Hints and Tips
Page 14
Beauty and fashion tips
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or so the saying goes. There is no doubt that if you look good you feel good and this does wonders for one's self-confidence.
Heather Arthur, RNZFB adaptive daily living instructor and practice advisor, gathered the following suggestions.
Nail care
Having a manicure or pedicure may be an option for you. To maintain the length and shape of your nails use an emery board as part of your daily routine. Ensure your nails are clean with regular use of a nailbrush. When applying nail polish, hold your finger steady by placing it in the little groove on an ashtray. If applying nail polish on your toenails, using a toe divider may make it easier. It also helps to apply Vaseline petroleum jelly around the edge of the nail before you begin painting. When the nail polish is completely dry, wash your hands to remove any excess nail polish that was accidentally painted on the skin.
To help apply makeup
Some people find magnifying mirrors allow them to apply make up or see their hair more easily. Magnifier mirrors can provide up to five times magnification and are available from RNZFB Equipment Services and some "Plastic Box" outlets. If contrast colour works for you, hanging a towel of a contrasting colour to your hair behind you, opposite a wall mirror, may help you see the outline of your hairstyle.
Tips to identify clothing
An easy way to match outfits in your wardrobe is by using a small safety pin in the band of a skirt and another on the inside hem of a matching top. Alternatively, you could cut the left side corner off the label on both articles of clothing that go together and the right side corner off the label of another matching set.
More beauty information
The following talking book is available through the RNZFB Library. Real Gorgeous: the truth about body and beauty by Kaz Cooke. (St Leonards, NSW, Allen & Unwin, 1994.)
If you are interested in joining an email group to discuss issues of fashion for blind and vision impaired people send a blank email to: blind-fashion-subscribe @yahoogroups.com.
Write your own tips (up to 50 words only please) and email or post them to: Comms/PR Department, Private Bag 99941 Newmarket, Auckland comms