A short time ago, I had the pleasure of joining mega-beauty brand, Lancôme, and a host of other fabulous beauty editors for a trip to St. Jude Children’s Research hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Before attending, I had been advised by one of my beauty product junkie partners-in-crime, Ebony.com’s Associate Beauty & Style Editor, Melanie Yvette, that this wouldn’t be like any other trip I had been on before. But little did I know how strongly this experience would touch my heart.
For the 5th consecutive year, Lancome will celebrate Genifique Day, a day in which funds are raised to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. With that, a few lucky beauty editors where given the opportunity to connect first-hand with patients at the hospital through an interactive makeup event. Celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert, Mickey Williams sphere headed this special occasion by giving teenage patients of the hospital glam makeovers with her magic touch. The instant boost of confidence and wow factor that every girl walked away with was an emotional tug at my heart. I can remember one of the tween girls sharing some of her gorgeous makeup selfie moments with me, and I thought to myself, “future beauty editor in the making!”
Prior to the makeup party, we also had the opportunity to tour the Target House (made possible by Target stores) that provides 100% free housing to patients who need medical treatment for more than three months. The house is fully furnished including an on-site library, music room, a fun arts and crafts room, and much more—literally, the works! Following, we also had the chance to walk around the inside of the hospital, which without a doubt, was built with patients in mind and made the primary focus. The facility was also one of the first to treat sick African-American children at a time in the Midwest when medical care for Blacks was not a priority.
Over the course of about 48 hours, I was excited to learn how I can support Lancome’s push to support the St. Jude’s Children’s Research hospital. Where there is a will, there is a way, and during the final celebratory weekend for Lancome’s Genifique Day initiative, Friday, October 24th and Saturday, October 25th, Instagramers and Twitter users posted their hands in the shape of hearts on the social media channels, and used the hashtag #LancomeGivesBack in support of the amazing initiative. For each post, Lancome will make a $1 donation in their honor (up to the $20,000 goal).
However, if you're not a social media user, you can still do your part to give back. If you are out shopping this week, pick up an item from Lancome’s Genifique line, and $7 will be donated directly to the St Jude’s Research Children’s Research hospital. Here’s your chance to do some guilt-free shopping that supports an amazing cause.
-Jacqueline Laurean Yates
