How Cosmo’s Beauty Editors Empowered Women: Inside a Look Good Feel Better Day
A transformative day where beauty editors and readers unite to uplift, inspire, and empower women battling cancer with confidence-boosting makeovers.
For many women, a beauty routine is much more than makeup or skincare—it’s a way to express confidence and reclaim control during life’s toughest battles. Recognizing this, Cosmopolitan’s beauty editors partnered with Look Good Feel Better for a transformative day that left a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Why Look Good Feel Better Matters
Look Good Feel Better is a nonprofit program offering cosmetic workshops for women coping with the physical side effects of cancer treatment. These workshops, led by beauty experts and supported by major beauty brands, provide lessons in makeup, skincare, and confidence-building—making a difference in the lives of thousands of women each year.
The goal is simple: to help women facing cancer rediscover their sense of self, energy, and optimism, no matter what they see in the mirror.
Main Event: A Beauty Editor’s Day With Look Good Feel Better
On an inspiring summer day, Cosmo’s beauty director Leah Wyar and deputy beauty editor Jessica Matlin cleared their calendars for an unrelenting schedule—seeing 18 women back-to-back for makeovers and personal confidence boosts. Their mission: use every ounce of their beauty know-how to empower women not just to look great, but to feel even better.
A Packed Schedule
- 18 one-on-one makeover sessions were planned for the day.
- Each woman had her own unique story and beauty needs based on her treatment journey and personal style.
- Sessions included makeup tutorials, product recommendations, and heartfelt conversations.
The Transformational Power of Beauty
Every session was designed not just for external transformation but for sparking joy and confidence from within. Here’s what made the day so special:
Understanding the Unique Needs of Women Facing Cancer
- Skin Sensitivity: Many participants had ultra-sensitive, dehydrated skin due to chemotherapy and radiation. Editors focused on gentle, hydrating makeup and skincare.
- Lash and Brow Loss: Loss of lashes and brows can dramatically change facial features. Editors demonstrated natural-looking brow pencils, powders, and eyeliner hacks to reframe the face.
- Pale or Irritated Complexion: Makeup techniques emphasized natural radiance—cream blushes and subtle bronzers restored warmth and vitality to each face.
- Prepping For Confidence: More important than the products was the message: beauty care is self-care, and every woman deserves to feel radiant no matter what she’s facing.
Moments of Connection
Each appointment became a safe space for women to:
- Share their stories and struggles in an atmosphere of acceptance.
- Ask candid questions about coping with visible side effects and maintaining routine when fatigued.
- Laugh, chat, and rediscover simple joys—even when discussing difficult medical journeys.
Beauty Editors in the Trenches: What a Day Looks Like
Leah and Jessica arrived early, loaded with tote bags full of products—like brow gels, hydrating primers, lip balms, and gentle cleansers. Throughout the day, their hands rarely stopped moving, blending foundation, applying concealer, and guiding women through new tricks to reclaim their sense of self.
What others are reading
Step-by-Step: The Makeover Experience
- Initial Consultation: Each woman described her current challenges (skin issues, hair loss, confidence obstacles).
- Skincare Prep: Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and barrier creams were used to comfort and prep skin.
- Complexion Perfection: Editors matched lightweight, hydrating foundations to each skin tone, teaching blending for maximum glow without irritation.
- Brow Magic: Demonstrations on drawing natural-looking brows tailored to each face shape, with tips for lasting, natural color.
- Eye Definition: Emphasis on eyeliner tricks and carefully chosen shadows to open up the eyes without relying on missing lashes.
- Lip Color: Fresh, moisturizing tints and balms added a pop of color, providing an instant lift.
- Final Touches: A pep talk and photo session celebrated each woman’s newfound glow.
Behind the Scenes: Editors’ Reflections
The day posed its own set of emotional and physical challenges for beauty professionals. Here’s what Leah and Jessica learned:
- No product or makeup line can replace the importance of authentic connection and encouragement.
