By Chloe Futrell, Editor-in-Chief

I know. My pores are screaming at that headline, too.

This past week I decided to take on the challenge of wearing a full face of makeup. Usually I wear some mascara, do my eyebrows, throw on some concealer and lip gloss, and call it a day. My skin is extremely sensitive and a lot of makeup causes lots of buildup within my pores, but I was inspired to do this challenge by all the girls I see rocking a full glam look at school Every. Single. Day. Makeup has always been one of my passions: On occasions I will do a full face of makeup just because I feel like it, but I have never gone five straight days with my face beaten to the gods.

The process of doing my makeup from primer to brow gel is therapeutic. Once I get into a rhythm and a routine, it becomes a creative effort, and before the day even starts I am in a more artistic state of mind. The endless eyeshadow looks and the outpouring of new makeup products are addictive and it is something — to say the least — I am obsessed with. Ever since I snuck into my mother’s makeup to play pretend and put it on, I was hooked. I don’t wear makeup to cover up insecurities; instead, I wear it to express myself.

Monday

On Sunday, I went out and bought a few products to add to my everyday routine. I was, after all, trying to do a full face of glam makeup. When I woke up Monday, I put on the makeup look and it took me a solid 30 minutes — I had the time, so I was going for perfection, plus I was testing out the new items I had purchased: Concealer, false eyelashes, lip liner, creme eyeshadow, and an eyebrow pencil. After doing my makeup, I felt so accomplished, and I was ready to take on the day. Because I didn’t have school on this day, I realized that I would still have to keep the makeup on for the same amount of time so I could fully test the duration that it would provide me throughout a busy day.

Tuesday

It was a school day and I had to wake up 30 minutes earlier, and I wasn’t happy about it in the slightest. I ended up slamming the snooze button 500 times and had to resort to throwing on makeup in 15 minutes. I finished the look, but it was definitely not my best work. On this day, I decided to test how the makeup felt during the day. On Monday, I tested its longevity, but on Tuesday I wanted to know how my skin would feel. My skin felt awful. The minute I got home I scrubbed my face and had to take my skincare routine to it instantly. This may seem dramatic, but once you start focusing on one feeling it bothers you for the whole day.

Wednesday

I woke up determined to conquer false eyelashes. I had procrastinated for long enough — it was time to take on the challenge. After I peeled the lash from its case and applied the glue, I waited for it to dry. When I lifted it to my lashline to apply it I carefully placed it near my real lashes. These lasted maybe 20 minutes because I didn’t even walk out the door with them. I am not sure if I got them too big or voluminous, but the packaging was very misleading. It read “natural,” but they most certainly were not. I gave up on this aspect and resorted back to my trusty mascara — she never lets me down.

Thursday

Ah yes, a day without school. I can sit and do nothing.

That’s what I thought when I first woke up, but then I soon remembered I was trying to complete a challenge and I needed to stick to it. I rolled out of bed, put on makeup, and jumped back in bed. But, as I was laying there I realized I wasn’t tired anymore; in fact, I felt productive. I jumped out of bed and decided to do a deep cleaning of my room. When I was done with that I had time for some homework and I actually felt motivated enough to do it. I am not completely sure if it was the makeup, but I am pretty certain that getting out of bed and doing my makeup forced my body to wake up and get going with my day.

Friday

Finally! The last day of the challenge and I have never been more excited to wash my face. This challenge wasn’t bad. It was actually really fun, but it did take a toll on my skin. I noticed an increase in small bumps on my cheeks and forehead, which are usually clear. And I can feel the pores on my nose calling out for a nose strip. But as a reflection of the whole week, I noticed a difference in my skill, and timing. I got better at doing my makeup and faster, too. It even helped me develop a more effective morning routine.

This past week has been a lot of fun but I think I am going to let my skin rest for a while.

Senior Chloe Futrell can be reached at futrellch1114@daretolearn.org.