UK News | May 28, 2019

Avon UK partners with Changing Faces to change perceptions around visible differences

Avon UK partner with Changing Faces, the nation’s leading charity for everyone who has a mark, scar or condition that makes them look different

Avon UK has proudly announced a partnership with Changing Faces, the nation’s leading charity for everyone who has a mark, scar or condition that makes them look different.

Following Avon UK’s support for Changing Faces’ #PledgeToBeSeen as part its global stand4her programme which aims to improve the lives of 100 million women each year, the organisations are now formally joining forces. Avon UK will feature more models with a visible difference in its campaigns and co-fund Changing Faces’ support and information line.

The partnership launched on Face Equality Day, a special day of celebration and action which helps to give a voice to more people with a visible difference and to change people’s perceptions so no matter how your face or body looks, you’re treated equally. As part of its 60-year anniversary campaign later this year Avon UK will feature plane crash survivor Tulsi Vagjiani who sustained second and third degree burns to 45% of her face and body. She was bullied about how she looked which affected her mental health.

Sadly, Tulsi’s experience isn’t unique. Research released by Changes Faces* this week clearly demonstrated the need for change. It revealed that approximately one in three people (29%) reported feeling depressed, sad or anxious as a result of having a visible difference like a birth mark or scar. Almost a quarter (23%) say they feel self-conscious or embarrassed going out in public because of their visible difference.

Avon is committed to championing the power of beauty and together Avon and Changing faces will work to ensure people who look different have the freedom to express themselves and are visible across fashion and beauty campaigns.

Avon was the first beauty brand to sign up to Changing Faces’ pledge to feature more people with a visible difference in its campaigns and in March, Avon UK’s ‘Perfect Nudes’ campaign featured Changing Faces ambassador Catrin Pugh, who suffered 96% burns in a coach accident.

“To be a part of a beauty campaign that challenges traditional beauty stereotypes, and the stigma around ‘looking different’ is so refreshing. For people with a visible difference, the beauty counter can be an intimidating place to go. I want to send out the message that it’s ok to be different, and that true beauty is about being proud to be yourself.”

Catrin Pugh

For anyone that needs support you can call Changing Faces’ support and information line, now co-funded by Avon UK, on 0300 012 0275. To find out more about Changing Faces visit www.changingfaces.org.uk .