November 10, 2011
I always like to say that 101 Things to Do Before You Die is more than just ticking things off a list and is instead about getting outside of your comfort zone. Try something new. Do something completely different.
Some of these items may be seem pretty mundane or unimpressive but if they are things I’ve never done, then they are interesting to me. This has been true especially in the last year as it seems I’ve been doing quite a number of new things that really only girls would do.
I’ve had my nose waxed (that’s right, my nose hairs were yanked out of my nostrils in two sharp jerks). I stood naked and cold in a small closet of a room while I was carefully spray painted a slightly darker color of tan. I’ve started a monthly regimen of voluntarily allowing acids brushed onto my face, resulting in layers of my skin flaking off for days afterwards, not to mention writhing in pain from an orange stick being jabbed into my pores to extract any dirt. After the application of ice packs in an attempt to dull the pain, lasers have (and continue) to remove hair permanently from my body.
And all of these things were done in the name of beauty. Geez it hurts to be a girl.
But with all this pain comes a little fun sometimes. Although I hate having my photo taken, I bought a Groupon for a Pin-Up Workshop and Photo Shoot. The deal was they would show you how to do the make up and hairstyles of the pin up models of the 1940s and 1950s, dress you up in outfits from the era, and then do a photo shoot in pin up style poses.
I’m not a complete tomboy but I’m especially lost when it comes to makeup and hair. Pin Up style makeup called for heavy eyeliner, perfectly penciled lips, and the application of false eyelashes, all of which I have no experience with. Intimidated and afraid I’d do it incorrectly, I had one of the instructors do it for me.
We all curled our own hair but again the instructors took control of my ineptitude and styled it in an outrageous 1940s era ‘do. There were outfits and costumes they provided that we could use but I had brought along a 1950s era cone bra and matching underwear that I was excited to try. In other class photos I had seen girls dress up in similar outfits but in my class I was the only girl wearing lingerie!
I felt awkward and silly during the photo shoot and it showed in my first few photos but then I became more comfortable and a few photos actually turned out ok. On my way home, I enjoyed the stares at the gas station with my outrageous hair and over the top makeup.
So this was my fun, silly, girly thing to do. I thought it was neat and I’ve always liked the styles of this era. I thought long and hard about sharing this photo but then I figured I’ve talked about skinny dipping and the Kama Sutra. Including a photo of myself showing as much skin as you’d see on the beach isn’t that bad, I guess.
So what are your thoughts about the horrible, painful things girls subject themselves to all in the name of beauty? Are you into pin-up type hair styles and fashions too?
WOW!!! those photos are fab!
I’m not much of a girly girl either so I can’t really comment on the make up side. However it sounds like a great day out and worth the money especially as it was a groupon deal!
Thanks! Yeah, for the money it was definitely a “once in a lifetime” kinda deal so I was glad I did it!
As a guy I can’t comment on the pains women go through in the name of beauty, but the photo looks amazing.
Thanks! (and yeah, we girls do a LOT to keep you boys looking!)
Great pictures! Love the hair and makeup, you were born in the wrong era!
I’ve often thought that Don. I’d love to be a lady of the 40s or 50s with hats and gloves. Of course, I wouldn’t want the sexist attitudes…so I’ll have to think about that!
You’re totally rocking the pin up look Jess! You look fantastic!! Way to go
Thanks!
Wow! You’ve done quite a lot of things to yourself that I did not know women did. But when you women do those things, we men love to reward you. Kudos for enduring so much pain (nose hair plucking… ouch).
I like the photo that you have shared with us. Looks like they did a great job making you look like a 40′s era bombshell. Did you take any photos in black n white?
Thanks! No, no black and whites. But pin ups were all about color so I wouldn’t expect it.
Beauty takes a lot of work. I can sympathize with what girls go through for beauty. My wife went through a lot to get ready for a wedding she was in last month. just hearing about the process was enough for me. By the way, I’ve plucked nose hairs before and know how much that hurts. I can only imagine what it is like to wax them. Ouch.
Looking good girly! I’ve just done waxing, and eyebrow threading, but I have also spent 5 hours in a salon chair getting my hair did (almost just as painful as waxing!).
I’ve never done threading actually but I’ve heard that’s pretty painful too. And 5 hours! WHAT were you getting done to your hair for 5 hours!?
My mom is a huge fan of old school pin up girl calendars. And can I just say that these pictures are 100% fabulous!!! What a great thing to accomplish!
I actually remember you talking about your mother’s interest in pin up girls. And Thanks!
You did it again, Jess! And please keep a secret: my goal is a nude photoshoot! :p
Ha! Your secret is safe with me! (and the rest of the Internet!)
These pictures are amazing, what a cool experience. You look great! I keep hearing about the trend of making a sexy calendar for your significant other for the holidays this year. Are you saving the pics for that?
Thanks! The shoot was done in Fayetteville which has a large Army base and most of the girls were Army wives that were having the photos done for their husbands while deployed-I thought that was cool!
I absolutely love this one! I love 40s and 50s, and pinup styles. You look stunning. That picture of you laying on the floor flaunt your fantastic legs; the shadow effect of your legs is great. You look just like a Vargas girl.
Thanks! I have to say I’ve always hated my legs but after Zumba and losing weight, they don’t seem to bother me as much, especially in this pose. For the first time in life, I’m kinda ok with my legs!
So I begin scouring Groupon Austin…
Jessica is that you in the photos? You little hotty!!! Gorgeous!xx
Thanks! Yeah…amazing what makeup can do for a gal!
Great series of photos. You look great and it nice to have fun. Having been raised in a family of boys I didn’t fully realize or appreciate the things women choose to do or go through in the name of beauty for us, society or themselves.