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Savvy July 2019

i won't be able to wear any makeup for my wedding 😱 (help me)

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Charlotte, on July 17, 2019 at 7:44 PM

I'm in a really big predicament here and I just don't know what to do. I had to get a biopsy done to check for skin cancer. They took some skin from all over my face and left me with scars and bruises but the worst part is that I can't wear ANY makeup for at least a week. I didn't think it was going to be a big deal so I didn't research the procedure and now I'm totally lost. After it was done my Doctor just dropped "oh by the way you won't be able to wear makeup for a week." I can't put ANYTHING on my face except soap and water and my wedding is this Friday in two days. I'm a full face everyday girl so most people going to the wedding have never seen me without my makeup and with the new scars I can't even look at my reflection in the mirror. I have family from out of state who are here already and took off from work to be at our wedding and now I don't even want to go. I've called my doctor earlier today explaining the situation and she said I'd absolutely be at risk of infection if I wore makeup even for one day before it heals. I'm so stupid for scheduling this right before my wedding. I don't even know what I was thinking. Now I have the choice of getting married looking like a zombie or calling off the wedding entirely which I don't think I can do to everyone. I tried my dress on earlier without makeup and before I felt so beautiful in it but now it just feels like a cruel joke. I know you probably think I'm being overdramatic but I'm never without makeup not even to the grocery store. I have literally no eyebrows or eyelashes without makeup and gross skin. I feel so naked I just want to lock myself in my room and sleep through the wedding. Sorry for this poorly written rant. I'm hoping someone here can come up with a way I can get married without looking too scary but I'm not sure if that's possible!

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49 Comments

Dedicated July 2020
Courtney · on July 17, 2019 at 8:57 PM
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These are examples of birdcage veils
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VIP September 2020
Kelsey · on July 17, 2019 at 8:58 PM
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Could you maybe just wear it for the ceremony then after pics and you start the reception go wash your face quick?
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Expert October 2020
Sara · on July 17, 2019 at 9:06 PM
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Something like that?
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Expert October 2020
Sara · on July 17, 2019 at 9:09 PM
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I feel like I'd be pissed at the doctor also. They should tell you what to expect after any type of procedure.
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Super August 2020
Anna · on July 17, 2019 at 9:15 PM
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Oh gosh this sucks! Honestly, I would still wear the makeup. Use brand new makeup and clean brushes. Have you looked up the procedure online specifically? I just tried but couldn't find anything related to the face specifically. I would try googling it to see if anyone's written about healing times/after-care... sometimes doctors are overly cautious. It's messed up that she waited until after to tell you you cannot wear makeup. I mean, some people don't go outside without makeup on a regular day... she should have let you know.
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Devoted May 2021
Melissa · on July 17, 2019 at 9:21 PM
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So I would honestly load up on antibiotic ointment up until the wedding and wear makeup day of. As soon as it’s over and your able to take the makeup off. I’d risk it myself but I’m not one to do exactly what I’m supposed to.
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Savvy July 2019
Charlotte · on July 17, 2019 at 9:39 PM
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I've seen some people complain about not being able to wear makeup after the procedure online. Yeah, I'm one of those people who never goes outside without makeup on a regular day. Just walking to my car from the doctors office without makeup made me feel super vulnerable. I might as well be in my underwear when I have absolutely no makeup on.
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Savvy July 2019
Charlotte · on July 17, 2019 at 9:49 PM
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Thanks. I'm feeling ok although my face is pretty sore. I'm basically going to try to hide my face as much as possible I think. I'm having to rework my whole look because of this 😳
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Super September 2020
Jennifer · on July 17, 2019 at 10:05 PM
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Ask the doc if you can use liquid bandaid to protect the open wounds before applying makeup.
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Super September 2020
Jennifer · on July 17, 2019 at 10:12 PM
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I just googled that this stuff works great as a makeup trick with massive zits/popped pimples. So, apparently it goes well under makeup.

