EXCLUSIVE: Denise Van Outen on the personal reason she’s getting behind #BoldIsBeautiful

Denise Van Outen, who is a campaign ambassador, will be leading the fundraising march through London on Sunday 8th May, to show everyone what it means to be bold and beautiful.

Denise Van Outen Benefit Bold is Beautiful

by Francesca Battson |
Published on

Benefit’s Bold is Beautiful campaign first launched in 2015 to let people know that beauty goes beyond the boutiques and counters, and last year raised over $2.9 million globally.

bold is beautiful benefit campaign
©Benefit

This year, women and girls who join the march will be encouraged to start with minimal makeup, and stop at checkpoints throughout the route to receive beauty ‘touch-ups’.

The campaign is raising money for two charities: Look Good Feel Better – a charity that helps women and teenagers combat the visible side effects of cancer treatment; and Refuge – a charity that supports women and children escaping domestic violence.

We spoke to Denise to ask her why she’s involved in the campaign and to understand more about why she’s helping to raise awareness with Benefit Cosmetics.

Why did you want to be involved in the Bold is Beautiful campaign?

“My best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer just over a year ago and she’s very fortunate that her cancer treatment has been successful. We’ve known each other since we were kids, and have always been best friends – we’re pretty much sisters!

“I’ve watched her go through the process of having chemotherapy, losing her hair, losing her confidence. I’ve witnessed first-hand what it’s like for women when they go through cancer treatment and how they feel. My friend felt very self-conscious in groups or going out and so quite a lot of time she stayed in.

Denise Van Outen Benefit Bold is Beautiful
©Benefit Bold is Beautiful

“But everyone should be proud and know they still look beautiful - I think my best friend looks amazing! Her hair has just started growing back and personally I think she looks better than she did before.

“It’s nice to just give women a chance to look good and feel better about themselves, be it having an amazing wig or make up.”

We think the campaign is a great idea, and hope that the same money (if not more) is raised this year!

If you want to take part in the march on Sunday 8 May, visit www.boldisbeautiful.com/uk to register.

UPDATE: On Sunday 8 March over 680 people turned out to march for the Bold is Beautiful campaign in the 25C heat!

Denise commented on the turnout saying: “The sun shone today on what was a true celebration of womanhood. Seeing hundreds of women rallying together to have fun and to make a real difference to the work that Look Good Feel Better and Refuge undertake was just wonderful to see."

And if you couldn't make the march, why not head to one of the 140+ Benefit locations for a brow wax, where all profits go towards the charities – and you receive a free Gimme Brow worth £18.50!

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