Make-up can be an important part of feeling like yourself and ready to face the world. But because it’s such a visual thing, it might feel like something that’s no longer possible after your vision changes. It’s easy to feel self-conscious, wondering if your make-up looks uneven or messy. Yet avoiding it completely can take away a simple pleasure and that feeling of being more like yourself. As with many things, it’s about finding new ways to do what matters to you. With time and practice, applying make-up can become familiar as you build up muscle memory.

Simple make-up can make a big difference – a tinted moisturiser, mascara and a lip tint can instantly make you feel more polished and confident. But dramatic looks are possible too. Lucy Edwards has great tips on social media, like using tape to get a neat, winged eyeliner edge. You could ask a friend for feedback, use a magnifying mirror or take a selfie and zoom in to check. Don’t be discouraged if it’s not perfect at first – keep practising. Some people find it helps to practise one area at a time, such as eyes or lips, until you build confidence before putting a whole look together.

You can also experiment with different brands, formulas and types of make-up to find what works best for you.

Make-up tips

• Stick and cream products, like foundation or blusher, are often easier to control and blend than powders.

• Chilling an ink eyeliner briefly can make it easier to feel the tip as you trace along the lash line.

• Eyeshadow sticks blend easily, or try an eyeshadow trio palette of light, medium and dark shades. Apply with your fingers for placement, then buff with a brush.

• Do your eye make-up first and wipe away smudges with micellar water before foundation, or leave eyes until last and use cotton buds to tidy up.

• A soft kabuki brush helps you feel where the product is and achieve an even blend.

• Eyebrows can be tricky, so consider getting them shaped and tinted professionally.

Identifying make-up

Tactile dots, elastic bands or raised stickers can help identify items. Some brands include braille, and others have distinctive packaging that’s easy to recognise by touch. Some people use small ‘NFC tags’ – stickers that your smartphone can scan to identify things like eye shadow colours.

Apps such as Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, or Meta glasses can also help, and some people use Be My Eyes to ask a volunteer to check their make-up.

Buying make-up

It can be easier to compare products online before buying, but visiting a beauty counter at least once is really useful. Beauty advisors can show you how products feel on your skin, where to apply them, and which shades suit you. Combining online research with an in-store visit can help you choose what’s right for you.

Further resources and tutorials

If you’d like to explore more, here are some trusted links and accessible resources:

• Lucy Edwards – @lucyedwardsofficial on Instagram and YouTube: Blind content creator sharing make-up tutorials, accessibility tips, and confidence advice.

• Claire Sisk – @canseecantsee on Instagram: Disability and beauty influencer offering practical make-up demonstrations and lifestyle guidance.

• Sinead Cady (The Make-Up Chair on YouTube): Clear, step-by-step tutorials focusing on application technique and blending.

• Guide Dogs – Make-up for people with a vision impairment: Practical written and video advice on applying make-up when you have sight loss.
  www.guidedogs.org.uk/apply-make-up-vision-impairment

• RNIB – Applying make-up: Techniques and accessible product suggestions.
  www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/navigating-life/applying-make-up
• Retina UK – Make-up tips and tricks with Bhavini: Video and written guidance from an experienced visually impaired make-up enthusiast.
  www.retinauk.org.uk/resources/make-up-tips-and-tricks-with-bhavini

Of course, make-up isn’t for everyone. But it’s a great example of finding new ways of doing things. Whatever your interests or passions, we can help you continue to enjoy them. Please contact us to find out more.

Last reviewed: November 2025