This holiday season we bring together six unique faces for the celebration we’re all hoping we can have. Scouted through a social media casting call, they all have fearless self-expression in common. Sharing their personal take on beauty and the festive season for a spot in the campaign, each individual has a compelling story to tell…

Describing herself as ‘London’s lesbian sweetheart’, Gemma (@gemmmmaj) is the perfect blend of sweet and spice. Embarking on an MSc in Nursing, top of her Christmas list this year is better recognition for all key workers.

I entered the Find Me Unique competition because…

It’s something that's completely out of my comfort zone and is very very different from my day-to-day training to be a nurse! I thought it would be a lot of fun and it’s not the kind of opportunity that comes around often so it would be crazy not to take part! Who doesn’t want to get their hair and makeup done and feel glamorous once in a while!

For me, unique beauty is about…

People being able to experiment and express themselves exactly how they want. I feel like we’re so lucky these days to have such a huge range of products and inspiration right at our fingertips. I love that we’re breaking out of the social ‘norms’ with beauty and makeup and we’re seeing more people from all walks of life creating such amazing looks!

My go-to makeup look is...

Very simple and minimal. Most days I don’t wear much makeup at all, but I always like to keep my skincare routine solid. If I have a dinner or an event to go to, I do also love to play with makeup - embracing my unique look means I feel just as beautiful whether I’m wearing a tonne of makeup or none at all. 

If I could speak to my younger self…

I would probably say to try and live a bit more in the present and don’t worry too much about how the future is going to pan out. Generally everything will fall into place and if you work hard and try to be the best person you can be, you’ll get to where you need to be and attract positive and gorgeous people into your life. 

My favourite words to live by are…

'Love is love'. It’s important that everyone knows it’s ok to love who you want to love and no one should ever be made to feel that their love isn’t normal or accepted. Love comes in millions of different forms and they’re all equally as beautiful and valid as each other. 

My favourite beauty products right now...

I am a true believer in double cleansing, I currently use a combination of the Inkey List Oat Cleanser, the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser and the Cerave Smoothing Cleanser. I’m also obsessed with bronzer, so my absolute go-to makeup products are always the Benefit Hoola Bronzer and the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream. 

I celebrate Christmas by…

Going back to my hometown of Bristol to see all my family and friends. Our main tradition is that everyone I went to school with comes together on Christmas eve in the legendary Cat and Wheel pub and spends the night doing karaoke! It’s the biggest night of the year and for me is much more fun than New Years Eve.

Top of my Christmas list this year...

I’m hoping for a bit more normality and to be able to see all my friends and family, not just a select few. I also want better pay and working rights for everyone, especially those who were crucial throughout the pandemic and not just NHS staff, all social care workers, supermarket workers, delivery drivers, EVERYONE! 

In 2022, I’m most looking forward to...

Finishing my Masters and qualifying as a nurse. I am also seriously hoping for a long relaxing beach holiday with my girlfriend. It would also be great if Covid could calm down a bit so we can do everything fun again like festivals and big weddings!

Discover more from our Faces of Unique