PERFECTLY IMPERFECT

Style and beauty lover, campaigner and social media star Arooj Aftab is on a mission to raise awareness about body disfigurement using the power of fashion. Because being “different” is a strength

As a fashion influencer, it was my personal style – playing with oversized, masculine tailoring – that initially caught people’s attention. It wasn’t the full story, though. It took me a little while to find my voice and speak my truth.

I was born with neurofibromatosis. It’s a condition where visible tumours grow along my nerves. I didn’t tell

my followers about it for four years – but I’m so glad that I did. I’d been feeling like a fraud and it was as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I made a documentary about it for the BBC and so many people got in touch thanking me for being honest.

That thing you hate about yourself, everyone else probably loves. Embrace it and make a virtue of it. Work with it, not against it, whatever that negative voice in your head is telling you. I wouldn’t say I’ve completely “overcome” all my insecurities. I may have accepted them, but it’s an ongoing journey – and that’s OK.

Now, when I look in the mirror, I don’t see my neurofibromatosis. I see strength. I see personal growth. I see me. And I hope that’s what you see when you look at me, too.

We all have insecurities, big and small. They’re part of our story, identity and individuality.

Confidence isn’t about being perfect – it’s about seeing perfection in imperfection.

I’m different. So are you. It’s what makes us... us.

Arooj used Schwarzkopf LIVE Precious Metals in Golden Glimmer. Head to Superdrug to shop the look and to livecolour.com for more inspiration

The thing you ca hate ? Embrace it and make a virtue on of it Work with it, not against it