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Alondra Zavala looked a little unsure about the makeover she was receiving Tuesday morning as La'James International College student Brittany Grage applied some color to her eyes.

"You're not going to hurt me with that, are you?" Zavala asked as Grage prepared to apply some eye shadow to her eyelids.

Zavala was all smiles when she saw herself in the mirror for the first time when the makeover was complete.

"I wonder what my dad will think of this," she said.

Zavala was one of about 30 young women receiving back-to-school hygiene and beauty tips during a self-esteem workshop with La'James International College students and staff during the final summer session the Youth Shelter Care Girls Program held at the former Holy Rosary Catholic Church and School building.

The program's 43 girls will resume classes today on the same site.

"This is their last activity with the summer program," said Peggy Sells, director of the YSC Girls Program. "We wanted to do something fun with the girls that would boost their confidence before returning to school."

La'James students educated the girls on how to choose an appropriate foundation color, makeup for formal and casual events, how long makeup will last and why it shouldn't be shared with others. They also received tips on what colors will bring out their eyes, skin care, what colors look good with different skin tones and hair care.

Following the presentation, each participant received a gift bag from La'James filled with various beauty products they could take home for their own use, and received mini makeovers and manicures.

Kortney Siders enjoyed taking the time to have her nails done by cosmetology student Heather Kientoff, and after showing her classmates her shiny pink nail polish, encouraged them to get in line.

"It's been a lot of fun," Siders said.

Guadalupe Salinas also had the opportunity to receive a makeover in front of the entire group. She, too was a little nervous about what the finished product would look like, but was pleased when she looked in the mirror.

"I was kind of scared up there at first," she said. "But I feel good and I like it now."

Although she is only 12 years old, Salinas said she might try some of the makeup tips she learned when she is a little older.

Following lunch at noon, YSC Girls Program staff continued the afternoon of pampering by giving facials and pedicures to the girls.

"The girls really enjoy doing things like this that they don't always have the opportunity to do," said Sells.

"It's one last day to relax and have fun before school," said Salinas.

The YSC Girls Program offers schooling, individual, group and family counseling and mental health therapy services to girls ages 8 to 21. It is staffed by six teachers and 27 staff members, Sells said.

Contact Emilie Nelson at (515) 573-2141 or enelson@messengernews.net