Here’s Where You Can Send Your Old Makeup So They Can Literally Go To Heaven
Easily one of the most underappreciated jobs in the world is that of an embalmer. Preparing a body for a wake safely, and in a way that will help alleviate the sense of loss of a grieving family, can be a daunting task. It is certainly not for the faint of heart, and it requires specialized and extensive training.
Recently launched together with social media posts by celebrity makeup artist and online influencer Jigs Mayuga, Heaven Palette, is a joint project of the PCAS embalming school and TBWA\SMP. The initiative is aimed at enabling embalmers-in-training to hone their craft by helping with a large recurring expense: that of cosmetics. The Heaven Palette calls for donations of pre-loved makeup to be used by embalmers in training to help them learn how to do their job well.
In addition, the initiative hopes to make an environmental impact by encouraging the repurposing of makeup that would otherwise simply go to waste. In his post for Heaven Palette, Jigs Mayuga said, “At least hoarders like me, no longer need to feel bad about letting go of old eye shadow, old powder, used lipstick because we now have a meaningful purpose for it.”
The skillset required of those in the funeral services industry is highly specialized and broader than most imagine, and embalming in particular, is a highly technical profession.
“Similar to the medical profession, embalmers also undergo training in Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Hygiene and Sanitation, Instrumentation, Ethics, and Jurisprudence, among other subjects,” said Sarah Dychangco-Reyes, President and owner of the Pacific Center for Advanced Studies
Putting makeup on human remains is a skill that requires practice, and using good makeup is vital, so this is often a pain point.
From the time of its first posting in late February, The Heaven Palette has received a steady stream of donations.
“Our donation boxes are continuously filled with assorted cosmetics. Some cosmetics are used, while others are still in pristine condition. Our PCAS admin has been receiving continuous personal drop-offs, as well as many deliveries via courier,” said Dychangco-Reyes.
