A Haven for Vee

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Beauty Tips Part Two


Well, my friend, as things in my chemo journey have continued, I find that I am in need of some serious beauty tips. And because I am out of blog fodder, so terribly generous and loving, I am sharing my discoveries.

Disclaimer: Perhaps you should take all this in a spirit of humor and with a great deal of salt because...
1. Here I am this past Monday, aka:Chemo Day #4
2. Heavily diffused
3. On a Steroid High
4. and obviously no expert!

So be forewarned, I am on this steroid high and feeling mighty chatty. My sister was in charge of transportation Monday. Good.  I need not to be driving when I really feel like flying. Seriously, I feel as if I could zip down a runway and take off all by myself. It. is. bizarre. Anyway, at one point, toward the end of our day, she looked at me and said, "You are seriously hyper." No kidding, Sherlock. 😉 I probably should request that my dose be reduced next time.

In my first Beauty Tips post *here,* I shared a couple of videos. This time, I am sharing a Sharon Danley Make Better. While I sometimes cringe over Sharon's self-described "soap box moments," I have really learned a lot from her tips. She is a trained make up artist; I trust her talents.



My current issues:

no hair
no brows
no eyelashes
splotchy chemo skin
uneven lips 
puffy steroid face

I am paying close attention to what Sharon is teaching me. It is going to take me a lot of practice. I have not spent this much time on make-up since I was first learning as a freshman in college. But I do prefer to look human and well. And I don't these days without making my face up. (If you dropped in on me on an ordinary day, you would find me looking pretty awful and perhaps even looking ill.)



I was practicing eyes and lips. Yup. Practice needed. This is my blond wig. Monday (first photo), I wore the salt and pepper wig with flips at the shoulders. This is a bob, which I prefer. I also have a gray halo for wearing with hats. I'll show you that another day.

Here are some of my new, favorite products. Not all were recommended by Sharon.

The Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink™ is a recommendation from Sharon. In the past, I have tried long-lasting lip color and found it too harsh. This lasts a long, long time, even through meals, and I have had no trouble with chapped lips. I follow Sharon's recommendation to remove it at bedtime and apply Vaseline™ for overnight balm. I use the Bert's Bees™ lip balm as a highlighter in center of lips only for daytime. There are many color options, of course, this is a toffee, though Sharon recommends reds. 

The Color Cleaner was recommended by Rock Star Mom Patti (second beauty video shared on Beauty Tips.) Love this product as it quickly cleans brushes between colors. It comes with a spare pad and one can flip the pad for a total of four sides. The pads can be washed. Of course, this does not eliminate the need to wash brushes every couple of weeks, but it sure helps for switching colors. Patti specifcally recommends Color Switch.™

Dolly Wink™ was recommended by Eyelineher Blog the first video shared on that former post. It is going to take major practice. I prefer hiding my eyebrows under the bangs of my blond wig. I have no brows whatsoever. Some very sparse eyelashes on top lids remain. I think I have one lower eye lash on the left side and two on the right. Ha!


This set of brushes was very cost effective for under $10 at Amazon. I could not be more pleased with them. I have spent far more than that on one brush and these are good quality bristles. I am enjoying them. And I am also enjoying seeing my baby grand from nearly thirteen years ago holding them. I hope that he doesn't see this! He'll kill me. (Not my actual baby grand...big brother Sam grand.)

Lastly, someone, somewhere recommended purchasing a selfie light for iPhones to use for a make-up mirror that's light has gone, as mine has. (Wow! Short memory! It was Sharon Danley on this very video that I have shared. She is able to use hers on a hand-held mirror for close-up checks.)


It charges so requires no batteries

All lit up...just like me!

It does not fit on my make-up mirror so I use a velcro sticker and that works great.

So that's it, my friends. I am working on another post because I had another of my secret giveaways and one of you has already won. You'll have to check in to see if you were the winner. 

Have a great week...don't forget to check in the next day or two. (Two...it's in the can!)













