A MAC Makeover and a Lesson in Resilience

When I look back on December 15, 2014, one moment glows brightly—the day I walked into a MAC Cosmetics store for a makeover during my battle with cancer. This wasn’t just about makeup or a free makeover, it was a deeply personal reminder of resilience, self-care, and finding beauty amidst adversity. During that chapter of my life, the constant whirlwind of tests and treatments often left me feeling drained and disconnected from the woman I once recognized in the mirror. My thinning hair and the physical toll of illness made me feel like I was losing the essence of what made me feel beautiful and desirable day by day.

I faced much of this journey alone, with no family to hold my hand. Yet, along the way, I found an incredible community. My neighbors became my support system, my tribe—they brought me meals, helped me with laundry, and even held my hair back as I was sick on the bathroom floor. Still, on that particular day at Menlo Park Mall, sitting in the MAC chair amidst vibrant palettes and expert artistry, I felt something shift. The transformation wasn’t just skin deep. For the first time in months, I saw a reflection of myself that radiated strength and beauty. It was as if, even in my exhaustion, I felt like I had just stepped off a New York Fashion Week runway.

That MAC artist didn’t just enhance my features, they rekindled a sense of identity and confidence I thought I had lost. The experience was a small yet profound act of self-love that underscored the importance of prioritizing mental and emotional well-being, even in life’s toughest moments. Reflecting on that memory now, I hope to inspire others to seek out their own moments of beauty and joy, no matter how challenging the journey may be.

“After every storm, there is a rainbow. If you have eyes, you will find it. If you have wisdom, you will create it. If you have love for yourself and others, you won’t need it.”
― Shannon L. Alder

About The Author

NERISA EUGENIA WATERMAN

I’m an author, storyteller, and founder of The Fashion Profiler. My work bridges the worlds of fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle, offering curated content that inspires and empowers. With a passion for capturing life’s essence through words and visuals, I bring a unique perspective to modern living.
This platform is my creative space to share stories, insights, and experiences that resonate with today’s vibrant, multifaceted lifestyles. Thank you for joining me on this journey and welcome to nerisaewaterman.com!

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