I would ask still so you're not putting yourself at risk, but also, this does have an antiseptic in it.
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VIP September 2019
· on July 17, 2019 at 10:15 PM
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I had a Dermatology procedure in the past where they had to surgically cut off two moles. I waited a few days then back to make up as usual. I would recommend using new brushes and make up. Then wash your face as soon as events are over.
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VIP October 2020
Ingrid · on July 17, 2019 at 10:44 PM
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You should've been given antibiotics for the procedure anyway. If you haven't been given antibiotics then ask your doctor for them. Which should help prevent infection from setting in. If you can live with the possibility of dealing with an infection then do what makes you beautiful on your wedding day.
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Devoted June 2019
C R · on July 17, 2019 at 10:52 PM
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I absolute would NOT risk infection. Infections are no joke and could potentially result in permanent scarring. I know that’s not what you want for your face. I am really sorry you're going through this, but please listen to your doctor.
Good luck - fingers crossed for you - give us an update.
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Super December 2021
Casey · on July 17, 2019 at 11:20 PM
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I was also going to suggest liquid band aid!! Ask your doctor asap! It would probably cover okay.
I agree with birdcage + lipstick if you can!
Ask your doctor for preemptive antibiotics, generally it's not good idea to take antibiotics if you don't have an infection but for a procedure of high risk it's very common and I'm surprised he didn't already.

Also, don't feel overdramatic! I can't imagine the upset and distraught I would be feeling. It's okay! Breathe! Your FH and guests will all think you're beautiful regardless!
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Dedicated September 2019
Sasha · on July 17, 2019 at 11:39 PM
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I'm so sorry this is happening, I would go to a different doc and see if you get the same advice. The fact this doctor didn't tell you about the procedure's implications ahead of time and can make no concessions for what to do now makes me think they might not be a good doc. A different doc might say to go ahead and put some of those clear second skin stuff, and makeup over that.
If there's only two days till the wedding though, doubt you have time to be finding new doctors. Ugh, what an awful thing to have right before your big day. If you go bare faced, just know the people are not there for your looks but to celebrate you & your FH's union. (Although, as I said in my first comment, I'd personally risk the chance of infection or even just deal with the infection later and still wear allergenic makeup - applied with clean brushes).
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Dedicated October 2019
Miriam · on July 18, 2019 at 12:12 AM
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Hi Charlotte,a close friend of mine has skin cancer and she could not wear make up hecause she woyld be at risj of an infection,yes a very serious unfection,she could how ever get her eyebrows done,eyeliner,mascara and lipstick,but absolutley NO FOUNFATION NO BLUSH NO HIGHLIGTH/CONTOUR...hope this helps
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Expert July 2019
Katherine · on July 18, 2019 at 12:57 AM
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I think it would be nice to try a couple styles of veils to see what makes you feel most beautiful and comfortable. It’s okay to be upset about this.

If you want people to chill out, you can designate an aunt or someone to explain to people if they ask.

In the end people will be looking at the joy on your face, and that’s what they’ll remember.

How will you be doing your hair?
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Savvy July 2019
Charlotte · on July 18, 2019 at 2:07 AM
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Thanks. I'm not sure what hairstyle I'm going with now because the one I originally picked looks bad workout makeup. I'm going to send out an email letting guests know why I look so different.
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Savvy July 2019
Charlotte · on July 18, 2019 at 2:08 AM
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I'll try to update every day until the wedding. Really nervous 😳
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Devoted July 2019
Futuremrs · on July 18, 2019 at 3:27 AM
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I can't imagine how you are feeling right now. We all have visions of what we will look like on our wedding day. I think your doctor handled things very poorly by not telling you before the procedure that makeup wasn't allowed after. However, I strongly urge you to follow the post-op restrictions. An infection on your face, especially near your eyes, is a huge risk for permanent scarring and if the infection were to get in your eye, you could have vision loss. I don't mean to sound dramatic, but I'm so concerned for you that I can't sleep now.

Please trust your doctor. And trust your fiancé. He's going to think you're a knockout with or without makeup. Obviously, he's not a shallow guy if he's telling you to not risk an infection. He loves you and that's all that matters at the end of the day. As my therapist told me, just keep in mind what the purpose of the day is.

Good luck! I am wishing for the most amazing day for you. And I am trusting that you get a clean bill of health at the end of this.
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