My Favorite Things!
I can’t tell you how many friends and family members have come to me and said, “I know someone who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Where should I tell her to get her wig from? What should she do if her lashes fall out? What should I get her as a gift?” As I pulled all of my must-haves together, I realized that I should create a guide for all of my beautiful Fashionistas out there. So here it is…..
My Favorite Things!
I can’t tell you how many friends and family members have come to me and said, “I know someone who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Where should I tell her to get her wig from? What should she do if her lashes fall out? What should I get her as a gift?” As I pulled all of my must-haves together, I realized that I should create a guide for all of my beautiful Fashionistas out there. So here it is…..
First things first. Hair.
Design by Flora is the real deal. Beautiful wigs using top quality, real European hair. Everyone thought I just walked out of the salon. I was on the subway once and someone asked me where I got my hair done. For real. And of course I had way too much fun telling her that it was a wig!
First things first. Hair.
Design by Flora is the real deal. Beautiful wigs using top quality, real European hair. Everyone thought I just walked out of the salon. I was on the subway once and someone asked me where I got my hair done. For real. And of course I had way too much fun telling her that it was a wig!
Next Up: Lashes
I always said, “If I lose my lashes then I’ll really look like a cancer patient.” And I was right. Not fun. But I’ve always loved playing with makeup. Check out the Anjali lash from the Muah Makeup & Lash Bar. These beautiful lashes may be worn even when you don’t have any! And the best part? For each pair of lashes sold, Muah will donate $5 to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.
False eyelash application can be a bit tricky (definitely an acquired skill), but what better way to get your mind off of breast cancer stuff! Enter EyelineHer, a fantastic blog chock full of YouTube tutorials offering up tips (in her fabulous British accent) on eyeliner application and creating brows—when you don’t have any.
Next Up: Lashes
I always said, “If I lose my lashes then I’ll really look like a cancer patient.” And I was right. Not fun. But I’ve always loved playing with makeup. Check out Blinkies Cosmetics. I scoured the internet for faux lashes and I found this treasure. Created specifically for women who don’t have lashes, they have tons of styles to choose from and can be worn over and over again. False eyelash application can be a bit tricky (definitely an acquired skill), but what better way to get your mind off of breast cancer stuff! Enter EyelineHer, a fantastic blog chock full of YouTube tutorials offering up tips (in her fabulous British accent) on eyeliner application and creating brows—when you don’t have any.
Time To Switch Your Deodorant & Face Wash (this goes for non-breast cancer patients too)!
Without getting into specifics, deodorant with aluminim isn’t good for anyone. Especially once you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. Enter Violets Are Blue, founded by breast cancer survivor Cynthia Bestemen who was on the hunt for natural yet effective products that didn’t contain parabens, chemical dyes, or any of that other yucky stuff. Since she couldn’t find any, Cynthia enlisted the expertise of a biochemist who happens to be an herb farmer and cancer researcher. The deodorant is my personal favorite, and the product that Cynthia is most proud of. It took her two years to get it right, but she wouldn’t quit until it was perfect. It has a delicate blend of Lemongrass and Tea Tree. A nice, calming scent. No surprise that this is one of her best-sellers.
This is also a great time to make the switch to an all natural beauty routine. I’m a skin care snob. I admit it. I love beautiful packaging and delicious fragrance. I don’t find going to the health food store to get my cleanser particularly exciting. The Facial Cleanser combines natural with luxe. This non-lathering formula leaves your skin super-smooth, a beautiful blend of White Tea, Carrot Seed and Evening Primrose.
The violet glass packaging looks so pretty in my bathroom, and is inspired by the Ancient Egyptians who used it to preserve potency. Follow it up with the Facial Serum and your’re good to go. This multipurpose bottle of magic can replace your eye cream, makeup remover and night cream. The “Beloved Line” is specifically for those going through treatment as most of those products are unscented. Violets Are Blue gives a gift bag of these products to all new chemo patients at New York City’s Mount Sinai hospital. Love that…
Time To Switch Your Deodorant & Face Wash (this goes for non-breast cancer patients too)!
