At 6, I always looked forward to the weekends when my mom would give me permission to do her makeup. She’d sit in a large chair, free from any mirror, while I caked on bright streaks of color on her eyelids. Her cheeks were always a cherry-red shade… from the lipstick, that is. After I had completed my masterpiece, she’d quietly sneak to the bathroom, scream in her head, and come back out with a forced smile on her face. I was proud of my work. She was too—and the fact that, somehow, my father never saw it. Luckily, my taste has evolved into a more natural, healthy look.
My past work in cosmetics led me to the Euro Institute Skin Care in Portland, Oregon. I wanted to become more well-rounded, more informed in all facets of skin care. The all-encompassing courses led me to specialize in facial treatments. As a licensed aesthetician, I can identify the skin’s needs and address them from an internal holistic point of view. I love what I do. I love seeing the improvement and change in healthy skin.
With assurance (and proof!), my mother lets me do her make-up and take care of her skin needs. When I’m done, she’ll confidently walk into the bathroom and look in a mirror. I’ll hear, “Wow, Nicole!” and she’ll come back out with a beaming smile. My father has no idea how much of an improvement 15 years can make.