Many beauty bloggers have taken on the #powerofmakeup challenge, but few so powerfully as Nigerian makeup artist, vlogger and burn survivor Shalom Nchom.
Nchom’s video tutorial, which sees her apply full makeup to one side of her face, while leaving the other bare and her scars visible, has quickly gone viral thanks to its accompanying messages about acceptance and empowerment.
The challenge aims to highlight the fact that while there should be no shame in having fun with makeup, there’s also no need to feel insecure about your natural beauty - flaws, imperfections and all.
A message Nchom is sending loud and clear.
When she was nine years old, Nchom was burned by hot frying oil in a accident that took place at her parents’ store in Nigeria. As a result, she was left with burns on her face, neck and shoulders, and lost most of her hair.
Now living in Maryland, America, where she underwent reconstructive surgery, Nchom says that after years of using makeup to heavily conceal her scars, she’s finally happy with who she is.
“Makeup is not the reason why I am happy. I’m happy because I love myself,” she explains during her #powerofmakeup tutorial video.
“You should love yourself either way - makeup or no makeup.
“I love myself for who I am, I've accepted what's happened to me, so I really don't care if someone has something negative to say.”
While Nchom shares tips and advice to others living with scarring about how to conceal them with makeup, she’s clear about one thing - you shouldn’t have to cover-up to feel happy, strong or beautiful.
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