Going through hair loss—whether from breast cancer treatments or other health conditions—can feel like losing a significant part of your identity. You might miss the comfort of running your fingers through your hair or the freedom of experimenting with different hairstyles. Yet, this journey can also lead to discovering new ways to express your beauty—both inside and out.
One such avenue is makeup. With the right approach, makeup can become an uplifting tool that helps you feel more like yourself again. And if you wear a wig, combining it with a well-thought-out makeup routine can truly transform how you see yourself in the mirror.
We found an abundance of supportive voices on YouTube and Reddit—women generously sharing tips, product recommendations, and personal stories of their experiences with hair loss. Online communities like r/breastcancer and r/alopecia_areata often host threads discussing the challenges and triumphs of wearing wigs and experimenting with makeup. Here, we’ve gathered some of the best advice we’ve come across to help you navigate your beauty journey with confidence and comfort.
1. Prepping Your Skin
Before applying any makeup, it’s crucial to prepare your skin. Chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments can affect your skin’s sensitivity and texture, making it drier or more prone to irritation. Start by gently cleansing with a mild face wash—something fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin. Some brands like Bioderma have a solution just for that. Then, follow up with a hydrating moisturizer and, if possible, a soothing primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup.
Many YouTubers who share their cancer journey emphasize the importance of quality skincare. A popular recommendation from several breast cancer survivors I encountered on YouTube is to look for products containing soothing, nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and hyaluronic acid. These not only help keep your skin moisturized but also reduce redness and discomfort.
2. Choosing the Right Foundation
Finding the perfect foundation can boost your confidence, especially if your complexion has changed due to treatment side effects. Opt for a lightweight, hydrating formula rather than a heavy, matte one. This ensures your skin can breathe while still evening out your skin tone. Reddit threads often mention brands with extensive shade ranges and gentle formulas, so don’t be shy about reading reviews and asking for swatches. If possible, visit a beauty counter for a color match—many makeup artists are sensitive to clients undergoing treatment and can suggest suitable products.
If you find yourself having a skin color not “commonly found” in commercial establishments, dig deeper online! You’ll be surprised to find more and more brands coming out with very specific shades that just might be what you’re looking for.
To apply, use a clean makeup sponge or soft brush, gently pressing the foundation into the skin rather than rubbing. This method tends to be gentler, especially if your skin is extra sensitive. Remember, a little goes a long way, so you can always build coverage gradually without overdoing it.
3. Defining the Brows and Eyes
Eyebrows and eyelashes often thin out or disappear during treatment, and that can significantly change how you see yourself in the mirror. But as many women on Reddit’s r/MakeupAddiction have pointed out, recreating the appearance of brows can feel like reclaiming your expressions and personality.
- Brows: Start by choosing an eyebrow product—pencil, powder, or pomade—in a shade close to your natural hair (or wig) color. A pencil can help you create light, hair-like strokes for a softer look. If you’re unsure about technique, One tip from a breast cancer survivor’s vlog: use a spoolie (or a clean mascara wand) to blend the brow color, diffusing any harsh lines.
- Lashes: If your lashes are sparse or absent, consider a gentle mascara if you have some lashes left, or explore false lashes specifically designed for sensitive eyes. Several online communities recommend looking into magnetic lash strips or lash adhesives that are hypoallergenic. If lashes aren’t an option right now, you can draw a subtle eyeliner line along the upper lash line. This gives the illusion of fuller lashes while defining the eyes.
4. Adding Color and Warmth
A subtle blush or bronzer can add warmth back to a complexion that might look dull or sallow due to treatment. Cream blushes are often favored by makeup artists for those with sensitive or dry skin—they blend easily and tend to look natural.
Lipstick or tinted balm can also play a major role in brightening up your face. Consider a bold color if you’re feeling adventurous—one lively Reddit thread described how a bright coral lipstick became the “ultimate confidence booster” for a woman who had just shaved her head. Whether it’s a classic red or a soft pink, pick a hue that makes you feel radiant.
5. Coordinating Your Wig with Your Makeup Look
Wigs come in countless styles, lengths, and colors. Whether you choose a wig that resembles your natural hair or decide on something completely new, coordinating it with your makeup can help tie your whole look together. For instance, if you’re wearing a wig in a warm tone—like honey blonde or auburn—lean into corresponding warm shades for your eyes or lips. On the other hand, cooler-toned wigs, such as ash brown or platinum blonde, pair beautifully with cooler eyeshadow palettes like taupes or grays.
In one YouTube tutorial, a breast cancer survivor shared her tip of placing her wig on a stand and experimenting with different makeup looks next to it. This method helps visualize how your chosen makeup colors will appear against the wig’s shade without the fuss of repeatedly putting the wig on and taking it off.
6. Practicing Self-Compassion
Above all, remember that beauty is deeply personal, and there’s no single “correct” way to wear makeup or style a wig. On days when you’re feeling fatigued, a bit of tinted moisturizer and lip balm can do wonders to lift your spirits. On days you feel more energetic, you might enjoy experimenting with a smokey eye or bold lip.
One of the recurring themes in online communities is the importance of patience and self-compassion. It’s perfectly normal to have good days and bad days as you adjust to changes in your appearance. You are allowed to celebrate the small wins, whether it’s finding a perfect eyebrow pencil or styling your wig in a way that makes you smile.
Finding Confidence in Your Reflection
It’s not just about looking in the mirror and seeing a certain face; it’s about feeling a spark of recognition and comfort in who you are, despite the challenges. Makeup can be a gentle reminder of your strength and resilience, while a well-fitted wig can help you reconnect with the confidence you feared you’d lost.
Through online communities—on YouTube, Reddit, and beyond—you’ll find women sharing stories of transformation, practical tips, and unwavering support for one another. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Even if you’re physically isolated, you can reach out digitally to find a circle of individuals who understand and empathize.
Take it at your own pace, explore the styles that speak to you, and remember: your beauty is never gone; it’s merely evolving with you.