had a dream last night I was putting my best friend's makeup on, but couldn't find the right lipstick - how funny is that?
(& Bette Midler was waiting for me in an SUV- we were going out to some function!).
I would think you should put makeup on both eyes, for balance. I was actually thinking about maybe going to a makeup artist to find out
how to deal with makeup on a 1/2 paralyzed face!
Wish I could be of more help, but I'm in the dark about this too It'll be fun to see if anyone else has some answers! Nancy
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Please post anything you find out I was just thinking about this yesterday as I face paralysis on the left side of my face. Hopefully I will wake up Monday and not have to deal with this but if I do I know where to turn. Thanks for all the info you guys post everday I have learned so much and didn't know at the time that some of the information would help me down the road. :-* 16
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I use it on both eyes. I actually started to use an eyelash curler (torture device) because my lashes on the AN side didn't go up and out away from my eye - they just kinda sat there and wound up in my eye instead. I use oil free eye makeup remover to get the night time goop off, then the curler and then a little bit of water proof mascara. Eyeliner is a problem because my eye waters a lot and it just comes right off 2 seconds after I put it on, so I don't bother trying.
I didn't use any right after the surgery and only started to use it after I was healed from my tarsorrhaphy.
Giving make up advice to anyone sounds ridiculous coming from me since I don't wear a lot of it to begin with! I once came across a website specifically about using makeup to hide some of our paralysis "flaws", but it was a while ago and I'm not sure where I saw it. Maybe a Google search might have something...
Lori
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Lori,
Did you try a WATERPROOF eyeliner so that it does not get smudged? Any results? Also, for lips, ladies, did anybody try one of those lipglosses in the pots? I find that they are less drying and staining than lipstick. I did not have facial paralysis but also found that makeup is an issue after an AN surgery.
Eve
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Hello everyone I have facial paralysis & have experienced with makeup&I think I look better.I am a hairdresser-makeup artist.It has been a challenge to get it right.The main goal is to make the eyes balance out&mouth look straight.I use a neutral matte lipstick and a good light&mirror.I have lots of tips for all of you.I wish we could all gather at the salon for learning to make our faces look pretty-er. TLC Teresa
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So Teresa, don't hold back - let us in on some secrets!, like, how do you make the AN eye look smaller/more like the good eye?
My paralyzed eye appears larger than the other one.
&, how does a 'neutral' matte lipstick help? We need your input!!!
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We can have an on-line salon!
Eve, I didn't know they even made waterproof eyeliner. Guess I need to head to the makeup counter more often!
Ok, Teresa, we're blank slates - give us your best AN advice!
Lori :-\ (teach me how to not look like this guy)
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Lori: what brand of oil-free makeup remover do you use? I tried 'Occusoft' eyelid cleaning pads, but they didn't work.
My eyelashes are so full of lubricant I don't know if anything will work at this point, but I'd like to give the stuff
you use a try.
Let's hope Teresa comes back on line & gives us a few hints. I've never been a big makeup user either, but at this point,
any little bit will help, huh?
Always good thoughts, Nancy
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Yay finally a makeup forum!!
I didnt wear makeup until my brothers wedding about a year after surgery. My face was still quite sloped. the makeup artist kept things neutral for me so I would say subtle colour is the best route for sure.
As my face became more even , I was still dealing with the "one eye bigger than the other" syndrome and this is something I tried:
Apply your eyeliner as per usual on the good eye and keep away from the inside rim of the bottom lid. Now on the bad eye just pencil very carefully and lightly, from the outer edge of the inside rim of your bottom lid, make that lid just a shade darker than your good eye. it gives the illusion of a smaller eye. I go with a colour pencil that is lighter than the pencil that I use for the overall look (for example if you wear dark brown/black liner, go with a lighter shade of grey or cappucino.
Also, if you are daring enough, try arching the brow of your droopy eye a bit higher than the other, you can also use an eyebrow pencil. I was used to plucking before my AN so it was not a big deal for me. I got that pointer from a british facial paralysis website.
I also stay away from cream based shadows, it really stings my bad eye because I dont produce enough tears.
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Thanks Pimento: You explained why Teresa said 'neutral' lipstick. 'Neutral' colors make sense, don't want to draw any more attention
to the face then needed. So I guess keep the blush 'soft' would be the way to go.
I think next weekend I'll try a little foundation & a neutral blush & lipstick & see how it goes.
I rarely used eyeliner before, but I understand exactly what you're saying.
