Before and After

I am a real before and after girl. Like those make overs you see in the magazines. They show you the before picture, sans make up, hair stringy etc and then the glam pic afterwards. I am like that. I look pretty crappy 'before' but scrub up very nicely if I make an effort. Unfortunately, I don’t like making an effort, not over weekends.

I dress smartly for work, I have to as I occasionally see customers. So its always make up, hair done neatly, nice clothes etc. Then it comes to weekend and I put away my make up on Friday and only take it out on Monday morning. I live in comfy track pants and sweats in winter and shorts and a T-shirt in summer.

Yesterday Marko and I went to the mall for breakfast and a shop (this is our very favorite thing to do on the weekend, go for breakfast, watch all the people milling past and then spend some money). I was feeling quite tired because I had yet another crap sleep the night before (more on this later) and so I looked particularly shit.

I looked around at some of the other women and I wondered if I wasn’t doing myself (and Marko) a disservice but not getting dressed up over weekends. I don’t have to do the smart thing but I could try the slightly trendy thing? Put some make up on? I know I would look a million times better. But what a pain in the arse!!! After having to get dolled up five days a week I love my two days off. I love love love being able to rub my eyes as much as I want without worrying about looking like a raccoon or getting mascara in my eyes (burns like hell). In fact next to getting into a bed with clean linen, drinking water when you are really thirsty and peeing when you are urgent to go, rubbing your eyes has got to be one of the most satisfying experiences.

But not getting made up and wearing nice clothes on the weekend makes me feel ugly. I mostly don’t care but sometimes I wonder if I shouldn’t care more. I am sure if my work colleagues had to see me over the weekend they would either not recognize me or faint with shock at my slovenly look.

Maybe I can compromise – wear nicer clothes but still don’t wear make up? I hate make up. But my skin is too scarred (thanks PCOS) not to wear make up to work.

Blah. What a pain in the arse. Have to say, the comfy look is winning over the dressed up look. Maybe when I am older I will have to wear make up all the time? Maybe I will wait until then.

Comments

[Julie]

Well, your photo reveals that you're downright delicious when you're done up — I stubbornly insist on believing you're lovely when undone, too. If Marko's anything like my husband (and I assume he is, if only in the outrageous wonderfulness department), he thinks you're at your most attractive when you're comfortable and carefree.

And you are dead on about the eye-rubbing.

[cheryl b.]

You are in fact wicked hot!

[Tertia]

Ah thanx girls but I paid a lot of money to have those photos taken. I better damn well look half decent in them.