THIS WEEK, FASHION AND BEAUTY COLUMNIST NANCY BUCKLAND KIRK WRITES ABOUT WHY BEAUTY BANKS (THINK FOOD BANKS, BUT WITH BEAUTY ESSENTIALS AND TOILETRIES INSTEAD) ARE MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE.
I have so many beloved beauty writers, and they all come with their own merits, but Sali Hughes is someone very special. Beauty Editor at the Guardian and regular contributor to The Pool, as well as author of bestselling book Pretty Iconic, Sali really is simply unique. She is honest, straight-talking and absolutely adores the beauty industry. However, as such an experienced journalist with a huge social conscience, Sali has recently become more aware that while many of us see mascara, shampoo and hand cream as must-haves, for many they are not even on the list of what they need every day to survive.
With this in mind, Sali and her intrepid team, with the aid of the experienced beauty insider Jo Jones, have recently launched Beauty Banks. Sali has spoken very openly about the problem of hygiene poverty in the U.K and it is prevalent not just in the homeless community but in low income families who are finding the current economic situation more than a challenge with seemingly no end in sight. Whilst basics such as food and heating are becoming luxuries, even soap can be out of reach. And whilst donations to food banks around the U.K are welcome and needed, we often forget toiletries, and tend to concentrate on kitchen store cupboard essentials.
Thinking about it carefully, though, if you’ve ever been poorly with something like the flu, and haven’t been able to get a shower or wash your hair for a few days, warm water and lots of bubbles feel like heaven as you start to get better, and yet we take them for granted. Our personal hygiene and appearance feels like a basic human right in what is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It also boosts our self esteem and is essential for our health. For many, this basic right is still a pipe dream.
It is often women and young girls who struggle the most, although Beauty Banks is there to provide assistance for everyone. You can simply donate products online through the Beauty Banks system, and then Sali and her team arrange for them to be distributed. It’s really simple to add some shampoo and toothpaste to your regular shopping list, and it is such an inexpensive way to help someone who really needs, and appreciates, your assistance.
The wonderful team at Superdrug have recently launched three direct drop off points at three of their Manchester stores, and I hope that they extend the opportunity throughout the U.K as we really are a generous bunch in this country. If you’re anything like me, a little trip around Superdrug is an absolute joy, and so the opportunity to pop a few things in my basket to donate to Beauty Banks would really make the experience even better. Never mind looking beautiful, it leaves you feeling a whole lot better.
Many congratulations to Sali Hughes for showing such initiative and for taking such direct action. She has certainly shown me that true beauty is more than just about the latest lip gloss, and that sharing a little of your own good fortune really gives you a feel good factor that beats any sheet mask. But you can pop one in in your basket, just the same.
About the author: Nancy Buckland Kirk is a writer with a keen interest in fashion and beauty and a career which has spanned modelling, teaching and spreading the word about leading beauty brands.
Related feature: Carolyn Hughes hosts her legendary Christmas lunch for Cash For Kids.
