Clinique Taps Rugby Star Holly Aitchison as New Ambassador in the UK

In the UK, global skincare brand Clinique has launched #GameFace, a campaign and sponsorship program focused on the transformative power of effective skincare, with proven results, and sport to improve the confidence of young girls around the UK, creating a movement to help them to feel happy and secure in their own skin.

The campaign seeks to champion the energy and exuberance that sport—in particular rugby—delivers, alongside Clinique's expertise in skincare, said the Estée Lauder-owned brand.

The campaign is centered around rugby, a sport that has shot into the spotlight since the England women's team achieved a record-breaking 30 victories in a row as they secured the Six Nations title. The campaign will be fronted by England and Saracens Centre – and Olympian – Holly Aitchison and will see four grassroots girls' rugby clubs awarded a Clinique funded support package to help their progress. It celebrates, encourages, and supports teenage girls to inspire the feeling of confidence to take on all of life's challenges. Twenty-five percent of teenagers reported low self-esteem and negative self-image, of which 79% were girls.

The brand knows sport has a massive impact on happiness and mental health – 90% of girls reported that team sports had a positive impact on their self-esteem. Girls who participate in sports as teenagers have a significant positive correlation with self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, mental health and quality of life, both now and as adults.

Holly will be Clinique UK & Ireland's #GameFace ambassador, sharing her authentic journey with her skin and her sport on social media throughout the year.

“Over the years I've really struggled with my skin,” Aitchison. “I had blemishes everywhere – it had a massive hit on my confidence. I wouldn't take media interviews after games; I would never be seen without makeup. Now my skin is clear, I feel much more confident, so I really try to look after it and maintain it with simple products that work for me.”

At the heart of the campaign is a sponsorship program. This opportunity is for four girls' rugby clubs to receive support packages, providing up to roughly $12,365 worth of equipment, travel funding and education. Clinique believes the impact of these packages will create a legacy of support and empowerment for young girls through rugby, and life outside sport, sparking a change in attitude beyond the current generation.