A Simple Birthday Gift That Turned Into a Memorable Adventure—TBT

I could vividly remember the event of this day, and all I could do is laugh out loud, hehehe. Right from my teenage age, I loved being natural. Anything serious make up is not for me. Not that I can't afford the cost, but it's just not part of my vibe. I simply love appearing natural; no serious face applications of diverse materials, but just my cream and a powder are enough, and maybe an eye pencil on my eyebrows—that's enough.

When I celebrated my 35th birthday last year in the month of June, a good friend of mine called me a few days before the day and said, "Nkem, how are you planning for your birthday?" It was the least question I expected because prior to her call, I had zero plans about my birthday. I wasn't in the mood for anything birthday. I was literally passing through a bunch of stress to think of a birthday. But then, Flora insisted, she said, "Kindly go to any local makeup artist and bill it on my head."

She chose a local makeup artist because that was where she could afford the cost at that time. She just wanted me to look different and have one or two studio pictures too as a simple birthday gift to me. She convinced me to drag myself out and had all that figured out before my birthday.

It was my first time having serious makeup on my face. Sincerely, I didn't understand what my face was turning into when the lady started applying stuff on my face, hahaha. She kept rubbing different things on my face, and it was quite uncomfortable. Flora, my friend, was calling her on the phone in the process, directing her on how she wanted it and all that. I remember asking the makeup artist to wipe out all the makeup, as I looked like a masquerade. 🤣

At one point, I gave up on the makeup; I preferred my natural look, but then, one part of my spirit was encouraging me to endure and have a different look, at least for reference purposes, lol. At the end, it was not that bad of an experience but wasn't a great one either, but I had fun in the studio, taking different shots, bill on Flora's head, and my darling friend who just wanted to see me smile regardless of what I was going through then.

I felt lighter, to be sincere, leaving home, doing the makeup, and taking the studio pictures. I spend hours outside home doing all of this without having to worry about anything; it was a win-win after all.

Recalling this event just gladdens my heart. Ever since that day, I have not had another makeup again, lol.

I still stare at the birthday photoshoot I took that day, and sincerely, the makeup made me look different.