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PrintWoman to Woman: Cancer Makeup Makeover
Almost every woman knows applying a little makeup can make a big difference. But for some women, the biggest change is on the inside. In tonight's woman to woman report, we found one makeup artist who is using her skill to help those diagnosed with cancer.
A dab of lipstick there.
Lori Ovitz has been making up women and men for more than 20 years.
"I was one of those few people that after high school knew exactly what I wanted to do," says Lori.
From media stars like Geraldo Rivera to all kinds of sports stars... Lori's had a fulfilling career as a makeup artist.
But now her work has taken her in another direction.
Lori says, "Teaching a cancer patient to feel beautiful on the outside, in turn, she's feeling or he more beautiful on the inside."
Lori started taking her tricks of the trade to cancer patients in the hospital.
Now, she's written a book, Facing The Mirror With Cancer.
It's a guide to using makeup to make a difference.
"When she mentioned makeup, I was like oh my God this is just what I need," says Yolanda MacDonald, who spent three months in the hospital after being diagnosed with multiple myloma -- a cancer that attacked her bone marrow.
On this day, she got a surprise makeover.
Lori begins by cleansing Yolanda's face, then matches a foundation to her skin tone... Lori says even if you feel pale, don't choose a color that's too dark.Some other tricks, brush some vitamin e onto your lips with a soft toothbrush to help remove dead skin.
Finally, use lip-liner before you apply your lipstick to help make the color stay on.
Yolanda's makeover complete -- check her out before and now here she is after.
"I know that the inside is taken care of," she says, "so the outside now... I'm taking care of the outside because I have things I want to do."
Lori has plenty more she wants to do. She also visits places like Gilda's Club... Where she works hands-on with more cancer patients.
"It just gives you more self esteem," says Cancer Patient Talitha Mercado.
Lori says, "No changing your lipstick color is not going to cure your cancer, but it's going to sure make you feel a lot perkier."
But the patients aren't the only ones benefiting, Lori's also getting a lesson in a labor of love...
Lori says, "It's very amazing to be able to help someone just with what you used to do with your career, and to help them feel good about themselves."
Lori's book has been a family affair; her husband Bruce is the publisher.
The book doesn't go on sale until June - 50 percent of the profits go towards cancer research.By the way, Yolanda is in remission.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: bcanals@wsvn.com
Facing The Mirror With Cancer
http://www.facingthemirror.org
1-312-214-3545
980 N. Michigan Avenue
Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60611