Makeup (Patreon)

Since I've started my new job I've always shown up to work with my makeup done up! I use makeup because it makes me feel more confident and I see it as part of self-care so I usually don't skip that step in my morning routine, after all, it only takes me ten or so minutes. It was my sixth day in a row working, and it was a Saturday, so I thought I would just forgo the makeup that day; Saturdays are usually quite (staff wise) and I didn't think anyone would even notice!

It was apparently very noticeable... I walked into the lab and one of my colleagues audibly gasps and asks me if I'm doing ok- quite visibly concerned. I assured her I was just peachy, just wasn't bothered to put on concealer. I thought that would be the end of it but throughout the day I've had almost every single one of my colleagues ask me if I'm alright or need to take a break! Initially I was a bit taken aback, I didn't realize that I looked THAT bad without makeup since I don't wear much when I do? Apparently I do look quite ghostly when I don't blend away the light bags under my eyes! I will admit, I was a bit tired, but I clearly looked far more exhausted then I felt. The next day I did wear makeup again, but my colleagues were still concerned, clearly haunted by my makeup-less mug! It gave them peace of mind that I have two days off now ;D 

Anyway, I was mostly surprised by how much my colleagues cared about me! I was quite moved by the experience I must say. I might only have been part of the team for just under two months, but they are the best team I could have ever ever wished for! Also, on a personal work victory, the team and I broke a new record for our little lab- we did just over 4,500 Covid tests in a single day!!! Whoohoo!