Ten women from a Gold Coast rehabilitation centre were given a confidence-boosting Issada makeover last week.
Part of Hilton Brisbane’s Blue Energy community initiative, the residents of Gold Coast’s Transformation Centre were whisked away to Brisbane for a day of pampering, including a visit to Issada’s Edward Street concept store, where the creative team analysed their skin and applied a range of skin-treating mineral makeup products.
CEO and founder of Issada, Fiona Neale said it was inspiring and rewarding to help Queensland women who are overcoming mental health issues, abuse, and drug and alcohol addiction see their natural beauty potential: “The reaction from some of the women was overwhelming – some hadn’t worn makeup since their wedding day, so the end result was such a dramatic transformation it was emotional.
“Makeup has such an instant and powerful transformative effect, not only on the outside but also on the inside – it has such a deep impact on self-worth and self-love.”
According to Hilton Brisbane’s community representative, Kamilla Silva, low self-esteem plagues many of the centres’ residents. At first they needed some convincing they were worthy of a makeover, she said: “As they started to feel more comfortable they got excited about choosing colours for eye-shadows and lipstick, and asked lots of questions. By the end, they were smiling at their reflection…the expression in their faces was totally priceless.”
Emily Duncan, group leader at the Transformation Centre, said the spirits were high on the bus back to the Gold Coast. “Morale on the trip home was very high – everyone was so happy and feeling good about themselves.
“Sitting down in a chair for an hour, with the focus on you and receiving that positive attention was just amazing. For one day it felt like we had a normal girls’ day out – shopping and pampering. We felt special, refreshed and re-energised.”
Visit www.issada.com.au for further information.