I find it hard to do anything with my hair as well. It's usually just in a ponytail holder. As for makeup, I really don't put any on unless the hubby and I are going out. But, daily I put on a tinted moisturizer and a light colored Burt's beeswax. That gives me the appearance of having some makeup without much effort.

A lot of people treat themselves to mani/pedi's but I'm fearful that the twisting/turning will set off my knuckles and toes. So....I try to treat myself to a wash/hairstyle every couple of weeks. My stylist is great and it only costs me $30 dollars to have my hair washed, blow dried and styled. Makes me feel good.

It's not much, but every little bit helps.

I have had my hair cut very short which does look ok on me. It has really simplified my life. And many days i wear a cute cap and simple earrings. This has made it really easy to. I've learned to slap on makeup if I'm tching that day.Lol
My makeup routine is very easy. A little base, lip color, and pencil under eyes....if I'm going out.

My clothing is very simple too. Nothing fancy ever. I make palooza pants which are big legged pants with elastic and a matching Tee. It is cute though....but made my life so easy. I wear simple shoes. Tees i just get at Wal-Mart and they are fitted somewhat but never uncomfortable. The palooza plant pattern i bought at Wal-Mart and buy simple cute materials for the summer.

Around the house i wear shorts and tees and caps.

I've made it to where i can get a shower and dressed and makeup in 40 minutes.

Sunvalleygal you are so right about the palazzo pants! I have no clue why but they always make me feel...elegant. Or like a movie star for some reason and yet they are usually more comfortable then my pajama pants. Go figure.

I did find a wash and go style of hair that helps a lot as some mornings it's hard to get the brush out (it just looks fluffier when combed - lots and lots of layers).

When I can, like RCross, I add one layer of shellac (covergirl's aquasmooth cream foundation) but then add a pressed powder top and that's it. Less than 5 minutes assuming I have no issues opening up the make up compartments. ;-)

LOL And when all else is way to much I do have a "rich" perfume. As long as I smell purdy - in spite of looking like a train wreck - I can sometimes fool myself that I am ready for a glamour shot.

Ooh, I love talking about girly routines.

Biggest tip I can give you: get some wrap dresses. No buttons or zippers to aggravate achey hands, no maneuvering into uncomfortable pants, and they feel as cozy as pajamas. They look super elegant, and because few people wear dresses anymore, you're already perceived as extra classy even without done-up hair or makeup. Sundresses in general are very easy to get on, very comfy, and look great.

(This may be TMI, so if you're easily offended stop reading till after the parentheses but.... I stopped wearing a bra years ago, even though I'm pretty busty and probably "should." I get chostochondritis and sternocostal inflammation regularly as the result of my RA, and wearing a bra always aggravated it. As a result, I try to dress in layers, or in things that disguise my obvious bralessness. Wrap dresses have runching over the bust, or I wear camisoles underneath clothes. I don't/won't suffer with more RA chest pain just to be politically correct!)

Another things that's helped me out big time is getting a shower chair. They make special bath stools, but I just picked up an all-plastic step-stool which was much cheaper and works well. This has made washing my hair and shaving my legs a much less daunting task! I did end up cutting my butt-length hair down to just-above-the-shoulder last year during a big flare because I couldn't take care of it anymore-- ultimately it was the right decision for me, and there was enough hair to donate. I've always been a "tie your hair back and forget about it" girl, so it's kept in a short little pony tail most days.

As far as makeup, I don't wear it the vast majority of the time. When I do, it's a very simplified routine; mix some liquid concealer in with a big handful of sunscreen and apply all over, then top with powder, and add a little mascara. If it's a big night out, I might add a little eye shadow. I never bother with the little applicators because they're too small and hurt to hold, I just stick a (clean) finger in the shadow and then run it over my eye lid.

I agree with RCross about being scared to get manicures; the risk of infection is higher in public parlors, and I'm scared of my joints getting man-handled. I will occasionally have a friend paint my fingernails if I have something coming up that I'd like to look extra girly for. She'll also help curl my hair occasionally, which is always a treat.

I love hearing about all of your beauty routines! Great post, Twyliah.
-Megan

Twyliah - I wear makeup to work 5 days a week so on the weekends, I usually don't . However, I generally feel better on the inside if I take the time to do my face. I am an avid face moisturizer (my grandma taught me young - LOL) but at night when it seems I'm too tired to move, I have given in to using a pre-moistened makeup remover cloths. As far as hair, I'm still struggling with that one. In my minds eye, I see one style and when it comes to getting my hands and shoulders to cooperate with making that style happen....well, you know how that can be.

I agree with the sundresses...Luv them... and i switched to sports bra a long time ago...i buy them a size to big and they are comfy.

I am the same way about predicures. If i get one,i do all the trimming and filling before. I won't risk the chance of them nicking me and it hurts when they clip and gouge. I won't let them. But a nice footrub is so relaxing.

I told my boss today that i was wearing tennis shoes from now on bc of tendonitis... i have never worn tennis shoes in my profession but i don't have a choice... she said she has tendonitis as well...i was so relieved... they look okay with my palooza pants and capris.

I had never heard of palooza pants, but I'm going to try them. I appreciate all of the responses. I've recently cut my hair short, which is helpful. I also am afraid to get mani/pedi's, it's really funny how alike we with RA are! I am having a good day. My hair parted like I wanted and my face looked ok without much makeup today. Having RA is almost like taking up a different lifestyle, but I will say that it makes you decide what is important enough to you to use your energy on, it is very focusing in that way.

Consider trying a brush-on foundation/powder such as Bare Minerals -- quick and easy. I'd recommend the newer version that comes in a compact (much less messy than the original loose powder in a jar). I think you have to buy a brush separately, but it works great.

This is a good question twyliah. I don't do makeup unless there is a wedding. I use soap and water on my face and lip gloss throughout the day. i never was a make-up-type-girl to begin with. Hair gelled, brushed, and pilled back works best for me. I am with sunvalleygirl, I keep the earrings pretty, wear cute outfits that are simple and I am good to go. Not much primping as it is enough for me to get up and go to work in the am.