A south Armagh teenager has used her incredible talents to create a stunning facial make-over to highlight the impact of bullying.
Shauna Murray, a make-up artist from Crossmaglen, chose Mental Health Week for her thought-provoking creation.
The 17-year-old feels now was an ideal time to get the message across, particularly when people are isolating or living in lockdown and their normal daily routines have simply vanished.
Shauna believes it is difficult time for people to adjust to without having to contend with the cruel words of others which can land like physical blows on their victim and drag them deeper into despair.
Her patient subject on this occasion was herself and she spent four hours undergoing this amazing transformation by her own hand.
One side of the face has been made up and over the top words which can easily wound – Stupid, Ugly, Pig, Fat, Bitch, Fake and Weird – have been highlighted.
Shauna, who captured the process on video, said her hope was to highlight just how hurtful and dangerous such ill-thought out statements can be when directed at others.
She told Armagh I : “I wanted to get across a strong message to mark the extremely important week especially in the doubtful and strange times that we are in at the moment.
“I wanted to create a visual impact to show everyone that no matter what ‘mask’ – which is the make-up that people put on – there’s always a story behind it – basically words can scar us either in a good or a bad way.”
Shauna came up with the idea and the artistry herself and hopes it will make people stop and think.
She added: “I used make-up and paints to create the grey cast over my body and black paint to write the words.
“I want people to know that words can be forgiven but never forgotten, to always think before hurting people with their words or actions – especially keyboard warriors during lockdown.
@makeupbyshaunam Everyone has a story, be kind always🖤 #mentalhealthawareness #mentalheath #mentalhealthawarenessweek #foryoupage #houseoftiktok #makeup #bekind