61 comments:

  1. Phew! No visitors yet so I can place my workaround and get any comment to my inbox. 😉

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  2. Good morning Vee! I have been looking for a long lasting lip stick that does not dry my lips, so thanks for the info! I think you are looking pretty darn cute!

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    1. What I love about it is that it stays put...no drifting or feathering.

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  3. I'm here! Hope this comes through! You have the most beautiful complexion! And I'm glad you are getting the chemo done and have the energy for important things like which wig to wear! You look so different in the bob. I haven't tried on wigs in years but it sure changes your looks! Take care of yourself and REST! You are beautiful no matter what!!! Sweet hugs, Diane

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  4. LOLOLOL...Sorry about spat out my coffee {{grin}}. I am afraid you will come down off that "high" and crash/burn.

    Thank you for the makeup tips. I'm finding myself looking more and more on YouTube. What once worked is no longer...

    Keeping you in prayer, Vee.

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    1. Yes, I crashed in the night, right on schedule. 😏

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  5. PS I desperately need new make up brushes! I'm going to see if I can find those on AZ! Thanks for the tip...the brush tip...get it?! lol

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    1. BS-Mall premium professional synthetic Kabuki Makeup Brush Set™️ (Made in China...🙃)

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  6. Somehow this post reminds me of Bill Clinton's famous line, "I didn't inhale." Oh wow, I hope that flying experience wasn't overly enjoyable. I wonder why they can't come up with a chemo treatment that leaves you with more hair than a single eyelash! What is R&D spending money on anyway?? You are a trooper. Hang in there. Maybe you'll get to fly again next week. Prayers for encouragement and health. God bless you.

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    1. That can’t be good...anything that reminds you of that dude. 😣

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  7. Wow! You look very pretty as a blonde, Vee. I'd say you deserve an A in make-up class. I would never guess that you didn't have your natural lashes and brows and your lipstick application looks lovely. I first discovered YouTube when an ad popped up on my sidebar for concealing hooded eyes with make-up. Amazing what those gals can achieve. I've not heard of Sharon so I will head over and check her out. I am liking the sounds of that lipstick.

    Glad to see your humor is still intact as you continue on with your chemo treatments. Good to hear an update. Prayers will continue. Hugs!!

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    1. Hooded eyes are a problem for me as well, but what I used to do no longer works.

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  8. Your photos are gorgeous. Whatever you are doing, it looks good. I have stubby lashes and have had them all my life. If I started using fake ones I think people might trip taking a second or third look at me! It's amazing how our aging bodies (faces) change, chemo or not. Thanks for all the tips! Keep them coming!

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    1. Believe me, I am often not recognized. LOL!

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  9. Vee, I think you are looking fabulous! Love both the wigs and your makeup looks flawless to me! Keep right on doing what you're doing, it looks great! Hope you will continue to find the strength and energy to share your journey and your sense of humour with all of us (your fans). Love, hugs and prayers...

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  10. First of all, I think you are looking quite lovely. I do like the new blonde you...are you having more fun?? :D Thanks for sharing those great videos...that Sharon really knows her stuff! I so agree with Linda (above)...your sense of humor through this is a blessing to us all. Sending BIG HUGS and many prayers.

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    1. Yes! It is fun to learn new things to look better.

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    2. Oh! I see what you were really asking. ☺️ More fun? Hmmm...no wolf whistles yet.

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  11. You are beautiful regardless of wig color ... but I do love your blonde look. I think you are doing such an amazing job coping with all of this and I can't tell you how much I admire your courage, wit and wisdom. You are a shining example of how a trial can be handled in God's strength. Praying for you, my friend!

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    1. Awww...sweet things to say, my friend. Thank you for your prayers.

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  12. You are so beautiful! Your skin is gorgeous. And I love how your sense of humour shines through (is enhanced by lol) your treatment! Great tips for makeup. May you find grace and strength for this day. Hugs!

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    1. Smoke and mirrors, Lorrie, smoke and mirrors.

