At Moxie To Go one of our core values is to support women from all walks of life and in all phases of their lives.  We love to celebrate the successes and stand beside and encourage during the lows. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close we wanted to dedicate our latest blog to two organizations that share our values and are dedicated to supporting women who currently have, or are in recovery from, cancer.  Both the Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) organization and RevitaLash were founded to help women feel better about themselves as they face perhaps the greatest challenge of their lives; their battle with cancer.

Look Good Feel Better

Jazz Moritz, one of our premiere Moxie To Go stylists, has a very personal connection with LGFB.  When she began volunteering she discovered that her grandmother had also received care from LGFB during her own battle with cancer.

Jazz, what led you to volunteer with Look Good Feel Better?

My boss at the salon where I was working found out about Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) and said they needed licensed cosmetologists to help. I was immediately interested because many of the women in my family have been affected by cancer and I wanted to help other women who were undergoing cancer treatments.  My grandmother actually went through the LGFB program when she was undergoing treatment many years ago…I know it made a difference for her, and this was one of the reasons I chose to continue volunteering with the program. LGFB was also partnered with the Professional Beauty Association and American Cancer Society, two major organizations that I also support.

Can you share with us some of the aspects of your volunteer work with LGFB?

My fundamental job as the facilitator is to teach about skincare, how to apply makeup, provide information on the different types of wigs, and demonstrate different techniques for tying head scarves. I also try to create a safe space and fun atmosphere so the women can connect with each other and take their minds off the hardship they are currently going through. When undergoing chemotherapy many women lose their hair, eyebrows and eyelashes and it tends to change the way their skin looks and feels too. The women in the class are at various stages in their treatment process; some haven’t started treatment yet, and others have already lost all of their hair.

What specific information do you teach and what do the participants receive from the program?

Each participant is given a makeup kit full of name brand products that they get to keep!  These items have been donated to the LGFB organization by various companies. We go through the steps of skincare (i.e., washing your face, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc.), and then walk step-by-step through the process of applying a full face of makeup.  Part of the training specifically addresses how to apply eyebrows and we spend a considerable amount of time on this step. We also discuss the various types of products available on the market and how to decide which ones are best for their complexion. Another focus of the class is sanitation. Simple things that the participants may have done before treatment without thinking twice, such as using their finger to get moisturizer out a jar, not changing their mascara every three months, or not washing makeup brushes, can cause serious problems to people with weakened immune systems.  So we discussed the best ways to keep their products/applications as sanitary as possible.

What are some of your favorite parts of volunteering for LGFB?

The women who attend the class tend to be extremely supportive of one another and compliments are constantly flying – “That eyeshadow color makes your eyes pop” or “That lipstick color is incredible with your skin-tone!” I love seeing the reactions at the end of class when the participants look at themselves and realize the transformation that just took place, not just physically with their makeup applied, but also in their spirits.

What would you tell someone who might be interested in volunteering for LGFB?

Helping others and making a difference in someone’s life, even if it is very small, are the main reasons I participate in the program.  It is a very rewarding experience. I believe that the way you feel about your self-image and the confidence that comes with it is important not just in daily life, but especially when fighting a tough battle like the women in the program. If each woman in the class leaves with one thing that can contribute to their self love and confidence, that is enough of a benefit for me.

RevitaLash

RevitaLash, like Look Good Feel Better, is a company devoted to supporting and empowering women.  Not only have they created a superior product line but they go above and beyond to advocate for breast cancer awareness, research, and funding.  Theirs is a story based on love, devotion and inspiration.

The RevitaLash Story…

“Established in 2006, our story began with just one product – our original lash conditioning serum – inspired by the immense love between our founder and his beloved wife Gayle, as a solution to help her feel beautiful during her courageous fight against breast cancer. From that single, original product comes an entire collection of beauty-enhancing, solution-oriented cosmetics that revitalize the natural beauty and inner spirit of all women, while giving back to the cause that started it.  Welcome to RevitaLash Cosmetics, the leading Physician led, award-winning line of lash, brow and hair focused cosmetics specifically designed to elevate, restore, and enhance the health and natural beauty of your most treasured beauty assets.”

The RevitaLash Mission…

“A proud year-round supporter of breast cancer awareness, research and education, we hope you’ll join us in our efforts to eradicate women’s cancers, while inspiring beauty and life quality, a goal which is at the heart of RevitaLash Cosmetics.”

“WE CREATED THESE PRODUCTS TO REVITALIZE THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT, WHICH IS WHAT INSPIRED OUR NAME REVITALASH COSMETICS.”

– Gayle Brinkenhoff

And they just keep giving…

Read about RevitaLash giving glam boxes to cancer patients HERE.

Read about RevitaLash sponsoring the annual City of Hope symposium HERE.

 

RevitaLash products are available at Moxie To Go Studio Salon.  And right now, through the RevitaLash website, you can make a difference through the Power of Pink!  For every RevitaLash Cosmetics Pink Promotion sold on Revitalash.com up to a maximum of 1,600 units, a RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner 3.0mL product will be donated to the City of Hope’s Positive Image Center℠ to help women who have been affected by breast cancer look and feel more beautiful.

 

We want to hear from you!  Share your courageous stories and positive experiences of doing whatever it takes to feel good (and look better) with us in the comments!