Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to introduce the Boots UK and Macmillan Cancer Support beauty advisor role. Research shows that more than two thirds of women affected by cancer would welcome advice from a specially trained beauty advisor in a high-street store.
So, last month, Boots and Macmillan got together to introduce this in selected Boots store across the UK, including lots in Scotland. A poll by Macmillan Cancer Support showed 81% feel the physical side-effects of their treatment have negatively affected their self esteem and despite this, 64% are unsure of how to disguise them and 73% would welcome beauty advice from a local trained advisor.
So, No7 advisors have been specially trained to offer advice and support to help people affected by cancer to manage the visible side-effects of their treatment, via a tailored and personalised service developed by Boots UK and Macmillan Cancer Support. “It goes without saying that this can be a difficult time and that small things for some can make a difference. We hope our beauty advisors can provide women with much needed support and can, in some small way, help them to feel positive,” says Elizabeth Fagan, Boots UK Marketing Director.
Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors have completed an in-depth training programme enabling them to advise customers on the best products for their needs, and demonstrate how to apply cosmetic techniques to minimise these visible side-effects. Their training means they are able to offer other important advice on the side effects of cancer treatment such as the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, deeper wrinkles, dry or sensitive skin and brittle nails. They can also offer important advice on sun protection, and the appearance of hair loss and hold sensitive conversations to ensure women do not feel intimidated.
Karen White, Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisor at the Boots store in Northwich, has completed the training,and said: “By offering advice and support to help people affected by cancer to feel more positive about their appearance, they can get a little bit of themselves back. The training with Macmillan has been invaluable in helping me respond to and meet the individual needs of those affected by cancer.”
Jeni underwent treatment for breast cancer and explains how she would have benefitted from seeing a Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisor: “It is a shame that during the time I was undergoing treatment, the Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisor role was not yet available as I would have definitely benefited from seeing them. I would have felt more like myself, just popping into a high-street store and asking for some advice and a chat, but also knowing that because of their training, I would get a sensitive and reliable answer. It is great that they are now in stores to make a huge difference to women like me.”
Boots UK is encouraging people to talk to their local Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisor, pick up a leaflet in-store, access the information on boots.com/cancer or Macmillan.org.co.uk/visiblesideeffects.
To find your nearest store with a Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisor, use the Store Locator facility at boots.com/storelocator Choose ‘Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisor’ from the drop down menu.
