Burns survivor to model for Avon
A BURNS survivor who was scarred for life in a coach crash has called for the beauty industry to do more to appeal to women with facial disfigurements.
Catrin Pugh, who made headlines around the world six years ago when she survived 96 per cent burns in the accident, said cosmetics firms were not providing women such as her with suitable role models.
The 25-year-old from North Wales was given a 0.1 per cent chance of survival after the crash in the French Alps, but after 200 operations she began to rebuild her life.
Now she is to be Avon’s first model with a “visible difference” after being chosen as one the faces for its “Perfect Nudes” lip shades collection.
The brand has signed up to the #Pledgetobeseen campaign, run by the Changing Faces charity, which campaigns on behalf of people with a facial disfigurement.
“I want to see more beauty and fashion brands following Avon’s example,” Ms Pugh said. “Everyone wants to be valued and included and seeing people who look like you in a mainstream brand campaign and adverts can really make a difference.”
Research for Avon found 80 per cent of women felt too much pressure to be perfect, with 60 per cent feeling they had to meet a certain beauty standard and 40 per cent saying they did not feel represented by women in the media.
Ms Pugh’s role is part of the Stand4her initiative, in which Avon has pledged to improve working conditions for women in the supply chain and raise awareness of women’s issues.
She added: “I hope to inspire others to embrace their appearance, no matter what they look like.”