- Confidence is as much about how you see yourself as how others see you.
- Sometimes, a makeup tip gives someone the courage to look in the mirror—other times, it’s simply having someone listen and care.
Editor’s Top Confidence-Boosting Tips:
- Prioritize Skin Comfort: Focus on hydration and calming products, even before considering coverage.
- Emphasize Brows and Lips: These features can dramatically influence expressiveness and confidence, especially when dealing with hair loss.
- Small Steps Matter: Even a swipe of bright lipstick or a dab of blush can make a major emotional difference.
- Adapt, Don’t Hide: Editors stressed adapting beauty routines to new realities, not concealing them or feeling pressured to look ‘normal.’
Impact: More Than a Makeover
This wasn’t just a day of makeovers—it was a day of restoration. Many women left with:
- A Renewed Sense of Identity: Rediscovering their individual style and resilience.
- Personalized Beauty Kits: Editors sent each participant home with handpicked tools and products for ongoing care.
- Uplifted Spirits: Smiles, laughter, and even a few joyful tears punctuated the event.
Reader Experiences: Voices from the Day
| Participant | Favorite Tip | How She Felt Afterward |
|---|---|---|
| Sandra, 42 | Using brow powder to redefine my eyes | “I saw myself again in the mirror—for the first time in months.” |
| Lily, 31 | Hydrating setting spray for a dewy finish | “A little glow made a big difference in how I felt.” |
| Alicia, 55 | Cream blush for healthy, natural color | “I felt like I had my spark back.” |
Beauty Editors’ Favorite Products for Sensitive Skin
- Gentle Cleansers: Creamy, fragrance-free formulas that don’t strip or irritate.
- Hydrating Serums: Lightweight hyaluronic acid serums for deep moisture.
- Non-Irritating Foundations: Mineral-based, hypoallergenic foundations for reliable coverage.
- Brow Pencils and Powders: Neutral tones for realistic brow definition.
- Lip Tints: Balm-like finishes in easy-to-wear shades.
How You Can Get Involved
Inspired by the day, many Cosmo readers asked how they could help women facing similar challenges. Here are a few ideas:
- Support Look Good Feel Better: Donate, spread the word, or encourage someone you know to attend a session.
- Volunteer Your Skills: Makeup artists, skincare specialists, and empathetic listeners are always welcomed by programs supporting cancer patients.
- Lend an Ear: Sometimes, the most profound help is simply listening and offering encouragement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Look Good Feel Better program?
A: It’s a nonprofit initiative that offers beauty workshops to help women manage the visible side effects of cancer treatment.
Q: How do beauty editors tailor makeovers for women with cancer?
A: Editors focus on gentle, safe products and adaptive techniques to address skin sensitivity, hair loss, and confidence building.
Q: Why are these sessions meaningful for participants?
A: Besides helping women rediscover their style, the sessions foster connection, joy, and a renewed sense of self-worth.
Q: Can readers participate or volunteer?
A: Yes! Look for local Look Good Feel Better programs or similar initiatives where volunteering or donations are welcome.
Q: What’s the best beauty advice for anyone facing difficult circumstances?
A: Prioritize comfort, embrace adaptiveness, and remember: true beauty shines brightest from within.
Inspiration for Every Woman
The day spent by Cosmo’s beauty editors with Look Good Feel Better stands as a testament to the life-changing power of kindness, skill, and solidarity among women. Beauty, at its best, is not about hiding flaws but celebrating resilience and reclaiming joy—one swipe of lipstick at a time.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/a22428/cosmo-beauty-awards-2013-winners/
- https://www.thewomensroomblog.com/2013/03/18/style-icon-sairey-stemp-from-cosmopolitan-magazine/
- https://www.scribd.com/document/278066172/Cosmopolitan-August-Year-2013
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a14756/look-good-feel-better-beauty-editor-day-august-1-2013/
- https://prizedwriting.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk15806/files/media/documents/15%E2%80%9316%20COHEN.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joanna_Coles
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