By Maddie Smith
Soooooooo … Once upon a time in a far-away land on the other side of the world, lived a girl called Maddie. She isn’t that old, only about 4 years or so, but she has been around much longer than that, it was just that no one had recognised her. In five days’ time Maddie is having a makeover and that is being followed up with coffee out with the MUA. At this point all I can hear is you lot saying it’s about time, just do it, it will be great and you’ll wonder why you didn’t go out earlier, and all those other things said in responses and articles on this blog. And of course you are probably right. But five days out that is a lot to contemplate …
So, I’m writing part one now while I’m feeling it. I’m sure the feelings will be completely different (one way or the other) on the other side for part 2 …
The catalyst that got me to this point was the most amazing woman in the world. After all she ‘discovered’ Maddie. Maddie then had the good sense to marry her. Together they figured out a lot of stuff, such as that Maddie was the reason they enjoyed so many ‘girlie’ things together, while at the same time realising that was just a small component of their lives and that her bearded rock n roller, who was otherwise the dominant force, wasn’t going anywhere. Figuring all that out meant life was perfect and N was right behind Maddie doing her thing, no matter where that lead. (Sorry people, there is no contest, I win the award for the most supportive wife by some margin). They continue to do everything together, everything, including the Maddie side (as you will soon read).
The first big step was when Maddie contacted a makeup artist back at the beginning. That was scary … Telling someone you wanted to get them to slap foundation and lippy on you to make you look like someone else was a huge step. That is where Maddie’s luck was through the roof for a second time. The said MUA was awesome, became a friend, came around home for dinner and lessons, was the MUA for the wedding and generally enhanced our lives while keeping our confidence.
Then, and Kandi knows this better than anyone, just when it’s going well, work conspires against your plans. Needs must, as they say, which meant working away from home for 18 months. Never again. But that is another completely different story. So, back to working from home, some of it with Maddie’s BFF no less, has transformed (pun intended) things again.
Which brings me to the current situation, so let’s revert to first-person. Just before Christmas I decided that I really wanted to do a makeover with someone else. That isn’t a reflection on our MUA friend, more that I wanted to see different ideas and increase my experiences. And ironically, while I have had several lessons, I’ve yet to let someone do a full makeover from start to finish where I haven’t done part of it. I want to do that to see what can really be done.
I found a MUA – she even worked with the Ru Paul show, but was having a direction change and wasn’t available. I found another, skilled in production makeup too for film and TV. She was on holiday and said she would get back to me in 10 days. That was three months ago …
Then I found another one. Her response was –
“Hi Beautiful! Omg I do love to help you. Even for free. Life its short, be yourself and hope you’re surrounded by lovely people. Let me know when I will be there.”
Yep, I had done it again. For the third time my luck was through the roof, and I had found someone. Of course, there was no way I was letting her do anything for free.
Over the last few weeks I’ve had coffee at her place a couple of times, long life-intensive discussions, and she has also tested a couple of things and given me some products to use. I think she is almost more excited than me! Conversely, she has been delivered fresh produce from the garden and sea, so there are advantages for her too!
The thing that has completely blown me away (apart from the great friendship we’ve already forged) is her skill set. Her before and after images on Instagram are unbelievable. I quickly realised that if she can achieve even a small part of that on me that I’ll easily be able to blend in and not be noticed. However, I already know that she is going to take things next level. This woman is very, very talented.
My darling has had a rough few weeks, so I booked a massage for her at the MUA’s studio, something else she does. Yesterday N and I started the day getting our nails done, then went around to our brow girl and had a session. As I said, world’s most supportive wife (but wait, there’s more …) N got to meet the MUA and the pair hit it off as expected. She had a fabulous massage and then we tried to work out a suitable date for the first lesson/makeover. There is actually a plan – My BFF and I planned to catch up at home for a photoshoot after the first makeover. After the second, the three of us, MUA included, planned to go to some local gardens and café for Maddie’s first time out. Two wing women! However that has changed a bit for work and personal reasons, and that trip will now happen in May.
Meantime, my house isn’t available for the next month due to maintenance, so no photos here. Thus, the plan for the makeover in six days. And then she threw in that we are going out for coffee afterwards … I wasn’t expecting that – exciting, scary and a whole lot of other things, but bring it on I say, let’s see what happens.
I told N that I needed to cull lots of clothes. Further, I needed her help to work out some suitable combinations, both for this week and other times. Once we got home from the massage I unloaded the complete wardrobe on our bed and modelled everything. The amazing part was that barely 10% got culled, so my judgement isn’t too bad. N is the same size as me, albeit not the same shape, and we can share clothes. I’m using her jeans and denim skirt this week for example. She also modelled some of the clothes and several were absolute standouts for her, including one dress that she is now going to use for a family wedding in a couple of weeks instead of what she had planned to wear. Two hours disappeared in no time and we both had an absolute ball. As I say, the level of support is unmatched because it isn’t just support, it’s sharing the experience at every step. I don’t think two people have ever loved each other more.