Thanks for the tips! Nancy
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Nancy - I use the Clinique eye makeup remover. It's kindof expensive if you ask me, but then again, all that stuff is. It comes in a little blue bottle. They have samples that they can give you to try it first to make sure it works for you before you buy a whole bottle. They actually might even have something better if you tell them what you need. I like it because it's gentle and doesn't sting and does a pretty good job of getting that waterproof mascara off.
Lori
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Thanks Lori - I'll check out the Clinique counter next time I'm at Macy's! Nancy
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Hello, For all you ladies that use lots of eyelubricants &have watery eyes,mascara&liners may end up irritating your eyes,if so try going with a nice color of eyeshadow.Maybe try to do a smokey eye by using nice shades of browns.Have you ever heard of Mary Kay cosmetics?They have great colors in quads simply neutral&golden plum. you want to make a an eye slighty darker if its larger than the good eye.My an eye is smaller so I do the opposite.Look at the MK colors on line to get a idea what I'm talking about.For a dropping mouth I use a lip liner to try and balance.And always use good lighting.I'ts a little difficult but I feel so much better with it on .Practice ,Practice ! Bye for now TLC
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Thanks for the tips. I have used makeup since maybe 2 months after surgery. I feel it hides your imperfections with the paralysis. The mascara was pretty difficult though because my eyelashes hurt- they were very sensitive to the touch and even after a year and a half if I touch them differently they still hurt. Sounds strange. I really like the idea of making the eyes look more even in size. I feel after a long day my bad eye begins to open alot more. By the way, I love Mary Kae and I will have to look for the plum you mentioned.
Lisa
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Hi! What a great thread, I wish I had posted the same questoin about a year ago. I am almost 1 1/2 yrs post surgery, and although my facial droop has improved a lot, it is still noticeable - one eye much smaller, and an uneven mouth. I just went and had my colors "done" as a birthday present to myself, and had a make-up consultation as part of the service. The one tip I thought especially helpful was not to line the upper eyelids (I think it emphasizes the "droop"), as i have done for something like 25 years! Instead, I use a little eye shadow, then line the lower lids slightly, and then use mascara on both upper and lower lashes (although they are different lengths on each eye!)
The lips are harder - I guess I vote for the neutral colors so as not to draw even more attention to the uneveness, but I have to say Ii think that any lip color looks better than none. I think I avoided it for almost a year post-surgery.
I mentioned to my surgeon's nurse practioner how self-counscious I was about my face at my 6 month appointment. she commented that someone she knew with a facial paralysis always had impeccable make-up, I guess that was I subtle hint that maybe I should have put some on. :D
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I know this doesn't have a whole lot to do with makeup - but I think you ladies will all know what I mean - it is cruel and inhuman to make someone with facial paralysis have a photo taken for their driver's license! Ugh - like those pictures don't come out horrible enough to begin with - then add the droopy face and the half smile! I guess it's now a good thing that I don't get carded when I buy beer or wine!!
Ok, sorry, carry on with the makeup - I'm getting some good ideas here...
Lori
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Lori: Sorry about the driver's license - mine expires next year...
I picked up the Clinique eye makeup remover today - they had a blue color & purple color bottle - I got the blue one.
I'll start using it tonight & see how it goes. I think it'll take awhile to get the 'buildup' off though, we'll see.
I also picked up a lipstick at the Chanel counter. I was walking around the different brand counters, & this really nice guy asked
if he could help me with something. So Roberto (how cute is that?) offered, I accepted. He courteously took the bags I was
carrying, sat me down, & when I explained I needed a 'neutral' shade, he picked out a few & we found the one that worked.
He was so sweet - while applying the lipstick he says, "Let me know if I'm causing any pain" He even asked what happened,
gave me his phone# at the store if I have any questions..... I felt like a princess. So, nice experience at Macy's thanks to Roberto!
Okay, I just tried putting on makeup for the 1st time in a year & a 1/2, & I must say, Pimento, TLC & mar are right!! I used a slightly darker eye shadow on the
AN eye, & presto, the eye almost looks the same as the left. I also used a thin layer of foundation, light dusting of face powder & lightly applied
powder bronzer to outer cheeks (& my new lipstick). I tried a soft pink blush on the apples of my cheeks, but it doesn't work.
Well, I'll be looking more presentable at work Monday (along with the much needed new work clothes I bought!). It had been a LONG TIME since I
felt like shopping......
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Nancy, the world needs more Roberto's. I think I'll see if we have an equivalent at our Macy's.
Eve, the water resistant eye liner works! Yay! I didn't know it existed, but I found some! Thanks!
