Some of the women arrived wearing wigs and scarves to hide their hair loss from chemotherapy, while others sported shaven heads.

But two hours later they were all chatting and laughing as if they didn’t have a care in the world.

And that’s the real beauty of the Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) workshops, which offer free makeovers for women at the Dorset Cancer Centre in Poole Hospital.

Sam Day, who started as a volunteer beauty therapist and is now the regional workshop co-ordinator, said: “It is about boosting their confidence at a time when they may be feeling low. We can give tips to help them cope with some of the visible side-effects of their treatment such as how to use an eyeliner to create the illusion of eye lashes.”

With the backing of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the first LGFB workshops arrived from the US in the UK 19 years ago.

Now Poole is one of 65 hospitals to offer the programme, which is run with the help of volunteer beauticians.

Each woman is given a goody box containing a few hundred pounds’ worth of cosmetics and taken through a 12-step skincare and make-up regime.

They learn tips for countering common treatment-related problems such as sparse eyelashes and eyebrows, sensitive or dry skin, uneven pigmentation and puffiness.

Janet Vince from Oakdale, who started having treatment for breast cancer last December, said: “I don’t usually wear much make-up but my skin has become rather dry and blotchy since I started chemotherapy so this workshop has really helped.

“It is also nice to be able to escape the horrors of cancer for a while too and share stories with women who are going through the same experience.”

Sandra Holland from Corfe Mullen, who is having treatment for bowel cancer said: “I would never usually leave the house without make-up on.

“But since I was diagnosed in August, I’ve hardly bothered as it was the last thing on my mind – now I feel inspired!

“I’ve realised that life doesn’t have to stop when you have cancer, so I’m going to get back on track from now on. I feel as though I’m smiling on the inside too.”

  • The Look Good Feel Better workshops are held every month in Poole and supported by P&G Bournemouth. If women are too unwell to attend a workshop, a DVD kit is available. For more information, visit lgfb.co.uk or email info@lgfb.co.uk