The Miracle of Makeup

Today at work a friend was down in the dumps - not just the normal winter blues - but real life things that have happened in her life, death and difficult times.  She looked like she felt - no makeup, hair up in a pony and comfy clothes. 

We were talking and she was crying and upset - rightfully so.  I said "come sit in my chair" and let me "play" with you.  I proceeded to do her makeup while listening to her talk.  With each step I handed her the mirror and explained what I was doing.  It was amazing to watch her mood improve with each thing I did.  By the time I was finished she was smiling and said "I look pretty and I feel better, thank you".  In the 20 minutes I spent doing her makeup her entire mood shifted - she saw the woman she knew emerging and her outlook improved.  The power of makeup never surprises me but always amazes me at the same time.

I volunteer at the American Cancer Society's program "Look Good, Feel Better".  I have seen women going through chemo and radiation come in with their shoulders slumped, eyes cast down and looking sad be transformed.  After getting a makeover they suddenly stand straighter, heads held high, a glint in their eyes, smiling and joking.  I was in my teens the first time I volunteered with cancer patients - it was then that I learned the power of makeup - and knew this was what I had to do for a living. 

I am working as a makeup artist for 31 years now - that sounds ancient but I am only 46 :) and today I witnessed the same "miracle of makeup" I witnessed as a teen and thought this is why I do this - no sale, no awards - just making one woman feel better. 

My friend came home and posted on her Facebook page the following message: "Thank you Amy for doing my makeup so pretty as tears were rolling down my face. Just a little makeup can take you out of a funky place!!!!!  I got many compliments :) "   Obviously it made me very happy to know my friend was in a better place than she was earlier in the day and it prompted me to write this blog.  

If you are in the slumps, feeling bad or going through a hard time - pretty up your face and see how that improves your mood and outlook.  We all want to crawl under our covers and pull the blankets over our heads when we face difficult or sad situations - I suggest do the opposite - put on your prettiest face and go out and get some compliments - you will be amazed at how something so simple can change your attitude and give you hope.

I will work with any women going through chemo free of charge.  I am very passionate about this and know that this makes a difference.  Feel free to contact me if you would like to schedule an appointment. 

If you need a makeup lesson a professional makeup artist can teach you how to apply your makeup and freshen up your look and ultimately your mood!  And when you see a woman who obviously spent some time putting herself together tell her you think she looks great - she just might be going through a hard time and put on her prettiest face to face the world - your compliment could be just the thing to turn around her mood!