Lori
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I had a similar experience at Macy's and the girl at estee lauder gave me her card and told me anytime I needed a new look or was going out to just come in and she would do me up and assured me I did not have to buy anything. Of course I always buy my spellbound perfume! My Sister in Law was the Manager of the store and had told this girl about my son and of course she had met my twin brother and asked me at the end if I was Tan's sister in law and she had said all of this before she knew who I was. I made sure that she got a lovely thank you gift because it meant so much to me at the time. She still calls me to see how my son is as I have found out since that her baby was at the same hospital while my son was there. So I guess I am saying you never know where you will meet new friends.
Can some of you post pictures of your new looks I have always been makeup deficient. Now I am having to deal with bruising from my eyebrow to half way down my neck and need some suggestions. I'm feeling well enough to maybe go out this weekend but would like to hide this if possible. I think it would help my mood some. I had my hair done just a week before surgery and it was great and I could wash it and just let it go and it curled perfectly. 16
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I have tried several brands of eye makeup with the same results - an eye infection in the affected eye.
I have given up and now choose to go without eye makeup. It's more important to me to have a healthy eye.
Someone told me that gel liner and mascara are better because they do not flake, but I haven't tried it yet. One brand that makes this is Mac.
Best of luck!
Jan
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Hello Everyone~
I just found this but have been wondering about make-up lately. For the last however long, I have just worn make-up on one eye. So much for all that balance stuff (I figure I don't have balance anyway so why be worried about it in my face?) No, I had to put salve in my eye for so long and it acted just like eye make-up remover (I still use it to remove my waterproof make-up if I am on vacation and forget my other remover) that I couldn't even think of putting anything on. Now that I FINALLY have a weight in my eye and a bit more time & energy to devote to myself than getting babies ready - I think I am ready to try more. I actually wore mascara the other day and curled my lashes on that side (no one noticed), but haven't done anymore than that yet. I use Merle Norman Very Gentle Make-Up Remover and love it. I don't use any of their other products, but have use that since before my surgery as I have always had very sensitive eyes. I have been using Bare Escentuals (Bare Minerals) for over a year and 1/2 now and absolutely LOVE it. My mom had all but stopped wearing eye make-up b/c it irritated her eyes so bad, but can wear this. I wonder if it is b/c it is natural minerals & so not so irritating. I could be making a LOT of $$ if this was a commission thing b/c I have told SOOOO many people about it -- too bad it is not!! :o( Anyway, I'll have to let you know how it goes with my "bad" eye!
I LOVE nice & helpful people at stores -- why can't more be that way??
K
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Lori: The Clinique oil free eye makeup remover really gets the lubricant off my eyelashes - I can't believe it!!
I use a cutip swab to gently brush the eyelashes with, then dry with a tissue - works great - THANKS!!!!
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Nancy - I was just thinking of you this morning, as I did my daily eye goop removal... I'm glad that stuff works for you too. I hate that feeling of built up goo on my lashes - and no matter how much water I'd use - it never seemed to get it all off!
We should have our own AN counter at Macy's!
Lori
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I have worn make-up on my "bad" eye 3x's now --( first time in 12 years!) and a few have noticed. My mom thought that I had something on my eye and then she said, "Have you got MAKE-UP on that eye??" She was so surprised!! I like it, but I have noticed that the eyeliner is more "precise" on that eye, even at the end of the day b/c I don't really blink it much so it doesn't smear and blend like the other one!
K
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Lori: my eyelashes feel 'soft' again - i LOVE it!!
K: I'm not wearing eye makeup right now - I was only using eye shadow (I can't imagine going the whole gammit with eyeliner - good for you guys!)
I've got some kind of a reddened area just below my lower eyelashes going on - kinda looks like there might be a pimple under it, I don't know -
I see the doc on Monday about it.
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Well: my latest makeup fiasco: I was so excited to be wearing makeup to work. I had ALOT of foundation left from a year & a half ago,
so that's what I've been using.
Last week I noticed a red area under my right eyelashes, so off to the opthalmologist Monday: dumbo here
should have bought NEW makeup because the old stuff with all the bacteria in it left me with a sty on the lower lid.
So it's warm compresses & Erythromycin ointment for 10 days.
Learn from me: THROW ALL THE OLD STUFF OUT & BUY NEW MAKEUP!!!! End of story.
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Nancy~
OH NO!! Just one more thing you didn't need, huh? We get so excited to do something like we use to and look what happens!! At least it is treatable, but what a PAIN!!!
Since I have been home with sick kiddos (& me) for almost TWO WEEKS (AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!), I haven't worn any make-up!
K
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Hello,
After my "temporary" (haha) paralysis, I still cannot blink, I didn't wear makeup for a long time. But my hairstylist mentioned dying my eyelashes. I tried it for awhile and it actually gives a subtle mascara look. And the more you do it the more it dries out your eyelashes (just like dying your hair), giving your lashes a fuller look. It is not as extreme as mascara, but I felt pretty good with it considering I had been wearing nothing on my lashes. I would get it done about once a month. They also have those fake eyelashes that are single eyelashes now instead of the whole row. I wear those when I go to weddings and such. They are supposed to last several days, but they don't on the "goopy" eye. I would always take extras, just in case. I'm gonna have to check out the water proof eyeliner.
I too hate pictures. My kids are constantly trying to get me in one and I refuse. Sometimes I'll kiss someone on the cheek in the photo, showing only my "good" side.
Great tips on the makeup. I'm going to have to print them and have a makeup session with my daughter soon!!!
Jeanette
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I got my 'fresh foundation' today: it's funny, 2 saleswomen at the Bobbi Brown counter - both look at me; 1, not busy, completely avoids me; the other says, I'll be right with you as soon as I'm finished with this customer' - guess you know who I waited for...
She was so helpful - I explained my situation, she took her time & found me another very nice 'neutral' lipstick to use.
She tells me to come back when my eye clears up (the sty from using old foundation) & she'll help me with some eyeshadows.
I guess it's the way my eye looks that still gets to some people.....
But I'm happy with the new lipstick!!
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Nancy~
Does that not just burn you up when someonw acts that way? Not just towards us b/c we "look different" but just probably b/c they are SNOBS!!! I hate to say it, but it is probably people like them that something is going to bring them down a notch or two someday and they aren't going to be able to handle it!! I guess we just have to be bigger than them!
I'm gald you got some good help. I wore make-up again today!
Talk to you later!
K
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Well K: Both women were about the same age, young - I guess one has been thru a few bumps in the road of life & the other hasn't,
who knows? As long as someone helped me (& she did a great job!).
I really think it has to do with life's experiences, although, I notice children don't give a rat's a--, they're usually happy for attention
no matter what!!
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Funny Story.........
It's true about the kids not noticing. But, my son had a friend in his class who has Asberger's (autistic). Children with asberger's usually have one thing they become very interested in, unfortunately, for awhile it was my face. He would stare at me alot, sometimes rather closely, and asked me how my face "got morphed". I was a substitute teacher back then, so he had a chance to see me before and after. He had a LOT of questions, so after consulting with his mom, I brought in my pre tumor MRI pix for him. He was thrilled.
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Well, I have to say, if the kids knew you before the surgery/paralysis - they notice. I've found the kids that were in my daughter's preschool class at the time of the surgery definitely noticed something was not right with my face and it took some of them a while to get used to me again. But the new kids in her class this year that didn't know me before have had no problem with it.
Hopefully the kids who learn about "differences" while they are young won't grow up to be like the rude lady at the makeup counter.
And J - I don't think I could have helped but laugh when that boy asked how your face "got morphed"! Ah, out of the mouths of children. ;D
Lori
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I was teaching 1st grade when I had my surgery -- I could write a book (& have always threatened to do so) about what they said. It was mostly good, a little bad -- the best was when I went back to work and I had a little Indian boy and his mom didn't speak super great English. The 1st time she saw me, she said, "Oh Nasir, what is like having a teacher that is not so beautiful anymore?" (it loses something when you can't hear my great accent!) She was so proud of herself -- it sounds so awful, but it really wasn't b/c she said that his reply was, "Oh Mom, she still the same beautiful teacher on the inside!!" b/c I had told them I was exactly the same on the inside! So sweet...
I have many more...
K
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Reviving this thread!
I only stopped wearing make-up for 4 weeks post-op. I've found that Neutrogena's Lash Tint is pretty good. In fact, I've had decent luck with most of their mascaras. Since I've attained more symmetry at rest, I wear sheer red/berry lip colors.
One of the problems I have had post-op is the presence of eye bags--especially on my paralyzed side. This could have to do somewhat with approaching 40. I've tried everything: cold tea bags, various eye creams, Prep H gel (don't laugh, too much), etc. Any ideas?
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I only laughed a little bit, but that's because I've heard of that being used before! Hey, whatever works, right?
Anyway, I use this stuff by Clinique that's called All About Eyes. It's just moisturizer I guess, but it helps to make that area look less puffy and dark. Like most of the Clinique stuff, it seems expensive, but it lasts a long time. They usually give you samples if you ask them for it. They also make an All About Eyes concealer that works well too.
I've also heard that drinking lots of water can help. Of course, they say that helps everything, but it's worth a try I guess.
Otherwise, sunglasses!!
Lori