No make-up? #OverMy DeadBody

Unless a cure for all cancers is found, Karen Funnell won't be taking a selfie

I received a ‘selfie’ nomination from a friend on Facebook this week, urging me to put up a photograph without make-up to raise awareness of breast cancer. I told her they’d have to find a cure for all cancers before I’d post any snap of myself on social media without a touch of Clinique.

Let me be clear. I support charities, particularly cancer ones, and see nothing wrong with off-the-wall fundraising methods if they get the cash rolling in. I’ve had breast cancer so I know firsthand how important it is to boost awareness.

However, I am resisting the call to join the #NoMakeupSelfie bandwagon. For me it’s a case of #OverMyDeadBody. I detest selfies, even with a full face of make-up. I admire those who have done it — and have seen some lovely fresh-faced smiles on my own page — but I will stick to raising funds on Daffodil Day.

The trend kicked off with author Laura Lippman who posted a picture of her bare face in support of actress Kim Novak who was criticised for her appearance at the Oscars. It went viral and became associated with Cancer Research after people began adding #breastcancerawareness to the selfies.

Celebrities such Holly Willoughby and Kim Marsh joined the craze — looking infuriatingly better without war paint than most of us manage after a whole day getting ready to go out.

Not everyone is supportive though. Some have been accused of posting a photo but not donating money. Others have apparently used Instagram to doctor their image or — shock, horror — actually worn make-up.

There have also been complaints that the campaign is insensitive to cancer patients, particularly as self-image takes a pretty sharp dent when the body is ravaged with surgery, radiation, and chemo. I doubt many who have had cancer would give a rat’s ass to be honest, if money and awareness are raised. Who cares if it’s a marketing gimmick!

Possibly due to the controversy, the Irish Cancer Society points out that it is not linked to the phenomenon, although it says it is grateful for the hike in donations. In the 24-hour period after the craze took off, it received €200,000 in text donations. This doubled to €400,000 by Friday afternoon and has now reached €500,000. Not to be sniffed at, considering it relies on public money to provide its services.

So why won’t I stick my mugshot up? Well it’s certainly not because I find the campaign crass or insensitive. To be honest, only a handful of the 217 ‘friends’ I have accumulated on Facebook would have seen me in a make-up-free state, and I’ve no intention of letting the other 200 in on the secret.

They probably wouldn’t give a flying wotsit but it would bother me. Oh, and did I mention that I hate selfies? Call me vain, self-centred, or just plain old silly — but, for me, life is better with make-up.

Now I don’t plaster it on for the school run but generally I love having my face on. It’s not my raison d’être but it’s part of who I am. A touch of foundation, a dusting of powder, and a dab of eyeliner make me feel that I can take on the world, whatever it throws my way. It has the same effect as having a good hair day, or losing a few pounds.

Others may not care or even notice, but the little things can make the difference between a good day and a bad one. And when you’ve been ill, it’s important to make the most of the good days. So for those who nominated me, I apologise. It’s not that I’m offended by the sentiments, I applaud them. But I won’t be adding my pasty little mug to the posse any time soon. Unless, of course, they do find a cure...