New York Mom Gets Makeover of a Lifetime on ‘GMA’

A cancer survivor from New York got the makeover of a lifetime on “GMA."

ByABC News via logo
December 15, 2014, 7:18 AM
A woman applies lipstick in this undated file photo.
A woman applies lipstick in this undated file photo.
Getty Images

— -- A mother of five from New York got the makeover of a lifetime on “Good Morning America” today.

Karen McCarthy is among hundreds of women who wrote in to “GMA” when we issued a call for women who were thinking of getting a makeover for our 60 Minutes to Party Ready series.

McCarthy’s submission stood out. The 41-year-old woman is a breast cancer survivor, and her illness took a toll on her body and hair. McCarthy said she hadn’t felt pretty in years.

“I just want to be able to pass by a mirror and not try to look away,” she said, explaining her desire for a makeover. “I want to look at myself and see the old me coming through and begin to feel a little more confident. “

McCarthy, who is now cancer-free, got her wish this morning, live on “GMA.” With the expertise of stylist Gretta Monahan, hair stylist Ted Gibson and makeup artist Carmindy, McCarthy was given longer hair, glamorous makeup and a sparkly dress and heels.

"You look dynamite," said one of McCarthy's sons, who was there to see the reveal live on "GMA."

"She looks gorgeous and no one deserves this more than her," said McCarthy's sister, Susan.

The three experts also offered even more tips for how people at home can achieve their own makeovers.

Carmindy’s Tips to Get That Glam Look

1. Eliminate the look of dull and dry winter skin by using a highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones to restore radiance.
2. Forget the smokey eye this holiday season go for a gilded eye. Apply gold eyeshadow across the eyelids, on the inner corners of the eyes and on the brow bone under the brows for a golden gilded shimmering look.
3. The quickest way to play up your face this season is with a bold red lip color. It looks amazing in holiday photos and goes great with the new gilded eye.
4. Use highlighter around your lips for a fuller looking pout.
5. Use a few false lashes at the outer corners of the eyes for the ultimate glamorous gaze.

Carmindy’s Tips for a Polished Look

1. Apply a brightening concealer after foundational the outer corners of the eyes up to the end of the brows for an instant eye lift.
2. Using a tawny warming powder on the temples, along the sides of the face, under the cheekbones will warm up pale winter skin and give you a subtle sun-kissed glow.
3. Pink cheeks and lips takes years off your look in a flash restoring the look of youth and vitality.
4. A yellow tinted concealer used over foundation eliminates redness like rosacea, veins, ruddiness and pimples making skin look youthful.
5. A fuller sparkling looking brow makes you look younger so use a brow pencil to fill in any sparse or thin areas. Brush over the brows with a little clear shimmering lip gloss for shine.

Ted’s Tips for Inspired Holiday Hair

1. The holidays are filled with parties and family gatherings so we have to make sure we look our absolute best! There’s no time like the present to change your look up by coloring your hair! Marsala, a deep, rich shade of red, has just been named by Pantone as the color of the year. Many of my Gibson girls have been going red in my salons for the holidays. It’s perfect for the season and is super young and sexy.
2. Add some va-va-voom to your look by adding some tighter curls or waves to your hair. The holidays are a festive time – make sure your hair reflects it.
3. Topknots are a surefire way to get noticed this holiday season. Every girl wears a ponytail -- how about twist it into something fun!
4. You don’t have to be a hair stylist to play with extensions! Clip-ins are super easy and don’t require any commitment. Ask your stylist to make them for you and you’ll have the option of a longer look, whenever you want!
5. Hair accessories are a great way to add an unexpected touch of glam to your look. Whether you choose to wear a headband or a barrette, add a hair accessory for extra holiday sparkle!

Style Tips From Gretta Monahan

1. Don't be afraid of shiny fabrics. Holiday season is the perfect time to sparkle.
2. An asymmetric waist and a draped neckline create a flattering silhouette.
3. Go with a cu- out heel over a bootie to elongate and slim your legs.