A woman from the Midlands has shared how she finds her unique role as a makeup artist for the deceased to be a profound honour. Jayne Lownds, 32, works at her family's funeral parlour in Stoke-on-Trent, using her cosmetic skills to provide comfort and peace to grieving families.
From High Street Glamour to Final Farewells
Jayne's journey into mortuary cosmetology began after six years working for major high street brands like Benefit Cosmetics and The Body Shop. Her passion for makeup was ignited at age 16 when she had her makeup done for her prom at a Benefit counter, telling her mother she would work there one day. After studying dance at university, she faced a choice between two passions in 2014 and chose makeup on a whim.
She loved how makeup could transform how people felt, witnessing clients' confidence soar and their personalities change right before her eyes. However, her career path took a significant turn in March 2019.
A Life-Changing Moment
Jayne's parents, Kevin and Sue, who run the funeral home, asked for her help with a specific request. The family of a young woman in their care wanted her makeup applied in the very particular way she had always done it herself. This was Jayne's first experience preparing someone who had passed away.
She described the experience as a "completely different feeling". While her previous work was about boosting the confidence of the living, this was about giving a gift of peace to a family. A few days later, when the young woman's parents visited, they asked to see Jayne and gave her a heartfelt hug, thanking her for giving them back something they never thought they would see again.
This pivotal moment made makeup "so much more special" to her. She realised she could provide a unique form of solace, something she struggles to put into words.
A New Chapter in the Family Business
Over the following year, Jayne moved away from retail. In March 2020, she officially joined Kevin Lownds Funeral Services, alongside her sister Jacqui and sister-in-law Kerry. Her role is now multifaceted; she is a celebrant leading funeral services, works on call, and of course, provides mortuary cosmetology.
Her background in dance and theatre performance made her a natural for celebrant work, which she sees as "finding all these beautiful moments in people’s lives and finding a way to tell the story." The family creates completely bespoke orders of service, treating them as works of art that narrate a person's life.
Jayne also values her work with Golden Charter, the UK's largest pre-paid funeral plan provider, where she enjoys recording people's wishes for their own funerals at a time free from immediate grief.
Reflecting on her unconventional career shift, Jayne feels "so lucky" to work with her family, emphasising the importance of remaining sensitive and compassionate. Her advice to others is simple: "follow your passions." She concludes, "When something feels right, go with it."
