Hot Flashes and Makeup

Makeup Problem: How to keep your makeup on when you are constantly having hot flashes.

I had to have an emergency hysterectomy four years ago. I chose to go with out hormone replacement therapy because of the possible health risks that go along with them. The hot flashes started in earnest not too long after and have never let up. I have categories for them: Desert Afternoon (where I'm slightly hot inside and a bit sweaty outside), Super Soakers (where I'm drenched from head to toe), and Towering Inferno (where I feel like I could spontaneously combust but am trying to put out my own fire with sweat). I have more of the last category then the other two. That makes it difficult to keep makeup on for more then a minute at a time and I find myself just skipping it all together lately.

I miss wearing makeup! 9 times out of 10, I'll have a hot flash right out of the shower, which makes it hard to even put on moisturizer let alone makeup. I have found some solutions to this problem, after all, you have to do what you can with what you've got! I've learned some tricks over the past four years to applying makeup and keeping it on for as long as possible in a world in which I'm ready to burst into flames at any given moment.

Waterproof makeup has become my best friend. In the summer, which is hot enough here in the desert, it's hard enough not to sweat off makeup under normal situations. Add to that the Towering Inferno and it's a challenge to make it out the door with makeup still intact. I'm going by the less is more theory for summers now. Waterproof eye liner and mascara, maybe a waterproof eye shadow. If I use foundation at all, I use a mineral powder like Bare Minerals because it seems to stay on even when you sweat. I'll use the same in eye shadow, blush and bronzer, too.

You can find all kinds of great waterproof makeup out there. The biggest problem is removal. I don't like oily eye makeup remover, which you really need to remove the waterproof eye makeup. Avon just came out with makeup remover sheets infused with minerals. I tried it on my waterproof stuff and it took it right off without the heavy oil. Plus, you don't need to wash your face before applying night moisturizers because the Avon mineral makeup remover sheet residue evaporates. This feature makes them great for using in places where water might not be available to wash with.

After applying either a full makeup using Bare Minerals or a simple eyes and blush makeup, if I break out in a flash, I take a tissue and blot my face off. I don't rub, I just lay the tissue on areas of my face and pat dry. This seems to work, it soaks up the sweat and leaves my makeup in place. You have to use tissues, not those little papers made to blot up excess oil during the day, although those would be fine for someone younger that doesn't have the same problem that I do.

So, remember when the hot flashes start, waterproof makeup is your new best friend! Go to MakeupDiva411.com for more info.