Personal Grooming

Makeup

Applying makeup may be tedious for someone with limited or no vision, but it can be mastered with practice. Here are some tips:

• Label your cosmetics with braille or some other system, so that you can identify makeup colors without assistance.
• Use facial landmarks to determine where to apply products. For example, the edge of the eyebrow is a good landmark to use in deciding how far out toward the side of the face eye shadow should go. The bottom of the nose or the base of the cheekbone can form a boundary for applying blush.
• Stabilize your hand by resting it on the face or body. For example, when applying mascara, place the hand holding the brush against the cheek to keep the hand steadier and find the eyelashes more easily.
• Count the number of strokes needed to apply an appropriate amount. For example, a single drop of foundation applied to each cheek, the nose, the chin, and the forehead will provide sufficient coverage. Similarly, count the number of brushstrokes needed on the cake of eye shadow to get the right amount on the brush, and then the number of strokes needed to dust the eyelid.
• Cream-based cosmetics will not fall off the applicator or finger and onto clothing as powder-based products do.
• Wash hands frequently during the application process to prevent accidentally rubbing some makeup residue off on the face or clothes.
• Practice your technique. During the first few attempts, get feedback from a sighted observer—a trusted friend or someone who works at a makeup counter.

Nail Care

• If you want just a little shine, buff your nails or use clear nail polish.
• Cool the polish in the refrigerator to make it easier to feel where you are applying it.
• After polishing fingernails, trace around the cuticles with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to remove any excess polish from your skin.

Shaving

The idea of shaving without being able to see may sound frightening, but in reality, shaving with limited vision poses few problems to most people. Much of the task (such as determining where whiskers are or whether a nick has occurred) is tactile. But here are a few basic tips:

• Good coverage can be ensured by using overlapping strokes and by shaving the area over again at a 90-degree angle to the original strokes.
• Locating landmarks, such as a specific point on one's ear, with the hand that is not holding the razor can help in determining where to shave (or not shave).

Learn more in Foundations of Rehabilitation Teaching, by Paul E. Ponchillia and Susan V. Ponchillia.