I have a show coming up...

[Magenta]

I rarely post here anymore but I do need some advice and tips. In three weeks, I have a show coming up. We're going to start looking at costumes soon and I'm extremely worried about this. My legs won't be a problem but my arms will. Any cuts now will heal and likely fade enough to be okay but I have one very red and raised scar that is my main problem.

I considered getting my mum to call the teachers for the course who are running the show but that's just embarrassing. The costume department is run by students so even if a teacher had a solution, they'd have to speak to another student and it's just too much embarrassing hassle.

I've been looking into pancake makeup and other things like that... how well would that work on my upper arm and how much would it stand out in comparison to the rest of my arms? I'm also really pale, usually the first shade of concealer (I know nothing about makeup, sorry for the 'terminology') and I'm really inexperienced with using products.

Really worried about how I'm going to look under stage lights. Usually I'm in the back but there's a few times I am front and centre on the stage. :/ There's no way I can get out of doing this show or any others that come later in the year from the course.

Anyone else been in a similar situation and know how to remedy this? I'm already using Bio Oil and Scar Zone which have faded parts of the the scar (it's almost seven inches long) but not others and certainly will not fade it in time. I have three weeks to go shopping for products (and hope to not waste money on things that bark more than they bite so to speak).

Thanks.

[sarah newman]

Okay, there are a few solutions you can consider.

1) you've already said make up, try foundation/concealer but the lightest shade as you said your pale. You don't have to spend much as there are some foundations/concealers that are very cheap.
2) is your scar fully healed? Or is it in the process? Because if it is in the process then I know bio-oil is meant to be really good for healing. You could try savlon but i haven't heard anyone mention that and I tried it and it only kept the wound clean- didn't speed up the process.
3) you could make an excuse up- say that your cat scratched you, or you fell in a holly bush or something.
4) does your mum know you cut? Because if she does then that's half the battle really. When you've finished the show, you won't have her asking questions about it. And then you could tell a teacher about it and ask for a costume that will cover it- that's if your Comfortable with doing that, as if they ring home, your mum won't be to shocked about it.
5) maybe where a bandage? Say you can't perform without it as it supports your arm.

You must remember that people are there to watch the show. I know your scar may make you feel self conscious but remember, people aren't gonna look at your arm, they will look at your face, and if you are performing in the dark and a light is on you, then it may hide it anyway. I know it sounds stupid, but it can work at times- especially for those who are at the back watching. If anyone does ask about it, you could say that the light hit you awkwardly, or you don't have to answer them at all.

Hope this helps! Pm me anytime, good luck with the show! :)

[Amaryllis]

I have a scar on my arm, probably not as bad as yours but one scar is much easier to hide. Just say you fell and ripped your arm on a metal... Metal... Object. You didn't see what it was because you were freaking out over the blood. It's semi-true.

Is it impossible to wear long sleeves?

And hey, sweetheart, you're doing so well. You're alive. I'm proud of you, Jo. And you're performing even through all of this, that's amazing! Keep it up. And it's embarrassing to talk to the teachers but... You can't hide forever. I can't stand talking to my mum about it but... You can't hide behind lies forever. Good luck. I'm here if you need me.

Love,
Faith and Trust

[Love.Hate]

I'm in a similar situation right now. But my dance show is 4 weeks away.

All I can really suggest is concealer, bio oil and trying not to cut. With the concealer I have found that even the most orange of lines to cover up a scar doesnt show under stage lights. Because the light is so bright it reflects off it, so you can't actually see it. This might seem a silly suggestion, but fake tan? That covers up any White scars and your other ones covered in foundation or such won't show nearly as much as it will on pale skin.

I hope all goes well and you enjoy your show <3

[Aubrie]

Stage lights typically wash people out anyway. It most likely won't be visible to the audience, but maybe it will be to other performers. Just buy some make up and practice. Liquid concealers work best for large areas. Instead of rubbing it in, tap/pat it in - it takes forever, but it gives the best outcome. The best concealer is this brand called Boing. It's "industrial" concealer, so it stays on really well. It's kind of expensive, though. You can find it at Sephora (idk if you have it there).

[Magenta]

For Sarah:

1) you've already said make up, try foundation/concealer but the lightest shade as you said your pale. You don't have to spend much as there are some foundations/concealers that are very cheap.
2) is your scar fully healed? Or is it in the process? Because if it is in the process then I know bio-oil is meant to be really good for healing. You could try savlon but i haven't heard anyone mention that and I tried it and it only kept the wound clean- didn't speed up the process.

It's been fully healed for six months but parts are still very raised and red.

3) you could make an excuse up- say that your cat scratched you, or you fell in a holly bush or something.

I'd have to be very creative for this scar... it's massive.

4) does your mum know you cut? Because if she does then that's half the battle really. When you've finished the show, you won't have her asking questions about it. And then you could tell a teacher about it and ask for a costume that will cover it- that's if your Comfortable with doing that, as if they ring home, your mum won't be to shocked about it.

She does know which makes buying the makeup easier but I don't feel comfortable talking to my teachers. The school is aware of my mental health history and it was a huge exception to allow me back into the school because of not wanting me to be distracted, keep my grades up, etc, just things that I wouldn't want this affecting. I'm scared of it my school finds out about the scars and asks if I'm still cutting.

5) maybe where a bandage? Say you can't perform without it as it supports your arm.

Wouldn't really work for this.

There's really no chance of long sleeves. There's a possibility in one number but the second is a very Spanish song and considering we're wearing Spanish skirts and all that, I can't see us pairing it with long sleeves.

Thanks for your replies, I'll likely go makeup shopping soon.

(And Fran, good luck on your show as well. :D)

[sarah newman]

I would say make up is the best suggestion :)
Bio oil does help still though, good luck!

[Magenta]

Well, I'm using Bio Oil and a couple other things in the long run for sure even if they don't really work in such a short time.

Once again, thanks.

[georgiamay]

OP requested. :locked: