[nabs-l] ideas on how to accomplish daily living skills

[lizzy]

Hi Kelsey,
Yes, all of these things are possible, I am totally blind and 
often paint and clip my nails as well as apply makeup.  First, 
I've never tried the method of using cold nail polish but really 
like the idea.  My biggest piece of advice to you is just go for 
it.  The first time I painted my nails it was a mess but honestly 
after that, it became much easier.
Big tips for painting: Keep track of which parts of the nail 
you've already done and don't do too many coats of polish.  I 
usually do two coats on each hand but that all depends on the 
color and how light or dark it is, so I'd ask an honest friend if 
its showing up okay.  When at the beauty salon, pay attention to 
what the person is doing while painting your nails (Ex: Doing the 
right hand, then the left, back to the right and ending with the 
left).  I personally like the smaller containers of nail polish 
because they have shorter stems and my hand is closer to my nail 
making it easier for me to apply.  Always, always, always have 
some nail polish remover on hand.  As someone else said, sighted 
girls mess up a lot when they're learning as well so don't feel 
embarrassed if you get some paint on the skin around the nail or 
mess up the first few times, just have fun with it.
On to clipping, I clip my nails with clippers then I shape them 
using either an emery board or metal file.  Start off small just 
clipping the tip of your nail and shaping it how ever you like.  
Then as you feel more comfortable, you can clip shorter and 
shorter.
As for makeup, exactly which products are you interested in 
applying? I usually use mascara and eye shadow, but I do at times 
use foundation and blush, so if you let me know what exactly you 
would like to start off with I can give you specific tips.
Happy beautifying and good luck!
Lizzy