Make-up artist Arwa Beig found escapism in make-up during the pandemic, and was inspired to pass this escapism on to the women fighting to keep us safe throughout the pandemic. Arwa tells us “I wanted to give an opportunity to the Doctors and Nurses on the frontline to have a few hours of escape from reality and make them feel beautiful, appreciated and loved”. And if there’s anyone that deserves a pamper, it’s these brave women.
It wasn’t just a makeover which the talented MUA gifted the health workers with either, “Giving away a makeover was my version of celebrating their selfless and tirelessly service to us. I was fortunate enough to be with my family during this lockdown; So along with a makeover and dinner, I gifted them a return ticket to meet their loved ones. This initiative comprised of a way to show gratitude to the healthcare workers who took care of so many, including my mom”.
“I feel that when you do makeup on yourself or on others it can completely change your mood and lifts spirits. My mother has been my true inspiration. Something as simple as putting false lashes when my mother lost her lashes to chemotherapy brought her such joy and confidence. I believe the feeling it gives a person changes their perception of how they see things and how you feel internally. Make-up definitely gives you the confidence to go out and conquer what you have set out to achieve.”
Arwa is passionate about women supporting women, and encouraging this continuous support. We asked what her advice was on how we can empower women more in our daily lives, ““Celebrating another woman’s triumphs or success will never take away from your shine or glory: if anything, it’ll add to it and create more light” – Alex Elle. This is one of my favourite quotes and it has been also an inspiration to my initiative which I would like to share with all the Cosmo readers. As women, we should always encourage other women. It is key to encourage success and appreciate how much women have done for their society and their families. Something as simple as boosting each other on social media, referring good work to friends and creating a network to support women is simple and essential. Especially the women on the frontline who risk their own need extra support and a small gesture such as a smile or a simple ‘Thank you’ goes a long way in encouraging them to do what they do best, to keep us safe”.