If you, a friend or a family member has ever gone through or is going through cancer treatment, you will agree that it takes its toll. Everything changes: your weight, hair, nails and complexion.

If you can manage to do a few small things to make yourself feel and look a bit more “like yourself” during and after your gruelling treatment, then it really can help with your confidence and general wellbeing. If you are able to take time to pamper yourself when you are feeling unwell, it will be a positive thing to do. So, as this is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I have put together some tips and beauty advice to help you on your road to recovery.

First of all, hydration during chemotherapy is extremely important, so why not find a brightly coloured, fun, refillable water bottle – it will also serve as a gentle reminder to drink more water.

A pure silk sleep mask and lavender spray like the Miaroma relaxing lavender sleep mist spray, currently €6.99 from Holland and Barrett, are both lovely luxury treats to take with you while having treatment or to help you sleep better at home.

Unscented moisturiser is important to use during chemotherapy because your sense of smell can be thrown out of whack and your skin can become super sensitive. Olay Regenerist moisturising day cream (available from stockists including Boots at €27.99) mixed with organic rosehip oil from a local health shop, is very soothing and calming on the skin. Meanwhile, Vaseline on the corners of the mouth and lips is soothing. Apply a good blob before you go to sleep and they will feel nourished by the morning.

I spoke with American Dr Tali Aronoff, who is a wife, mother and surgeon. Dr Tali has battled stage four breast cancer and has written a heart-warming and honest book, Hell & Back. It is a truly uplifting and helpful read all about the rollercoaster of dealing with breast cancer and the treatment. Dr Tali was telling me that when she lost her hair, to make herself feel more “normal”, she went out and bought a few pairs of statement hooped and dangly earing, wore red lipstick and pencilled in her missing brows. Dr Tali also told me that her wig was scratchy and head scarves slipped off, so her advice is to get stretchy cotton spandex/lycra and make up your own scarves. They stay on brilliantly and are very comfortable.

Talking of brows, Elizabeth Oakes is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of permanent makeup and microblading/PhiBrows. Microblading brows look beautifully natural and are long-lasting. Elizabeth specialises in creating the perfect, natural feathered eyebrow to frame your face. If you have lost your brows through chemotherapy, then I would highly recommend microblading brows. Elizabeth has clinics all over Ireland and you can message her on Instagram @elizabethoakestreatments to book an appointment or visit www.elizabethoakes.ie. This service usually costs €300 but if you have been through chemotherapy then Liz will give readers a 10% discount.

Shannon Leonard, the very helpful assistant manager of No7 cosmetics in Boots at Liffey Valley, also told me about their amazing free service for any ladies or chaps going through chemotherapy treatment. They have a team of beauty therapists fully trained by the Irish Cancer Society on call to help make you feel more like you, with services including a relaxing facial and beauty makeover. Shannon advises that it is best to call in advance on 01-623200 to book your appointment so the therapist has plenty of time to pamper you. This service is also available at flagship stores in Dublin, Galway, Cork , Donegal and Belfast.

If you are feeling grotty and not in best form, a great tip to help lift your spirits is to wear something bright, like a jolly scarf or a coloured top. Also, giving your loved ones a big hug will certainly put a smile on your face and make you feel cherished and cared for at this time.