Tips for Applying Makeup with Low Vision Recommendations from TSBVI See/Hear Newsletter (Winter 2006):
Practice each new makeup technique using fingers or brush without makeup so that she can feel exactly where to apply the product.
Put on moisturizer before applying foundation, as that helps stabilize the rest of the makeup and has a slightly sticky feeling that makes it easier to feel where the foundation or other products have been spread.
When applying foundation, use a finger rather than a brush so you can feel your progress. The key to even application is to use fingers to feather and smooth up and out so that you can barely feel the makeup. Blend and blend some more! Several women suggested mineral powders that apply with a brush without fear of lines yet feel more like a cream. Use a predictable sequence; start at the same place each time so that you can keep track of what has already been applied. It is helpful to start at the cheeks, then the chin, then the nose and finally the forehead. For powder - start on one cheek and go across, being careful around the nose. Makeup tends to pool on either side of the nose so feather carefully with your fingers. Blush is easy to apply once you find the cheekbones and follow that line up to the hairline. To apply blusher, smile and brush the blusher onto the apples of your cheeks away from your nose towards your ear. Less is better with blush. Count the number of strokes needed to apply each kind of product when you are learning how to apply, so that you can put on the right amount. Cream-based makeup is less prone to going in the wrong places. Start with a clear gloss or chapstick until the student is comfortable with the motion, and then proceed to deeper lipstick colors. You only have to apply lipstick to your bottom lip. It will naturally cover the top. Pinch the sides of your mouth and the centre of the top lip to get rid of any excess. Some people prefer a brush and some a sponge for applying eye shadow. With the eyes closed, it can be applied and then smoothed with the fingers. Use the fingers to wipe away any excess that may have accumulated under the eyes as well as in the inner and outer corners. Eyeliner and mascara can be harder to apply and some consider them optional. For special occasions, many spas offer eyebrow and eyelash tinting that lasts for about three weeks. Some women have had eyeliner or mascara permanently applied by a beautician. Place the mascara brush at the lash roots and slowly pull it away as you close and open your eye to avoid letting it touch the area around the eye. Keep your eyebrows tidy by brushing them through regularly with a toothbrush or stroking through a dab of Vaseline. If you want to use nail polish, consider a clear coat or simply buff them. You may also put a little vaseline around the finger, next to the nail so that any mistakes can be wiped off easier. Keep your nail polish in the refrigerator so that it will be easier to feel where the polish is going. Or, simply save your money and get a manicure and/or a pedicure. Good Sources of Additional Information: "Makeup Application After Vision Loss: http://www.visionaware.org/info/everyday-living/essential-skills/personal-self-care/makeup-application/1234 Christine Ha: How the Blind Put on Makeup (YouTube Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDhTIZCVSSc How to Apply Makeup (YouTube Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9Z-y4tSD3Q Fred's Head: How to Apply Makeup: http://www.fredshead.info/2006/12/how-to-apply-makeup.html