There’s no denying the weeks leading up to, and the initial week of 2020 have been devastating. Australia and many of its communities are burning in what’s been described as the worst bush fire season on record. It’s overwhelming to say the least; hard to wrap your head around the enormity of what’s happening, let alone how to help those in need in a way that’s both effective and necessary.

It’s been made clear that monetary donations are the best short term way to extend a helping hand (no matter how big or small), but one Australian makeup artist has also started to think long term at ways we can help restore some normality back into people’s lives. Victoria Baron has launched @beautybagsforbushfirsvictims on Instagram, in an attempt to collect unused beauty products to put together and distribute to those who have lost everything.

Baron posted the following message on Instagram:

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As a makeup artist it is really hard to work out how this industry could possibly help with the current devastating bushfires. Right now, in the crisis. Donations of money and essential supplies are the most effective way to help. As a long term initiative l wanted to reach out to the beauty community (and my friends) so that once people have started to rebuild their lives, l can distribute packages of beauty and selfcare kits to women who have lost everything. And those who tend to look after other people/animals before themselves. Right now, there are more urgent ways to help, but in the coming months when the media dies down. These kits might give people who are grieving and lost a little sprinkle of normality. I’m hoping that anyone with a beauty company or business that can help with this will get in touch. Beauty PRs with contacts. Beauty Influences, spread the word. Local Hair and makeup artists with cupboards full of NEW . Send them over. Larger companies with stores, gift cards to spend in store. Or maybe it’s a chance to find a way to redistribute all the extra products you have? Celebrities… help! We are in a climate crisis so sending packages from over seas isn’t helpful to our planet. Maybe sell these products locally and donate the money? ❤️ @beautybagsforbushfireheroes

A post shared by Victoria Baron (@victoriabaron) on

 

As mentioned, Baron plans for this to be a long term project, but you can donate any amount of unopened beauty, wellness and self care products now by visiting the Instagram account. A number of brands (including Estee Lauder, Oroton and Go-To Skincare) have already come on board. In the meantime, please consider making a cash donation (no matter how small). Follow this link for ways in which you can help.

 

View this post on Instagram

As a makeup artist it is really hard to work out how this industry could possibly help the victims of the current devastating bushfires. Right now, in the crisis. Donations of money and essential supplies are the most effective way to help! Thinking longterm, l wanted to reach out to the beauty community (and my friends) so that once people have started to rebuild their lives l can distribute packages of beauty/self care kits. Right now, there are bigger ways to help, but in the coming weeks/months these things might give people who have been traumatised and lost everything a little sprinkle of normality. I’m hoping that anyone with a beauty company or business that can help with this will get in touch. PRs that kindly send products to people in the industry will redirect them here. Beauty Influences with voices can spread the word. Hair and makeup artists with cupboards full of unopened products. Send them over. Larger companies with stores, gift cards to spend in store. Or maybe it’s a chance to find a way to redistribute all the extra products you have? Celebrities… help! I’ve started @beautybagsforbushfireheroes and hopefully we can help in some way soon. X

A post shared by Victoria Baron & Jen McCloy (@beautybagsforbushfireheroes) on