As an occupational therapist, making everyday tasks (like applying makeup) easier and more comfortable is my jam!
Part 1 of this mini series focuses on things we can change in our environment to make us more comfortable, stable and independent.
Without further ado...
1. Sit down
Sitting down while doing your makeup can make the world of difference. Being seated and balanced through our core means we have more stability and control through our extremities (arms and hands), not to mention reduces fatigue!
Sitting at a table means we can also rest our elbows, giving us more ability to focus on those pesky fine motor tasks (e.g. mascara).
2. Bring the mirror to you
There’s no need to waste precious energy straining to lean forward to see up close in the mirror. Sustaining that position can be tough, especially if you’re someone who fatigues more easily!
Not to mention being unbalanced- your core is working double time to keep your body stable, meaning less energy is focused on keeping your hands steady (once again- for that pesky mascara!).
Having a standing mirror that you can move to where you need it can be a huge relief (it can be that simple).
3. On that note- have good lighting!
Just because it makes the world of difference and you won’t spend the extra 5 minutes trying to make sure its blended because you can’t see it!
4. Make the most of your vanity
If you have the space, use your vanity to have your products set up and ready to go.
If you are someone who experiences tremors, pain, stiffness and reduced hand function, having to dig through your makeup bag for each product (and open and close the zip on your toiletry bag) can be exhausting, and sometimes unecessary.
Save yourself the hassle, or if you know you have a big day tomorrow, try setting out your products the night before!
5. Adapt your tools and products
There are a few sneaky tips and tricks that you can try to make your products a bit more user friendly!
- Foam grip tubing: You can buy foam grip tubing from Amazon that your mascara/eyeliner/lipliner can fit inside to give you a larger and grippier handle.
- Pencil grips!! Though they only fit around very thin products, pencil grips can be awesome around your lip liner!
- Add textured stickers or grip dots to slippery product lids.
- Add a keyring or ribbon loop to the zipper pull on your toiletry bag.
- Use a pump dispenser instead of a squeeze tube where possible (this is more targeted to skincare). Can you decant your favourite moisturiser into a pump bottle?
Sometimes we’re feeling great, sometimes we need a little extra TLC. On those days, trying out these tips and tricks might make a bigger difference than you think, particularly if you are someone who experiences fatigue, pain, stiffness, tremors or mobility challenges.
If you give them a try, let me know how you go!
Stay tuned for part 2...
Bella x