The bodybuilding aesthetician

After having the absolute pleasure of working at a look good feel better workshop yesterday, I wanted to share some of the make up tips that work really well during cancer treatment .

A cancer diagnosis can bring many changes to your appearance, from hair and lash loss to sensitive skin. Makeup can be a powerful tool—not to mask, but to enhance your natural beauty and help you feel confident again. With careful preparation, colour correction, and gentle techniques, anyone can achieve a radiant, healthy-looking glow.

Skin Preparation: The Key to a Smooth Canvas

Before applying any makeup, the most important step is preparing the skin. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can make the skin dry, sensitive, or prone to redness. Start by gently cleansing the face with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid harsh exfoliants that may irritate delicate skin.

Next, moisturising is essential. Choose a rich, hydrating cream or serum with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin E. This step ensures that makeup applies evenly and prevents flaking. For an extra boost, applying a lightweight, hydrating primer can help makeup last longer while providing a smooth surface.

Colour Correction: Neutralising Discolouration

Colour correcting is a vital technique for brightening the complexion and neutralising uneven tones.

• Redness: Redness on the cheeks or nose can be common after treatment. A green-tinted colour corrector neutralises red tones. Apply sparingly to the affected areas and blend gently with a soft brush or sponge.
• Dark Under-Eye Circles: Dark circles can be intensified by fatigue or treatment. Use a peach or orange-toned corrector for fair to medium skin, or a deeper apricot tone for darker skin tones. Blend carefully into the skin using a patting motion rather than rubbing, as this is gentler on sensitive areas.

After correcting, apply a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturiser that offers hydration and light coverage. Avoid heavy, full-coverage foundations that can feel suffocating or cake on sensitive skin. Choose products labelled “hypoallergenic” or “dermatologist-tested” to reduce the risk of irritation.

Makeup Application for a Healthy Glow

Once the skin is prepared and colour corrected, it’s time to enhance your features and bring back a radiant glow.

1. Cheeks: Cream blushes are ideal for sensitive or dry skin. They blend seamlessly and create a natural, dewy finish. Apply to the apples of the cheeks and blend upwards toward the temples for a lifting effect.
2. Highlighting: A subtle, liquid highlighter can bring light to the high points of the face—cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose. Avoid chunky shimmer, which can emphasize texture or dryness.
3. Eyes: For those who have lost eyelashes, eyeliner can be used creatively. A soft pencil or gel liner applied close to the lash line can define the eyes. Avoid using lash glue with false lashes, as it may irritate sensitive eyes. Mascara should be gentle and preferably formulated for sensitive eyes or labelled “lash and lid safe.”

Eyebrows: Framing the Face

Brows frame the face and restore a sense of symmetry and confidence. Many people undergoing cancer treatment lose brow hair, but options like phi brows (microblading) or powder brows (a softer tattooed brow effect) can provide a semi-permanent solution. Both techniques are minimally invasive and can last from 1–3 years depending on the method. For those preferring non-permanent solutions, brow pencils or powders can fill in sparse areas, using soft strokes to mimic natural hair.

Lip and Eye Colour

Choose hydrating lip products to prevent dryness. Creamy lipsticks or tinted balms can add a youthful, vibrant touch. For eyes, soft neutral shades help enhance natural beauty without overwhelming delicate skin. Avoid heavy shimmer or glitter, as it can irritate sensitive areas or migrate into the eye.

Makeup Removal: Gentle Care for Sensitive Skin

Removing makeup correctly is just as important as applying it. Cancer treatments can leave skin sensitive, so using a gentle cleanser or micellar water is essential. Avoid harsh wipes or alcohol-based removers, which can dry and inflame the skin.

• Micellar Water: A mild, no-rinse option that lifts makeup while soothing the skin. Look for formulas free from fragrance and harsh surfactants.
• Cleansing Oils: Gentle oils can dissolve makeup without stripping moisture. Massage into the skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
• Soft Cotton Pads or Muslin Cloths: Avoid abrasive scrubbing. Pat gently to remove product, especially around delicate areas like the eyes and lips.

Quick Tips for Redness and Dark Circles

• Always start with a primer that soothes and hydrates.
• Use colour correctors sparingly; blending is key.
• Opt for lightweight foundations or tinted moisturisers to avoid masking the skin entirely.
• Add a subtle blush and highlight for a fresh, healthy glow.

Creating Confidence Through Makeup

Makeup isn’t about hiding changes caused by cancer—it’s about empowerment, self-expression, and restoring confidence. Even small adjustments, like filling in brows, adding a soft blush, or subtly defining the eyes, can create a big impact.

Final Thoughts

Cancer can change how we look, but it doesn’t define our beauty. With gentle products, colour correction, and mindful application techniques, makeup can restore radiance and provide a daily boost of confidence. Remember: choose skin-friendly, hypoallergenic products, focus on hydration, and experiment with soft colours to enhance your natural features.

By treating the skin with care, selecting the right shades, and using creative tricks for brows, eyes, and lips, everyone can achieve a fresh, healthy glow—even during or after cancer treatment. Makeup can be a beautiful reminder that self-care matters, and small daily rituals can bring big emotional benefits.

For more exercise and lifestyle tips follow my Instagram page sarahcurranfitpro.