Today was one of the most inspiring days of my life so far.
Since I began my training eight years ago, I have been itching to 'give something back' and work with women going through tough times, but it wasn't until more recently that I heard about Look Good Feel Better.
I came across the programme whilst working for Max Factor in 2008, at my local Boots store. Various members of staff from each cosmetic house took it in turns to volunteer at the local hospital workshop where women suffering from different types of cancer would come for a relaxed and informative skincare and make-up lesson.
I then came across more information about the charity, through my admiration for top make-up artist Caroline Barnes' work. I was under the impression that LGFB only accepted volunteers from employed cosmetic consultants rather than freelance make-up artists, but seeing Caroline's support convinced me to give the team at LGFB a call.
Which takes us to today! My first LGFB Workshop!
As it was my first time, I was asked to observe the other volunteers, but step in the help the women if I felt ready to do so.
I arrived at the Linda McCartney centre, Royal Liverpool Hospital 30 minutes prior to the start of the workshop to help set the room up and to get to know the other volunteers. Today we had eight ladies attending the workshop, all various age ranges and at different stages of their treatment.
Dianne, who led the session, demonstrated the LGFB 12 step programme on one of the ladies, using the products kindly donated to each of the women by many cosmetic houses such as Chanel, Elizabeth Arden and Clarins.
The other 7 women used the 12 step technique on themselves, whilst Sally and I offered them guidance.
Once the women had completed the session, they all admitted they had thoroughly enjoyed the session, and that they felt gorgeous and fabulous!
More importantly, they all felt they could recreate the look at home, meaning they can feel and look fabulous every single day!
Today left me feeling inspired by the ladies 'positive energy' and thirst for life. I definitely want to continue working with LGFB and would love to organise fundraisers and become more involved in the charity in the future.
As far as I'm concerned, today was the start of my most important career role yet.
For more information please visit
Max factor's UK ambassador and long term Look Good Feel Better supporter, Caroline Barnes, demonstrates the 12-step skincare and make-up regime on the Confidence Kit DVD, offered to all patients, for a small donation, through the website.
