Everyone would agree that trying to apply eyeliner or mascara on a moving train would be difficult…but throw in the time constraints we were under, the fact that our subjects were total strangers and it became close to impossible. The most difficult thing for me was carrying all of the products that I needed during the makeovers, while staying mobile. My tool box was known to smash into people when they least expected it and at times I was forced to work from the lap of some poor bystander just to be able to free up my hands. I can remember at one stop I must not have closed the latch all the way and all of my supplies ended up on the subway floor. It took every ounce of my being just to pick it all up in time to keep up with Kevin and Tasha.
It turns out you actually get used to the motion of the train. Over time, I felt like I could anticipate the train’s movement, and correct my stroke before pink lip-gloss ended up all over someone’s cheek. It was a great workout…keeping all of your muscles tight enough to balance your body and steady your hand… and I was happy to be working out at all. I got married the weekend after we stopped shooting, and our Makeover Train fitness routine helped me fit in that dress! One thing I could have done without was wearing those three inch heels everyday just to be able to reach peoples’ faces when they were standing! When my accomplices would complain about how sore they were, all I could do was roll my eyes and point at my feet.
The makeovers I enjoyed most were on the people who would typically be opposed to change…the kind of people who would never go looking for us! It was such a great feeling to pull someone out of their style rut…it not only changed there outward appearance, but there whole internal outlook on life. Never underestimate the power of the right lipstick! You could tell that some of our "victims" were truly relieved to be chosen, and that we had made a lasting impact on them. We definitely had some emotional moments when we knew we had done something special…despite how crazy we may have looked doing it!
Being able to help total strangers, not looking for anything but a ride, look and feel better about themselves was amazing…and if it takes riding the subway to do it, I am totally game. A new hairstyle, a simple accessory or an easy make-up tip can be life changing to someone, especially when they don’t expect it.
I have never laughed so hard at work…we truly had a so much fun and we could tell that the people around us had fun too! We took a typically lifeless place and mixed it up a little. I can’t wait to do it again!!