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  13. Well look at you beautiful lady! Vee, you look awesome. Your sense of humor surely makes me smile. I think I told you but if not, I ordered the Dolly Wink. I ordered it from Amazon but it took a bit to come in. More on that story later and yes....MORE practice. Loving that lipstick choice and I am going to look for it.I have never heard of a makeup mirror for your cell phone. That is awesome Vee. Loving your blonde and girl...you truly are beautiful any way you look at it. Prayers abounding Vee and a scripture that just came to my mind is "Today is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it". I am rejoicing with you today for the gift of humor you have in the midst of this new journey. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Mine took forever because I, apparently, ordered it from Japan. 🙃 The light is supposed to be used for taking selfies with a cell phone. I am using it as a hack or workaround on my make-up mirror because the light on the mirror broke. Much cheaper than purchasing a new 10x magnification make-up mirror. Thank you for your visit, Cindy!

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  14. Vee, you look simply beautiful. You are doing a wonderful job taking care of yourself through this season. If you get a chance to fly next week, I'd love to see you! Your sense of humor is wonderful, my friend. We are continuing to keep you in our prayers. ♥

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    1. Now that would be fun! No more flying until next month. Chemo is every three weeks.

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  15. Dear Vee, I love the candor and the grace with which you are facing this challenge! Of course, we women want to look our best always, and I applaud you for doing the research and for sharing!

    You. Look. Beautiful!!

    Praying . . . with love . . .

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    1. Thanks, Cheryl. Make-up is kind of fun. (I’d prefer not to need it, however.) Those days are gone, though. I think most women, like barns, look best with a bit of paint.

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  16. Came to your blog from Instagram...sorry you are going through Chemo. I don't know the details, I know. but just thought I would leave a comment to let you know I came.

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    1. Well, thank you, Rose. I appreciate that. It wouldn’t take too much looking back to find the details if you are interested. I have not blogged that often lately. (June 7, 2019 to be more precise.)

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  17. You look great, Vee! I would never have thought of looking for this sort of video, but they do sort of fascinate me. I could spend a little more time trying to look good! Tonight I am going to Playhouse Square with most of my offspring to see the Lion King....A good time to try to look a bit better.

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    1. My sister and I are planning a get-together to binge watch some of these videos. Then we're going to have a make-up party. Have fun looking good, Kristi. It won't be too tough for you! You'll delight your family looking so fine.

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  18. I rarely ever wear makeup and I find that I am just not as in tune with the beauty industry as I could be. I will hopefully find a way soon to begin to learn a little more about makeup and outer beauty, but I believe we must have inner beauty first.

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    1. Not exactly sure what you are trying to say, Carol. If you are saying that inner beauty is far more important than outer beauty, I’d agree. I remember an old joke about a prude of an old woman asking her pastor what he thought of make-up and he said, “Go get some!” LOL I feel better when I look better and my family seems to appreciate my efforts. My 12-year-old grandson was delighted when he thought my hair had grown back already, Too funny.

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  19. I think you're looking great Vee.
    Love how you are keeping your sense of humor through this ordeal you are going through!!!

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    1. It’s the only way to fly. Stiff upper lips don’t always work for me, but humor serves me well.

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  20. Well, I think you're a beauty with or without hair. Your makeup tips are wonderful. I'm glad you're investing time into this. It will lift your spirits and it lifts all of ours, seeing you so perky. Love you. Praying for you. ~ the birdie

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    1. You have never seen me without hair. Trust me, it ain’t pretty!

      Thank you for “getting it.” Thank you for your prayers. So you’re “the birdie”?

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  21. I think you look fabulous. Chemo is rough, but you have the sweetest, calmest attitude about it all. Praying for you, and I hope the chemo sessions are over soon. PS- I'm ordering those brushes- that's a great find. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks, Terri. I think you’ll appreciate the brushes as much as I do.

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  22. I've worn some sort of makeup since I was 16 years old because my eyelashes and eyebrows have always been sparse and blond, even though my hair grew dark brown most my life. I will look into all the products and videos you recommend. The brushes sound wonderful! I hope chemo will be over soon and that you can get back to feeling well again, Vee. I have you in my daily prayers

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    1. Thanks, Pat. I am agreeing with you about chemo. Hope that it will be over by the end of September.

