Trich & Vacations

It's vacation time. For lash pullers, there is Eye Seal from Make Up Forever. Trichsters can use this formula to waterproof eyeshadows and eyeliner pencils.

I do this every vacation. I am also a scuba diver and a snorkeler. Believe me when I say that this stuff does NOT rub off. I have gotten out of the salt water and have rubbed my eyes over and over, and there wasn't even a smudge or a fade. This is a true miracle worker. Please note however, if you make the black eyeshadow waterproof (used as liner) but apply regular eyeshadow on your lid (without the eye seal), the regular eyeshadow may run on top of the black eyeliner since it is not waterproof. Although the black liner is still there and hasn't washed off, it may look faded if a lighter shadow on your lid has run down over the liner itself (this is particular to light eyeshadows, not dark ones). Just something to keep in mind.

Also note, it is not recommended you use eye seal to waterproof your liners when you are NOT in the water. If you rub your eyes, since the eye seal is dry, it will flake off. When it comes into contact with water, it has a particular reaction which makes is smudge-proof, flake-proof and virtually impossible to wash off. That is because the water reacts with the formula and is repelled. If there is no water to react to, there is nothing to repel and the waterproofed liner will flake off ONLY if it is touched. If it is not touched, it will remain exactly how you left it.

ALSO NOTE, be very precise. Once the eye seal dries, you CANNOT fix it. It does not smudge. You cannot make smoky eyes with eye seal. Once its there, its there and you can either spend 5 minutes rubbing it off (which will hurt) or you can use special waterproof makeup remover.

When you are in the water, eye seal will make waterproof all your shadows and eyeliner pencils. As a trichster myself, I guarantee this product. I have tried it and have been using it for years.

For scalp pullers, if the bald spot(s) are possible to hide in a ponytail, opt for these elastics with rubber for extra grip. These never slide, loosen or fall off (perfect for the water). If you click on the picture to enlarge it, you can see the rubber spiralled around the elastic itself. I use these all the time, and in all honesty, its really painful to take it out when your hair is still wet (its nearly impossible, rubber and wet hair should never mix), however this is a guaranteed way to make sure your pony stays exactly where it should (I promise!). Like previously mentioned, I am a scuba diver and have dived for up to 2 hours, these elastics are very reliable. They are sold at most pharmacies or wal-marts.

For those who cannot hide their scalp trich with a ponytail or updo, there are always water caps. Many people use them (because they dont want to wash their hair everyday) and if you think about it, it saves your hair and scalp from being dried and burnt from the sun. These also never slide off.

Most importantly, remember that you are not alone. You never were and never will be. The sun and the ocean don't care what you look like, they only want to warm and soothe you :) Happy holidays trichsters :) One day, we will have our own beach where only trichsters will be allowed, and makeup, hats and wigs will be prohibited :)

Trichotillomania In The Press

FutuRéale Magazine has dedicated one month's issue to create an Awareness Edition. This edition's Trichotillomania piece includes one of our anonymous posters who was kind enough to share their story, and also an interview with psychotherapist Karen Pickett from the OCD Center in Los Angeles (also known for her appearances on A&E's Obsessed).

The piece is now available online and can be viewed here.