Corrective Cosmetics

The makeup room at Angel Faces is a place of discovery, fun and excitement! The mood in the room is inviting yet relaxing as the girls arrive for their appointments unsure of what they are about to experience. The demeanor of each girl as they walk through the door for the first time could be described as introverted or shy with their heads hanging low, their shoulders hunched forward and their hair is usually swept one way or another to minimize the appearance of their injury. The transformation that is about to take place is truly remarkable.

Our goal in the makeup room is to show each girl the beauty they possess and how to enhance it. We work with each girl to determine what products would best suit them. As well we ensure that they are comfortable with the makeup application so they can recreate their new look at home.

While this process is in motion you see the transformation begin, their shoulders start to straighten their hair is swept away. They get this sparkle in their eyes and they start to smile from within. It's like watching the sunrise over and over -- every single one is unique and unforgettably beautiful.

Towards the end of the process - the room starts to bustle with laughter, singing and sometimes dancing. The excitement of the volunteers when they pop in to witness the transformation is contagious. The proof of this transformation that I have been trying to put into words can be found in the before and after pictures that we take of each girl as they arrive and again as they leave the makeup room.

This is an arena where optimism is born. The nucleus of hope. The girls begin to see themselves as "normal" again. A new normal. A beautiful normal.

Nancy Ogden West and Brenda Lavoie, our corrective cosmetic professionals (see their bios under the Angel Faces Team page) spend as much time as it takes to individually teach each girl "how to" apply their own makeup. On the final day the girls apply their own under the watchful eye of their instructors.

We use various formulas of corrective cosmetics from Cover FX, Kryolan, Cinema Secrets, MAC Cosmetics and Mary Kay.

This component is one of the most powerful parts of the program.