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"I bought makeup for the first time and wore it to work without washing it off straight after a meeting"

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Thobekile kicks off the W24 #MyComfortZoneExit challenge
Thobekile kicks off the W24 #MyComfortZoneExit challenge

The W24 team has decided to start a series called #MyComfortZoneExit, where we'll do the one thing that we've never been brave enough to do before the challenge. This is the first part of the series, and I'm kicking it off with my personal dare to wear heels and makeup to work for the first time. 

You're probably thinking that this is something pretty standard for a lot of women who get a  salary cheque every end of the month, but to be honest, the only thing keeping me from rocking up to work in an oversized sweater and sneakers is the respect I have for my fellow colleagues.

On any other regular day, I wear jeans, pumps, and a good shirt.

This time, I decided to wear a pair of heels and put on some makeup like a well-seasoned beauty editor. 

READ MORE: I tried incorporating animal print into my wardrobe - and it was (almost) a disaster 

The challenge

The most challenging thing for me between trying not to topple over in 3-inch heels and feeling a bit over-the-top has to be applying makeup on my own based on what a sales assistant taught me when I went to go buy it. I've never been a fan of makeup - I actually feared it because I always felt very self-conscious about standing out, so I've been avoiding everything that would do just that - like heels, flashy clothes, and red lipstick. 

I only go the extra mile when I really have to (like really, really have to), and never on a random day, so this was my one moment to willingly get out of my comfort zone. 

Before this one day, I went to Dischem to get some help with buying the right kind of makeup for me. I've never really owned makeup, so I consulted with the sales assistant to help choose the right foundation. She was nice enough to apply it for me, and even teach me how to do my eyebrows as well.

I ended up buying the Maybelline Fit Me foundation in shade 356 and I really liked it. 

Maybelline Fit Me matte and poreless 30ml 356 warm coconut

Maybelline Fit Me - R99.99, Dischem 

Essence All Eyes On Me mascara

Essence All Eyes On Me mascara - R41.95, Dischem 

Essence Matt Matt Matt Lipstick

Essence Matt lipstick - R49.95, Clicks 

Below is the video of how that went down. 

READ MORE: Facebeat tricks for women who don't like makeup 

The experience

The moment I got to the office building in the morning, I rushed to the bathroom and contemplated wiping the makeup off my face. I also got irritated by the fact that I couldn't run to it fast enough in heels. I didn't chicken out though and now I feel slightly vain because of how nice I actually look. I'm hoping that I don't get too used to this though: since I'm not used to wearing makeup, there are parts of my face that itch to be touched only because I'm not supposed to touch my face and risk a smudge. 

At work in heels
After I applied the makeup on my own
No furniture was harmed during this photography session

READ MORE: "I'm a tomboy and ditched my baggy sweaters and plain jeans for Instagram-inspired looks" 

Would I do it again?

The makeup? Yes, I definitely see myself putting it on again for no reason at all. I like the way the foundation looks on me and there's something about red lips that just makes me feel like I've got everything figured out. 

The heels? Probably not - not unless I really, really have to. I love walking - I'm on #TeamTakeTheStairs all the time - and I walk pretty quickly too; but wearing heels makes me walk slower and I get impatient with my legs for not knowing how to catwalk in heels the right way, without looking like a just-born giraffe. 

Keep your eyes peeled for our next #MyComfortZoneExit challenge! 

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