Cosmetics

[Jackles22]

I know this seems trivial with all the other things we have to deal with, but I was wondering how/what some of the females do for the cosmetic aspects of SJS.

My eyes always look red and puffy (especially lids) as well as red rimmed. My skin of my face and lips have too many issues to name.  Any time I have gotten the dryness somewhat controlled, I break out with major acne due to too becoming too oily (RARE)!  I have found putting just the right tint of cover up to my eyes helps the redness appearance, but of course then my eyes become drier.

It seems like we give up so much just for comfort but on the rare occasions I go out to socialize, I would like to look and feel 1/2 way decent. I am not a vain person but would like to give the appearance of normal to avoid questions and/or assumptions about my health. I also sometimes feel taking care of my appearance in the years leading up to all these symptoms was a huge waste of time.

Any suggestions or sharing of info would be appreciated. Due to allergies, sensitivity to ANY fragrances makes it difficult to use some products on my face. With spring/summer coming, I want to get out more and take part in life again. 

Personally I have found Clinique or BeautiControl brands to be the least irritating with the best results.

[soycoffee]

I don't wear makeup on my face at all -- I do *fix* my shaggy eyebrows so they look cared for, and if I could find one of those hand-held pencil sharpeners I would use it on an eyebrow pencil to cover the bare spots that too-zealous weeding produces.

Anyway, what works for me (YMMV) is using almond oil on most of the skin of my face. It is *safe* near the eyes, but annoying, as it blurs vision. Te result is an even tone to my face -- red though it may be today from too much sun!

I also use almond oil on those chapped hands we get in the winter. A couple of drops after I wash my hands, and I haven't had a "paper-cut" all winter.

Soycoffee 

[gold55]

Where do you get your almond oil?  thanks!

[mshistory]

I was going to recommend Clinique, but see that you have already tried it  I have sensitive skin, and love Clinique's Super Balanced liquid foundation. I think all of their makeup is hypoallergenic, so I stick with all Clinique products. I haven't used anything else in many years, so I'm afraid I have no other suggestions.

[Jellyb]

Hi Jackie,
I use a brand called Gabriel. I buy it at the natural food store. I even think Whole Foods carries the line. Hardly any ingredients. I use the face powder, eyeshadow and mascara.

My sjs symptoms started with skni and eye sensitivity, si I have tried a jillion brands.  Goid luck, we all need to feel pretty

[SjoDry]

I use Bare Minerals. It works well..but no matter what I use these days, I look pale & sickly within hours.
Not to mention all of the wrinkles that have happened because of a lack of moisture in my skin.
I was recently asked (when checking out at the register of a retail store) if I wanted the Senior Discount. What!
Hey, I'm not that far off in age  for qualifying for that...but I'm not there yet. I considered that another 'Sjogren's  reality slap' in the face 

[soycoffee]

Where do you get your almond oil?  thanks!

I get it either from Amazon or from iHerb, and the brand I order is NOW (haven't tried any other). Right now, iHerb  is $2 cheaper for 16 oz. and also has up to a gallon size. The $5 coupon code at iHerb -- for first orders only --  is SIG531 -- and their shipping is fast and cheap, though nobody can beat Amazon Prime.

I think you'll like it.
Soycoffee

[meow]

Clinique is great.
DHC has some great stuff too, no fragrances,  many products with all natural ingredients, and the olive oil cleansing line is wonderful.

[Winnie]

I lost the ability to wear make up and wear contacts long before sicca came along.  I constantly had "eye inflammation or infections" for about a two year period.  It finally got better after eliminating eye make up.  I wouldn't think of using make up again.  I definitely don't want infections.  I use a lot of eye drops so it probably would be irritating.  Hope you get some good suggestions.

Winnie

[Madison Granny]

I gave up wearing a long time before I knew I had SJS.  I do wear eyebrow pencil and a little lip gloss when I want to dress up.  Which is very often anymore.  Someting in most makeup makes my eyes worse.

[eye2dry]

I use Cetaphil face wash. Oil of Olay with SPF 15, loose powder over top (Bare minerals ), lip liner with lipstick, keep eyebrows in shape.

I no longer use eye liner or mascara. To moisturize my eye area..Burts Bee royal jelly eye cream.

when at home I go without make up. I use one drop in each eye of "Visine gets the red out" only on days I work. it will last 6 hours. I hate going to work with blood shot eyes. I only use it sparingly d/t the preservitives in it.

trial and error to get your "beauty care" regime like you like it.

eye2dry

[A66eyroad]

I had permanent eyeliner tatooed about seven years ago because almost any kind of product near my eyes makes the burning worse.  Even though I paid about $300 for this, I think I've gotten my money's worth! 

I use CVS store brand Cetaphil for cleansing (in the shower each morning) and follow with a light moisturizer. Clinique Dramatically Different is my fave, but it's a little spendy at $21 so I usually use Olay with SPF 15 which is $8 for the same amount of product.

I sometimes use Garnier eye roller (with caffeine) for puffiness and dark circles.

Nivea "A Kiss of Smoothness" is my favorite lip moisturizer. If I feel a need for some color I use Burt's Bees lip shimmer (Rhubarb is my fave).

Just about any other type of cosmetics gives me what looks like a "chemical burn" on my face. Mary Kay is the worst offender.

[ohiolady]

I use Clinique lipsticks, the only one that doesn't  irritate my lips.  I use Lancome waterproof mascara.  I use cetaphil to wash my face and Cetaphil has a moisturizer that comes in a jar with a blue lid.  I use it on my body and face and it gives and retains moisture all day.  Everyone I've recommended the Cetaphil to loves it.

Anna

[WildThing]

I don't wear makeup very often but when I do it is usually organic.  I'm from the UK but Lavera is a pretty good brand.  I think you can get it in other countries too.  Might have to get it mail order.  Bit more expensive than most but worth it.

[meow]

I am interested in the eyeliner tatto, too. I am worried that it will look too harsh. How much does it hurt?

Also, do they have to shave off your eyelashes to do it? Tattoos usually require complete hair removal, and I'm not sure I want to go 6 months with no eyelashes.