Without getting into specifics, deodorant with aluminim isn’t good for anyone. Especially once you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. Enter Violets Are Blue, founded by breast cancer survivor Cynthia Bestemen who was on the hunt for natural yet effective products that didn’t contain parabens, chemical dyes, or any of that other yucky stuff. Since she couldn’t find any, Cynthia enlisted the expertise of a biochemist who happens to be an herb farmer and cancer researcher. The deodorant is my personal favorite, and the product that Cynthia is most proud of. It took her two years to get it right, but she wouldn’t quit until it was perfect. It has a delicate blend of Lemongrass and Tea Tree. A nice, calming scent. No surprise that this is one of her best-sellers.
This is also a great time to make the switch to an all natural beauty routine. I’m a skin care snob. I admit it. I love beautiful packaging and delicious fragrance. I don’t find going to the health food store to get my cleanser particularly exciting. The Facial Cleanser combines natural with luxe. This non-lathering formula leaves your skin super-smooth, a beautiful blend of White Tea, Carrot Seed and Evening Primrose.
The violet glass packaging looks so pretty in my bathroom, and is inspired by the Ancient Egyptians who used it to preserve potency. Follow it up with the Facial Serum and your’re good to go. This multipurpose bottle of magic can replace your eye cream, makeup remover and night cream. The “Beloved Line” is specifically for those going through treatment as most of those products are unscented. Violets Are Blue gives a gift bag of these products to all new chemo patients at New York City’s Mount Sinai hospital. Love that…
That beautiful face of yours…
Whether you’re going through chemo or not, this product is a true gem. The Rapid Repair Fluid from Sunshine Botanicals is a virtual arsenal of skin repairing ingredients specifically formulated to treat the needs of compromised and environmentally damaged skin conditions including bruises, abrasions, as well as the effects of radiation, chemotherapy treatments and sun damage. Cool, fresh and oil free, it may also be used as a daily hydrating fluid. A must-have for all skin types. This unique product was created by Emily Fritchey, Founder and CEO of Sunshine Botanicals (aka “The Skin Whisperer”). Need I say more?
That beautiful face of yours…
Whether you’re going through chemo or not, this product is a true gem. The Rapid Repair Fluid from Sunshine Botanicals is a virtual arsenal of skin repairing ingredients specifically formulated to treat the needs of compromised and environmentally damaged skin conditions including bruises, abrasions, as well as the effects of radiation, chemotherapy treatments and sun damage. Cool, fresh and oil free, it may also be used as a daily hydrating fluid. A must-have for all skin types. This unique product was created by Emily Fritchey, Founder and CEO of Sunshine Botanicals (aka “The Skin Whisperer”). Need I say more?
Where are my nipples?
The following product mention is for mature audiences only. Seriously.
So there’s this awkward time in between your breast surgery and nipple reconstruction. Where you have no nipples. Founder of BreastHealing.com, Elizabeth Vivenzio, invented life-changing mastectomy product Rub-On Nipples®, on the heels of her mastectomy experience. Temporary areola tattoos. Feel free to use them all the time if you choose not to go the reconstruction route. They come in a range of colors. Need I say more?
Where are my nipples?
The following product mention is for mature audiences only. Seriously.
So there’s this awkward time in between your breast surgery and nipple reconstruction. Where you have no nipples. Founder of BreastHealing.com, Elizabeth Vivenzio, invented life-changing mastectomy product Rub-On Nipples®, on the heels of her mastectomy experience. Temporary areola tattoos. Feel free to use them all the time if you choose not to go the reconstruction route. They come in a range of colors. Need I say more?
Cool chemo scarves and headwraps. This is a tough one.
It’s all about how the size, pattern, fabric and how you tie it. The secret ingredient is a black or white cotton skull cap that you wear underneath to create a hairline (when you don’t have one). Here’s a good one from Amazon.com. Once again, EyelineHer saves the day with her adorable videos. Click here to learn how to tie an infinity scarf.
Cool chemo scarves and headwraps. This is a tough one.
It’s all about how the size, pattern, fabric and how you tie it. The secret ingredient is a black or white cotton skull cap that you wear underneath to create a hairline (when you don’t have one). Here’s a good one from Amazon.com. Once again, EyelineHer saves the day with her adorable videos. Click here to learn how to tie an infinity scarf.