Woman With Rare Birthmark Shares Vulnerable Yet Empowering Beauty Routine

Joanne Tronconi was born with a port-wine stain, a birthmark that is caused by an anomaly in the body's blood vessels. When she was 40 years old, Joanne also learned that she has a rare syndrome that causes the birthmark to swell, referred to as Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. The swelling was tragically triggered when she slipped on a patch of ice.

Tronconi shared her story in a touching YouTube video, shown above, that has since racked up over two million views. In the video she explains, "My deformity that I have now, I didn't have for the first 40 years of my life . . . Many people stare, comment, and come up with their own conclusions."

Despite her heartbreaking account, Tronconi demonstrates the power of makeup by inviting viewers into her beauty routine — with the help of her son and beauty vlogger Clawdeena9. Before getting into the tutorial, Tronconi says, "I use makeup to make myself feel beautiful."

This honest and vulnerable video is so important in that it shows the utility of makeup beyond just the superficial. Cosmetics are fun, but they also can lead to one's own self-acceptance and, ultimately, self-love.