Shiseido's Lavender Ring initiative redefines beauty for cancer survivors

In a world often obsessed with the superficial aspects of beauty, Shiseido's Lavender Ring Makeup & Photos with Smiles initiative is breaking new ground. Changing the conversation around beauty, this annual initiative by Shiseido zooms in on the transformative power of makeup and the strength that emerges when cancer survivors and patients come together to share their stories.

The heart of this initiative lies in the stories of courage and resilience that cancer survivors and patients share. First conceived in 2017 by Shiseido Japan, is a multilateral project involving volunteers from Shiseido, local governments, corporations from other industries, patient groups, and medical institutions who share the same vision of a society in which cancer survivors can live with a smile.

Using “lavender” as a symbolic colour for all types of cancer, the ring represents the networks of people who understand cancer and support cancer survivors coming together – underscoring the importance of supporting each other during challenging times.

While the inaugural event last year engaged 35 cancer patients and survivors, this year, 60 beneficiaries from the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) were involved in a personalised makeup and hairstyling session hosted by certified Shiseido Beauty consultants and hairstylists.

At the workshop, attendees were given the opportunity to try products from the Shiseido Life Quality Makeup (SLQM) line. What sets this range apart from the rest is that these products are specially designed to address serious skin concerns and improve uneven skin tones and textures, while enhancing their best facial features. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach but rather a tailored experience that helps individuals feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.

Attendees like Jill Alphonso also shared more about her experience at the event. 

The Lavender Ring initiative goes beyond makeup; it builds a support network for those affected by cancer. Fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, the annual campaign reminds us that beauty is not just skin deep but comes from a place of inner strength.

Jill says, “Most strikingly, the event is a way for cancer survivors and patients to connect. As a young woman with cancer and who supports other breast cancer patients in support groups, I often hear of how one can feel very much alone. Family and friends can provide support but they don't fully understand what a patient goes through.”

“For the patient, there is power in a community, to feel seen, heard and understood. A deep knowing that exists through shared experience, often beyond words. I can boil it down to - they just get it. I made wonderful connections with fellow survivors of all ages, speaking to them and their caregivers, who were also invited to the event. I would not have met them otherwise and I am grateful that Shiseido could provide a space for connection, so key to healing and support,” she adds. 

Shiseido's Lavender Ring initiative is not just a makeup campaign; it's a testament to the power of unity, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of women. Through the heartwarming and transformative stories shared, many have found strength through beauty and camaraderie — redefining what beauty truly means.