Just for Fun: Dear Makeup and Beauty Blog

Dear Makeup and Beauty Blog…

What’s tough love got to do with it? You know you need it, and I’m here to give it to ya!

Dear Makeup and Beauty Blog,

I am a makeup fanatic, and over the past year I’ve gotten really good at applying makeup on myself and my two sisters and friends. My dream is to work for a makeup counter or as a makeup artist.

Everyone tells me that I’ve got mad skills, and I know that I am really good at it too. But there’s one big thing that I have trouble with. … I’m really shy. I have a hard time making small talk with strangers. And while I’d love to work all day long applying makeup on people, the thought of having to talk to them and interact with them makes me quite sweaty and nervous.

I really want to pursue this dream, but my shyness is getting in my way. I don’t want it to hold me back anymore. What should I do?

Shy in Chi-town

Hi Shy,

You are so lucky to have found your passion! It sounds like you really love makeup and have a great skill set which you can turn into something wonderful.

Like applying makeup, making small talk and interacting with strangers are skills. Think about it. Were you able to define your crease, work that outer V or blend like a rock star the first time you picked up an eye brush? Chances are it took you hours of practice and experimentation!

Learning how to be comfortable with strangers and making small talk is going to be hard, but you can work towards getting more comfortable. It just takes motivation and practice.

Believe it or not, just like you, I am a naturally shy person. I was a very introverted child, and even doing simple things, like ordering an ice cream cone, was very hard to do. I never raised my hand in class and felt comfortable talking only around my family and close friends.

I think I would’ve missed out on many opportunities in my life because of my shyness if it hadn’t been for two things that helped me pop out of my shell at the age of 14: taking drama classes and joining a speech/debate club.

I’m not going to lie. It was not easy. There were days I had to literally force myself to go to class because I hated it so much. However, after a while I got used to interacting with people and being in front of strangers. And after lots of practice I eventually became less shy.

If I were in your shoes I would …

1.) Either take a class or join a club, like a debate club or drama class. OR …

2.) Join a group like Toastmasters International, a non-profit group that helps adults learn how to become better public speakers.

I realize that these are big steps to take. If either one seems too intimidating then you could start by role-playing with your sisters or your friends. Have them pretend to be a stranger, and you can be the makeup artist at the counter.

I actually did something similar to this when I got my first magazine assignment years ago. I somehow talked myself into the job despite very little interviewing experience. To get some practice I sent out an email to my friends and family, and then scheduled “fake” interviews with them individually. It was a safe and gentle way to get my feet wet.

It sounds like a silly exercise but it is a step. And a baby step is better than no step at all.

Remember to gird your loins because like learning any new skill, it’s not going to be easy. However, this is your life. You can sit there with your shyness and watch it pass you by, or you can do something about it. You make the ultimate choice whether or not you move forward and chase those dreams.

Take care and keep on truckin’.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen