Putting On Makeup in the Dark

When it comes to putting on makeup as a blind person, it's really like doing it in the dark because I am unable to use a mirror to guide me.  There was a time up until five years ago when I was able to do so because I had enough vision then to see my profile in the mirror but now it's primarily by touch. 

 

Having been able to see before gives me an advantage now in that I am able to visualize things but not to worry.  Blind persons can be taught to put on their own makeup by using touch techniques plus some other important strategies that are really not too difficult to understand once you get the hang of it all. 

 

In the case of putting on lipstick:  I take the lipstick and gently move it along the line of my lips.  Then I take a tissue and blot it just like what a sighted person would do.  In the case of face powder, I use a cosmetic pad to do the job.  I gently place the pad on the top of the compact where the powder is, press lightly, and then apply the pad to my cheeks and nose.  In this way, I am almost certain to ensure that the powder is applied evenly.

 

Blind persons are also taught to apply such things as eyebrow pencils plus more and like sighted persons they too make errors when applying their makeup from time to time.  The only big difference here is that sighted persons can see their errors but blind persons are unable to do so.  So they need to depend on the sighted world to tell them.  If you would like to learn more about how blind persons are taught to apply their makeup then please visit www.nfb.org or www.rnib.org.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and spread the word that yes!  Blind persons can put on their own makeup.