'I'll do free prom make-up if parents are struggling'

A make-up artist has offered to do free prom make-up "so no child is left out", if parents find they are struggling managing the costs that come with the occasion.

Charlotte Bates, who runs her own salon in Liverpool, opened the offer to any parents "who are stuck for whatever reason", encouraging them to contact her while promising the free makeover "would remain private and confidential".

The 31-year-old said proms "cost a fortune with the dress, nails, hair and make-up and everyone's struggling".

"It's only my time and I would love to know no-one is turning up feeling left out," she added.

She initially made the offer to do two prom makeovers for those who cannot afford it on her Instagram page and said she was amazed at how it "blew up" and "everyone come together" to offer other beauty services such as hair and spray tans.

Across the country, the end of exam season marks the start of parties and proms for year 11 and 13 students, all keen to dress to the nines and arrive in style.

The British Council – a public body promoting educational opportunities internationally – estimates about 85% of secondary schools now have proms and it does not take long on social media to find teenage influencers, some with millions of followers, posting videos promoting a glitzy vision, with expensive dresses, elaborate hair styles and make-up, and hired cars.

This can lead to a great cost, with debt advice charity Money Wellness finding one in four parents spend between £250 and £500 on their child's prom.

Bates said there were "some children out there that aren't able to get their make-up done due to their parents not being able to pay it for whatever reason".

"I'd love to do free prom make-up for parents struggling," she said.

"The school prom is so special; it's once-in-a-lifetime."

She said the prom was a significant event in teenage life.

"I'll always remember mine," she said, adding she recalled lots of glitter and "feeling so grown-up".

The make-up artist and beauty teacher said for a lot of children, the event was the first time they had their make-up professionally done and they left with a "confidence boost", excited about their big night.

"I'd love to help and do prom make-up if parents are struggling," she added.

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