So, that’s where I’m up to. 120 hours and 11 minutes, as I write, until makeover and trip out #1. I didn’t realise just how much stuff was needed for a session like that, and that’s without makeup, when not doing it at home. I’ll need two suitcases! So much shaving and hair removal to do this week too …
Expect Out Part 2 to follow in due course. Either that or I’ll be hiding out somewhere …
Editorial comment: THIS IS FREAKIN’ AWESOME!
8 Responses
Hi Maddie, I loved your post and was also a bit jealous. Actually a lot jealous, your wife sounds amazing and I so wish my wife was as supportive as yours. She is accepting but not supportive. But like I’ve told Kandi, with how far she has come and what she has allowed me to do in my life as Trish. I am truly blessed. Maybe one day she will be more involved in Trish’s live and your post today has given me hope. Thanks girl, have a wonderful day.
Trish ❤️
Maddie,
I agree with Trish, your wife sounds amazing. I am currently single, but that is the type of woman I am looking for. I do have a female friend whom I have exchange clothes with, but she doesn’t want a man who wears heels. Her lose.
I have had my face done several times, but the complete make over I did for my Halloween (at work) costume was truly awesome. I know you will be fly high on that adrenaline. Take time to take it all in. Breath.
Since you already have your brows done (I’m at 10 years of brow waxing), you might want to try other waxing services such as legs and chest. And if you are brave enough, Brazilian. Maybe a couples waxing.
Have fun.
Cali
Maddie ,
You are so lucky , so many if us dream of sharing our hidden side with someone close . You’ve proved if you’re brave enough there are some very supportive people who understand our needs , all we have to do is ask .
I found if the need is strong enough we can conquer our fears and go it alone . I’ve never had a full makeover but I did need to have my skin colour checked for makeup so I bit the bullet and popped into a large Boots store in my next town . Despite being in male mode the head of the makeup department happily showed me to a booth so the beautician could test my skin colour and then select a suitable foundation shade . She said she would do some sample patches on my face but instead made the whole of my left side up , all the while we chatted and allowed me to ask questions . In the corner of my eye I could see passing customers stopping get a second look at a guy being made up but I wasn’t concerned . Finally she cleaned me down and then took me round the racks to pick out colours of other makeup items to match my foundation . Obviously it didn’t cost me anything apart from the cost of the makeup items , I thanked her but then she thanked me for giving her the opportunity to make a guy up as she’d never done it before . Otherwise I’ve learnt to apply my makeup myself , I do have a good GG friend who gave me some tips , she suggested I didn’t line under my eyes as it can make our eyes look smaller and she was right . The one mistake many make is being too heavy handed with makeup , I gradually learnt how little it takes rather than overdoing it , so many women wear little or no makeup so we can stand out if we apply too much .
I hope it goes well for you , at first it can be overwhelming , so many things flashing through your mind , try and relax and don’t try too hard , the next time is always better as you build your confidence .
As I hide away in my bunker (or not – you have to wait until the 6th, I believe, to find out in part 2 …) and considering I should be working, I hope you ladies don’t mind if I answer all of you collectively.
Trish/Cali I think because it wasn’t a case of me bringing Maddie to the table, rather than N making the discovery, and because we have a relationship where we really do know everything about each other and communicate at a level neither of us have experienced before, that my situation is unique. There is one thing that happens in part 2 that showcases that and every time I read it back it still blows me away with realising how lucky I am. I don’t take it for granted.
And I’ve had brows plucked, waxed and threaded over the last few years! If anything has made a big difference to the Maddie appearance recently it is getting them shaped to a more feminine look. Surprisingly that hasn’t been at all noticeable in boy-mode. Talented operator maybe. And as for waxing the rest, not a chance! I’ve been too hairy too long to do that for just a day every month or two. Sadly, shaving what is required at the time is what has to be …
Teresa, yes that first step is always the big one. It’s interesting with makeup that GGs just love to be involved! it’s a subject I have really taken to and have a huge interest in. I often do N’s colours and made changes for her wedding makeup. I think my interest in part is because there is a wider connection to my day job, and also because it is something that lets us become and see externally what we envisage on the inside. And yes, every time has been better than the last. I will add more after part 2 so I don’t give it all away yet. I sense another post coming … But possibly the biggest change for me has been skin care. The first time everything caked into all the wrinkles around my eyes I knew something, other than just my makeup skills, had to change. When I look at the closeup pics of where I started the skin care to now, the difference is huge! But I’ve just gone one level further and I’ve spent the budget of a small country on pro-level products to both repair the existing and prevent further changes. I can already feel the difference on my skin, while colour spots are already reducing … I think of all the things I’m doing, that may have the biggest impact going forward.
What is MUA?
What is N?
Confusing, truncated, difficult to understand text.
Horrible writing.
I know, I know, I shouldn’t bite but here I go …
MUA is the internationally recognised short version for makeup artist.
Those here who have read my other pieces know N is my wife and her name doesn’t need to be divulged.
Yes I know, terrible writing. I’ve only written 4 books in my field, including 2 best-sellers with multiple print runs, so I’ll just keep practicing until I understand how to write properly.
And I can read some of your literary masterpieces where?
She has been blocked, not the first such comment from her.
Tammilee,
If the text is difficult for you to read, please don’t read it. No one here deserves your criticism; you have done so before.
No one else seems to have this issue.
Kandi