“Confidence Kit” for female cancer patients

Look Good, Feel Better (LGFB), a national charity supported by the cosmetic industry, offers free confidence boosting skincare and make-up workshops – at 58 UK hospitals and clinics - to help combat the visible side effects of cancer treatment and, in turn, boost self esteem and wellbeing.

Until now, LGFB’s service has only been available to women who can get to these workshops. The charity has put together the Look Good, Feel Better “Confidence Kit” – an extensive DVD with an accompanying 48-page booklet which gives invaluable information and guidance, not only on skincare and make-up, but also on wig selection and cutting, scarf tying and head-coverings, as well as hand and nail care.

This new, self help tool is available to every woman with cancer in the UK and has been created to help with many of the appearance-related problems experienced during cancer treatment.

Expert advice in your own home
LGFB Confidence Kit is presented by experts in skincare, make-up, wigs, scarves and nail care. Top make-up artist and long term LGFB supporter Caroline Barnes demonstrates a full skincare and make-up routine on four volunteers who have all been through the rigours of cancer treatment; international hairstylist Charles Worthington gives expert advice on wig selection and styling; UK’s most sought after nail technician, Marian Newman, imparts nail care tips and advice and there is also a wonderful section on scarf tying and other head coverings.

“Over the past 15 years, LGFB workshops participants have said that experimenting with new colours and learning some make-up and skincare “tricks of the trade” can be the first step towards regaining control and moving forwards” says executive director Sarahjane Robertson “Currently 140,000 women are diagnosed with cancer each year and the aim for LGFB Confidence Kit is that every woman diagnosed with cancer has access to our unique service”

All the information carried in both the DVD and booklet has been built up through 15 years of supporting cancer patients all over the world. It also includes a helpful directory of cancer support groups and other organisations. The Look Good...Feel Better Confidence Kit makes a perfect present or a treat for yourself if you are going through cancer treatment. For £2.50 p&p costs, plus a donation so that LGBF can carry on it’s amazing work, simply visit the LGFB website - lgfb.co.uk - and click through to the Confidence Kit page. Or send a cheque to Look Good, Feel Better c/o Fresh Flame Publishing, 13 Dock Offices, Surrey Quays Road, London, SE16 2XU.

What is Look Good, Feel Better
Look Good, Feel Better (LGFB) was set up 15 years ago in the UK by the Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA). The LGFB Programme of skincare and make-up workshops for women undergoing cancer treatment is now available in 58 locations nationwide with four new locations opening this year. Today this free and incredibly valuable service has the support of over 40 leading companies and brands in the Beauty, Cosmetic and Fragrance Industry.

Putting a smile on your face
For many women, one of the most distressing things about undergoing cancer treatment is the changes it causes to their looks. Losing hair can be devastating and demoralising but to lose eyebrows and eyelashes saps their confidence and ability to keep going with their ‘normal’ lives.

Look Good, Feel Better aims to bring back a feeling of normality to women of all ages. Patients attending the workshops are given a gift bag filled with donated cosmetic products and taken through a specially designed 12-step skincare and make-up regime by expert volunteer beauty consultants. After two hours of learning, fun and laughter, ladies leave feeling relaxed, full of renewed confidence and ready to face the world again.

Making a real difference
Since LGFB launched in the UK, more than 70,000 women have benefited from its unique and very practical service, with around 10,500 attendees in the last year. The charity works by collaboration between cosmetics industry member companies - who donate funds, products and the expertise of their staff. LGFB in the UK is proud to be part of an international network with headquarters in 20 countries world-wide – all working towards the singular goal of helping as many women cancer sufferers to look as well and ‘normal’ as possible.

For more information about the Look Good, Feel Better Programme, visit their website – lgfb.co.uk.