No energy or desire to spend ages in front of the mirror? Feeling exhausted from chemo? With this super simple step-by-step plan, putting on makeup becomes a breeze. Just like our customer Ilse, do you love a natural look? Grab your makeup bag and, with tips from An — a care-makeup specialist who often works with us — you’ll be glowing again in no time.

What do you need?

• Concealer (or foundation)
• Lipstick
• Black eyeliner pencil
• Taupe eyeliner pencil
• Brow cream
• Brow brush with angled bristles
• Optional: makeup brush and cotton swabs

Step 1: Cleanse and hydrate

Start by cleansing your skin and applying a hydrating day cream. Don’t forget to nourish your lips with a balm or moisturizing stick. Dab concealer under your eyes and blend it with your fingers. Apply a little to your eyelids too — it instantly brightens and gives you a well-rested look. No concealer at hand? You can also use foundation here.

Step 2: Add a touch of color to your lips

Apply lipstick with your fingers using gentle tapping motions. Focus on your Cupid’s bow for a naturally fresh look without appearing overdone.

Step 3: … and to your cheeks too!

With your ring finger or a small makeup brush, apply a bit of the same lipstick to your cheeks as a cream blush and blend well. The creamy texture is gentle on dry skin and gives a subtle glow.

Step 4: Time for your eyes

Use a taupe eyeliner pencil pencil to draw a fine line along your upper lash line. Not too steady with your hand? Soften the line with a cotton swab for a soft, smoky effect. Taupe is a fresh, neutral shade that really opens up your eyes.

Step 5: And what about your lashes?

Draw a black line on the inner rim of your upper eyelid to create the illusion of fuller lashes.

Are your eyes too sensitive for this? Try this tip from Martine, a “Look Good Feel Better” beauty specialist who has worked with many women going through cancer treatment: Draw a thick line of black or taupe eyeliner on the back of your hand, mix it with a little concealer, then apply this blend softly along your lash line and blend out gently. The secret? The concealer makes it last longer, so you don’t have to keep touching it up throughout the day.

Step 6: Define your brows

Fill in your eyebrows with brow cream and an angled brow brush. This allows you to draw fine, hair-like strokes and looks more natural than using powder. Can’t find brow cream? Mix some eyeliner with concealer like in the previous tip for a similar effect.

If you’re getting chemo that may cause your eyebrows to fall out, start practicing drawing them before they’re completely gone. That way, you’ll get used to the shape and feel more confident.

Why mascara isn’t always the best idea during chemo

One final tip from care-makeup specialist An: “You can use mascara as long as your lashes are intact, but avoid waterproof formulas. They’re harder to remove and can cause fragile lashes to break or fall out faster. As soon as you notice your lashes thinning, skip mascara altogether. It will only highlight how few lashes you have left, and the brush might pull them out even more.”

Curious about more chemo makeup before & afters?

Back in 2014, Rosette La Vedette opened a temporary pop-up store where we organized pampering afternoons with free color advice and professional makeup sessions. Ingrid, Sandra, Will, and Leen all took a seat in makeup artist Katarina’s chair. You can discover their makeovers here >>