      What I like about Sharon is that I have watched her age in her videos about ten years and she is so honest about what age is doing to her face and hair and body and how she is handling each thing that comes. It's an ongoing process for us all and what used to work may not be working anymore.

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  23. I'm back for the video and I am learning a lot!
    By the way - I think you ROCK being blond - you look amazing!!

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  24. I got some makeup tips here, thanks for your sharing them and for your good humored writing. I had not heard of the steroid high before, and then the inevitable crash. You have a knack for writing about this hard journey.

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    1. Good, Terra! I keep finding new things every time I watch.

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  25. You look great as a blond! My daughter loves that burts bee with the tint!

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  26. Well Vee...you have just blown me away..you continue your sense of humor and look marvelous as you undergo such difficult treatment...I have no doubt you are a strong inspiration to so many fighting the same battle...bravo darling...bravo!

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  27. Hi Vee,

    It's so good to see you!! I agree with previous comments that your skin looks beautiful!! I have so enjoyed both of your Beauty Tips posts; I'm at one of those points in life where I need some changes. As a matter of fact, I just got a new haircut/hairdo and some new makeup and skin care. Such a great feeling.

    I adore your blond wig; it suits you perfectly. So many of us will never be able to go blond (like Yours Truly here). I think your foundation, eye makeup, lipstick, and eyebrows look just right -- so natural! My mom had told me about that lipstick several weeks ago; apparently that's what my sister wears, too. I shall have to try it. :D Thank you also for sharing the light for makeup mirrors; I may have to invest in one of those.

    Vee, I know these have not been easy times for you, but your grace under fire is so admirable. I have experienced the "steroid high" several times for other issues, but probably not as strong a dose as yours. It is a good feeling, though. :D My dad always hated taking steroids, but I loved all the extra energy they gave me. Who needs to sleep, right? ;D

    I hope the rest of your week goes well, my friend.

    Love and hugs,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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  28. I have learned so much from watching Sharon's videos. That Maybelline lipstick was the best discovery, no coming off on tea cups or glasses. Vee, you look great, and I really admire your courage and sense of humor. xo Deborah

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  29. I love that you’re learning new tricks, Vee! It’s important to look your best, which must help in the way you feel. i must look into that lipstick. Thanks for sharing your tips with us. You look great as a blond, btw!

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  30. Vee, you look great! Your wig and makeup look perfectly natural and lovely! I use the Burt's Bees cherry Lip Shimmer. Love that stuff. Now you've got me wanting to go out and get the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink for special occasions. You continue to amaze and inspire!

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  31. I am loving all your tips, and making a list of things here to check out! And I must say, you look amazing! Keep on smiling...and making us smile! (I'm just back from vacation and catching up on my favorite blogs.)

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  32. WOW! You look great - that is the prettiest color blond, too, Vee.

    I love stay on matte lip color, but yes - it is harsh - I am going to try that one Sharon recommended next time. Unfortunately I bought two new colors about a week ago. Dang.

    Keep up the good work taking care and getting better.

    Hugs, prayers, love....

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  33. I am way behind because of events around here but I'm so pleased that so many good tips are available to you via other bloggers and of course the internets. I'm glad you are finding bargains and tips and have the skills to follow through to make yourself feel better. Going to check your other post now. Continued prayers...ongoing for you and your treatments and recovery. God bless you!

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  34. You look gorgeous! I think of you so often, but fail to let you know.

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  35. You're looking wonderful, Vee! I love the selfies you've shared with us here.

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  36. You are such a pretty lady with a beautiful soul, seen through your warm eyes.

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  37. Vee I'm sending lots of love and prayers. My dad was just diagnosed laat week. My heart is heavy for both of you. You are beautiful just the way you are.

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    1. I am sorry to hear that your father has a cancer diagnosis. Things have come a long way in just a few short years, even months. Saying a prayer for your dad and trusting that he will come through just fine. It was shocking to me how many have been touched by this disease. So many right here in Blogdom. Stay strong and be of good courage!

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