Companion Magazine for IBD Volume 1 | Page 66

Is there anything nicer than a bubble bath? Not only does it feel ah-mazing, but it can also help reduce any pain you might feel from IBD. Relaxing in a hot Epsom salt bath is great, but it’s even better when you add sweet scents into the mix. This could mean investing in a reed diffuser, or some good bath products. I love sweet bath gels from Philosophy! Cinnamon Buns and Vanilla Birthday Cake are at the top of my list. When you’re on prednisone, doing your makeup becomes a challenge in itself. Many times I’d find my face so puffy that my usual makeup routine wouldn’t do me any favours. It was my mom’s idea to see a makeup artist for contouring lessons, and it was one that paid off. I went to a MAC boutique to learn some tricks of the trade, but there are several other options. We all have that friend who’s a makeup guru, and if not, there’s always YouTube! Believe it or not, there are videos that specialize in makeup for moon face. Jack Mercury has a great tutorial on her channel – I wish it were around when I was taking steroids! My friends were always there to save me from bad hospital food, but once I was put on IV nutrition they could no longer bring me sushi. They’d make up for it with books, DVDs, and best of all, nail polish! Painting your nails is a great way to pass the time when you’re stuck inside. On days that I was allowed to leave the hospital for a few hours, I’d love to go to the drug store and stock up! Essie and Nicole – OPI’s lower-priced line – are my favourite brands. Choosing fun colors like bright turquoise and poppy pink was a surefire way to brighten my day. Prednisone would cause my nails to become brittle; luckily Essie has a great hydrating base coat that allowed my nails to keep on growing! Remember – a flare-up might not look pretty, but it doesn’t mean you can’t feel pretty! 65