eSCAping Type 1

Warning: This post is going to seem very superficial to some people. But also very helpful to others. So…

I say this because some people believe that when you have a chronic illness there are much more important issues to worry about.

But the amount of time I’ve spent looking up “beauty tips” for people with hand tremors is a bit embarrassing… and Ataxians know it’s not just tremors; It’s grip and strength and coordination. Plus, by the time you’re actually ready, you’re too exhausted to go out anyway.

But I’m a firm believer that when you look good you feel good. And the lack of resources out there for us to accomplish that is discouraging. So, without further adieu, here are some “hacks” I’ve embraced over the past few years.

[As an affiliate, if you purchase anything from the links in this post, I could make some money, at no additional cost to you.]

 

Brush Straightener

Why we all bought regular flat irons instead of these to begin with, I don’t know. Using this has been life-changing, as dramatic as that may sound. Even if I still can’t get my hair perfectly straight, this at least helps me smooth out the top layer without my arms giving up halfway through.

 

Scrunchies

Never realized how important finger muscles and dexterity were until I recently tried putting my hair up with a regular elastic band. Good thing scrunchies are cool again – there’s a pretty big design variety now. I like that they’re wide and loose (yup.) so I can easily grab and twist them. My friend Kelly did an awesomely extensive review that you can find here.

 

Nair/Veet

Speaking of hair… Really though, want a SAFE alternative to swiping a straight razor over half your body? Now, these don’t smell great, and take a bit of time. But I’ll take anything that will keep my shower from looking like a scene from Dexter, please.

(I also hear electric razors are a great alternative, too. I just haven’t tried that yet.)

 

Foundation

After much trial and error, I can confidently recommend this. I love that you can just draw all over your face, and then use your fingers (or a brush, or sponge) to blend it in. I find liquid and powder to be too messy, and I tend to have tiger stripes with those.

 

Eyelash Extensions

To be honest, I haven’t tried this yet (thanks, COVID). But after seeing my sister in law’s results, I knew my days of repeatedly stabbing myself in the eye with a mascara wand were over. My appointment is next month, and I cannot wait to say, “I woke up like this” and have it be completely true.

 

Dresses

Ok, I know this seems dumb but hear me out. Guess which item of clothing is ridiculously difficult to put on when you have no balance? So, if you don’t have to wear pants, why would you? (My 7-month-old feels the same way.) The Amazon dress pictured is one of my favorites because its comfortable, cute without any effort, and has pockets.

 

Adhesive Nails

Have you ever painted your nails with the “other” hand, while riding a bike, partially blindfolded? That’s kind of what it feels like with Ataxia. Sooo I love stick-on nails. I still need someone to help me apply them, but they really do last a long time without chipping.

My go-to brand has always been KISS (I’ve been in six weddings and have worn these for each). But my friend Chandra recently recommended Static Nails because they legitimately last for nearly a month, so you can bet I’m ordering those as soon as I decide on a color.

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I’m still on a quest to find a lipstick that doesn’t make me look like a middle-aged woman going out to the grocery store (even though that is my reality). So I would really love it if readers commented other suggestions below, especially since Ataxia is progressive and all.