In times of crisis, it's no secret that beauty is a sure-fire way to uplift our spirits. Whether it's applying lipstick, pampering ourselves with a face mask, soaking in a bubble bath or treating ourselves to a new moisturiser or fragrance, a little beauty goes a long way in cheering ourselves up.
I've always loved the fact that lipstick was deemed to be a wartime essential by the government during WWII. It was considered to be a morale booster for women, as well as for the troops! So, what better time to celebrate the therapeutic power of beauty than on VE Day - and at a time when the beauty industry has come together to give back to frontline workers during the current pandemic.
From one-to-one consultations with experts like myself to the delivery of beauty goodies to frontline staff in hospitals and health centres, it has been heart-warming to be part of such positive projects that are really making a difference to those who are working tirelessly to save lives. As a former nurse, I know what it's like to work long shifts but I can't begin to imagine what it would be like wearing full PPE. So I was more than delighted to be part of the brilliant initiative, NHS Morale Boost, launched by fellow make-up artist, Caroline Barnes with the support of beauty brands Coty and Max Factor.
Caroline recruited a willing troupe of beauty editors, experts and make-up artists for NHS Morale Boost to provide 1,000 bookable online appointment slots via Zoom Each of us offered 10 one-to-one consultations to deserving NHS workers who were able to chat with us about skincare and make-up and to ask for our insider tips, tricks and advice.
Not surprisingly, the main questions and concerns were focused on lack of time and how to make a difference without spending hours. The most popular subjects included quick pick-me-up make-up and skincare tips, recommendations for the best budget brow pencils and lips stains that would last the day without drying out lips and how to care for over-washed, over-worked hands. When it came to skincare, the main issue was getting maximum results with minimum fuss (and time), so naturally, I recommended investing in multitasking, multi-function products like Tri-Balm and Tri-Spritz that deliver multiple benefits without compromising on results.
We've also been supporting @pamperourheroes (formally @hampers4heroes) with donations of Formulae Prescott skincare for NHS workers. To support the charity, you can donate here. Another wonderful morale booster during these testing times for health workers.
So let's hear it for the positive power of beauty!
