Scalp massager: If you’re someone who never seems to get their shampoo worked into the entire scalp, or simply run out of attention span to finish the job, get yourself on Amazon to buy a scalp massager. It makes those hard-to-reach scalp areas easier to shampoo. Plus it helps to stimulate hair growth, so it’s a win win.
A dyspraxic’s guide to makeup
I’ve seen so much advice out there for dyspraxic people who struggle with makeup to avoid it altogether. I’m here to tell you that that’s absolute nonsense. Unless you want to skip makeup, of course. Do not skip foundation just because someone is telling you it’s too difficult, don’t skip blush because you think you’ll look silly, and don’t skip mascara because it ends up all over your eyelids.
Mascara: First things first, if you’re constantly dropping your mascara wand or foundation on your clothes or carpet (RIP to so many carpets), just lay a towel on your legs or by your feet. Next, get yourself a mascara guard and say goodbye to messy lids.
Brushes: The first step is getting makeup brushes you like and find easy to hold. Having poor fine motor skills means they can often be harder to hold and use. My favourites include Anisa, which have shapes that perfectly align with the contours of your face taking the guesswork out of how to use them. As well as Kohl Kreatives, where the brushes are specifically designed for motor disabilities.
Solid formulas: Me and powder just really don’t get on. I can do pressed powder if it’s an absolute must but they’re getting smashed within 5-7 business days and I can’t deal with that heartbreak any longer. I love the Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Bronzer, Pixi On-The-Glow Blush, and Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Wand Highlighter.
Makeup artists always tell us: “it’s easier to add than remove” and I stick by that. In my opinion, getting truly buildable formulas that you can’t spill makes going OTT almost impossible.
A dyspraxic’s guide to skincare
I’ve forgotten to eat dinner more times than I can count, but I’m proud to say that I’ve almost never forgotten to remove my makeup, and that’s because it’s the first thing I do when I get home. I keep the products next to the sink and have my flannels organised with easy access. Before even washing my face, I’ll line up the skincare I’m going to use that evening in order from left to right. This avoids any mishaps when using strong acids that I don’t want to double up on.
A dyspraxic’s guide to nails
As a huge nail enthusiast, people often ask me how on earth I’m able to draw intricate nail art when I am clumsy AF. The simple answer is because I practice, I feel under no pressure and because I’ve got some pretty creative tools. Case in point: using a head torch to get a really up-close hand-free lighting situation.
If you don’t feel capable of doing your nails at all, nor have the patience (I feel you) but love nail art, why not go and see a professional? With the right manicurist, appointments can be so enjoyable.
A dyspraxic’s guide to everything else beauty
I never, ever ever wax my brows myself. Rarely do I even pluck them, I leave that up to the professionals. And I always use a fake tan with a colour guide following Jules Von Hep’s tips for hands and feet to a T.
Finally, forgetting to do all of the above is very common. Anything outside of my basic day to day grooming routine, I write down step by step in notes on my phone. Seems a bit extreme but when a dyspraxic person tells you they’re forgetful, they truly mean it.