“Oh my God, look at my eyes,” Lorena Rose said as she looked into a mirror after a makeup session Friday. Rose was one of dozens of women who turned up for a free makeover at Our Place, the Pandora Street drop-in, shelter, kitchen and resource centre for Victoria’s vulnerable people.
The women were treated to free-of-charge professional hairstyles, manicures, small bags of costume jewelry and makeup sessions with volunteer estheticians including Erin Bradley, a makeup artist and stylist.
It was Bradley who held the mirror for Rose after applying mascara, eyeliner and blush.
It was all part of Beauty Day, Our Place’s moment to celebrate Valentine’s Day by putting a sparkle in their clients’ loveliness.
Our Place spokesman Grant McKenzie said the centre has a regular weekly session with hairstylists and barbers. But Beauty Day is a special time just for women, “although we have been talking about doing a Handsome Day for the men,” he said.
Hairstylist Sal Stephens, a regular volunteer at Our Place, said he likes to be able to offer people a chance to spruce up their look.
“It gives people a shot at a beautiful look that everyone deserves,” Stephens said.
And there may be no tips, “but the hugs are free,” he said.
