Sharing the power of make-up p
Ihave been volunteering for Look Good Feel Better for seven years,” says make-up artist Juliet Cunnington. “After recovering from cancer myself twelve years ago, I realised it was a perfect way to help others using my skills and drawing on my personal experience.
“Our online workshops have been amazingly successful. The ladies have the opportunity to share stories in a safe environment without judgement, where they can be honest. There are sometimes a few tears but often plenty of laughter and putting the world to rights, too.
“We share tips for skincare, dealing with some of the changes the ladies might experience during their treatment, and on applying make-up. I don’t necessarily advocate that ladies make up their faces every day, I always say to them ev ven if you just wash your fac e and put a little bit of moisturi ser on, you will feel better.
“However, putting on your make-up can makem you feel more like your rself and that you feel more in control, at a time when you u can feel as though the illn ness has taken over your life.
“You may find that people around you treat you more like your old self because you look more like you used to.
“It is wonderful to see the confidence and the selfesteem of our ladies grow through the sessions. At the end, they say that they feel like themselves again. Those of us who help are always buzzing too – we get as much out of it as the ladies do.
“It’s a great feeling to know that I have been able to help people through what can be a really horrible thing to go through, especially since during my own treatment I had no offer of any help or counselling at all. Through my profession I already understand the power of make-up. Being able to offer that to people who are going through their treatment is extra special.”