Opinion post: The no make-up selfie craze

Now, you've probably all heard and seen that the no make-up selfie craze has flooded all our social news feeds. And if you haven’t it goes a little something like this…

Women are uploading their bare faced selfies onto their social networking sites (mainly Facebook) and nominating their fellow female friends to do the same in order to raise awareness of Cancer/Cancer Research. Men have also jumped on this band wagon by uploading selfies IN make-up – all a little bizarre? Yes. All for a good cause? Hell yes.

Personally, I’m always game for a social media craze – something that I can join in on, enjoy and encourage my friends to do as well, what could possibly go wrong? However, this latest online phenomenon has received very mixed reviews.

There has been support. Women are using these no make-up selfies in ways of empowerment. Empowering and encouraging one another to showcase their insecurities by stripping the make-up off and posing for a selfie. There is also the empowerment women are bringing on themselves. The feeling of achievement and joy at what they have just done, and knowing they are beautiful regardless of what society says. There’s also the support that it has shown for those who are suffering or have suffered from the horrible disease, most of which who are closest to their hearts. The feeling of community it has provided is huge – as women from all walks of life are uploading these selfies with only love and support in their hearts. No vanity – hardly anyone wants to upload a picture of their make-upless face in order to get as many ‘likes’ as they can. This has been done because it’s actually a simple and nice way of showing our support.

There have been the women who have turned it around. The ones who not only upload a no make-up selfie, but also donate at the same time. These women are showcasing that the two can become one in this raising awareness campaign. Also, it doesn't matter whether or not you do both or one or the other – you’re still helping.

However, there has been the backlash. There have been huge amounts of frustration and anger towards this latest campaign.

Frustration from those who do not understand or can’t see why uploading a selfie can help the cause.

Anger from those who are suffering from cancer.
Anger from those who have lost loved ones because of this disease.

Each pleading for us to donate our money to Cancer Research or The Christie and help beat cancer quicker.

Now, first of all, I understood the frustration and anger and condoned those to feel that way. As, I too, have dealt with cancer scares and have lost many loved ones to this disease. No amount of make-up selfies would bring them back or stop the suffering. The huge amounts of negative statuses that have been posted all over Facebook has almost been as much of a phenomenon as the selfie, but as I was going through them and reading each one – I didn't find myself nodding along or agreeing with what was being said. 

I found myself disagreeing. I found myself laughing to myself at every single person – whether angry status or selfie upload – as every single one of you have contributed to this campaign. In actual fact, campaign is the term I use loosely. As this actually wasn't a campaign set up by any cancer charities, this was brought to life by the general public, which in itself is pretty impressive.

So, those of you who uploaded selfies – well done! Good for you! You have not only contributed to a very successful, public born campaign but you are raising awareness, whether or not it is positive or negative.

Those of you who uploaded a selfie and donated – congrats! You've not only become part of this phenomenon and helped build an online community, but you've also donated to worthy charities that deserve all the donations they can get.

To those of you who donated in anger thinking you were doing more than everyone else, to those who posted negative comments and statuses – well done! You did exactly the same thing as those who uploaded selfies; you raised awareness and encouraged more people to donate.

It’s got to be said, each and every single one of you have done amazingly well and have actually made a difference. Amazingly, Cancer Research and The Christie have received an amazing amount of success – FOR FREE! Free advertising, free marketing, free awareness and more importantly an influx of donations.

Overall, at this point 1 million pounds has been raised! Absolutely incredible.
Alongside the 5 million that was raised through the Dryathlon - we, the general public, have done something incredible and should be proud.

We all need to realise that we’re pretty incredible beings. When we team together, we can achieve amazing things and really make a difference.

Just stop the negativity – be more supportive, be more positive and be more involved. Stop trying to be the exception to the rule, just go with it and see what you can do.

Well done everyone! We really have made a huge difference – let’s keep going.

Here's my donation!

P.s. ignore all those little boys who have been putting nasty, shallow comments and messages – we’re clearly a lot stronger and empowering than what they’ll ever be!