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Makeup made simple: ‘Don’t Make It Up’ program success

At the beginning of July, Guide Dogs Victoria’s Occupational Therapy (OT) Team hosted their “Don’t Make It Up” program across two half-days. The program was designed to support clients with low vision or blindness to learn how to apply makeup, how to choose certain products and complete a skin care routine, trial different makeup techniques, as well as removing makeup after their day or night out.

The sessions were open to all clients, gender identities and makeup skill levels to support everybody’s unique and individual beauty goals and priorities. With a total of eight Clients alongside their supports joining to learn and practice skincare and makeup, each participant had the opportunity to explore what colours and styles suited their skin and personalities with clients being able to receive one-on-one guidance.

By the end of the program, we saw Clients applying basic makeup with increased independence and confidence. Everybody walked out of the program with faces that glowed as much as their newfound confidence, plus a stronger connection with their community and a large group of individuals with similar interests. Catherine, one of our Clients who was thrilled to attend commented how much more confident she feels in her ability to apply product.

Our Occupational Therapy Team would like to thank Orientation and Mobility Student, Krista, Guide Dogs Victoria staff member, Stacey who took the time out of her usual role to lend her makeup artist experience, and Coles for generously donating the makeup products and tools. Without their help, it would not have been possible to run a program of this size that supports our Clients to achieve their goals and never stop exploring.

For anyone interested in similar events and programs, check out our upcoming events here and stay connected with your community while you learn!