Glamourfied.

The year I turned 16 my mom organized a surprise Sweet 16 party for me. Because we lived on the border of Virginia and North Carolina, I had friends in both states, and in order to get everyone to the party venue but keep me out of the picture, my lovely mother needed to have me somewhere else.

My mom, bless her heart, set up an appointment to do Glamour Shots. Yes, you read that right.

Reflecting on my teenage years, I wouldn't necessarily consider myself a tomboy, but I most certainly wasn't girly. I didn't love fixing my hair or doing my makeup - nor was I good at either - and did what I could to pull off the 'hippie' vibe a lot of the time. Honestly? I was mortified at the thought of a Glamour Shot, but went through with it anyway.

Here's 'normal' 16 year old me:

Here's Glamour Shot Lindsey.

I'm glad you can't decipher the PINK PINK lipstick from the black and white nature of the photo. Don't I look thrilled?

Once the shots were taken I headed home and my mom made up an excuse as to why we had to swing by the clubhouse in our neighborhood. Little did I know that I was walking into a room filled with friends. It was awesome - don't get me wrong - but I was still "glamourfied" and I was totally embarrassed to be seen by practically everyone I knew.

Why do I tell you this whole story? Great question.

Ironically, 16 years after my first experience with a makeup/hair/photoshoot, I was talked into another.

My good friend Melody had recently taken shots with her friend Nikra, who had done her hair, makeup, and photo shoot - and her pictures were amazing.

Granted, I will never be as hot as Miss Melody (as my kids call her) but I figured it was worth a shot.

Here was one of my results:

Yeah, I know, I know - I don't *really* look like this in real life- but it's a true testament to Nikra's amazing abilities.

So, mostly I wanted to introduce you to Nikra, seen below. After one summer working for MAC, she discovered her passion for beauty. She's completed several courses on makeup and hair for television and film, not to mention the time she dedicates to studying Civil Engineering at BYU.

She has a great website and a fun Facebook page with tons of before and after photos, as well as great beauty tips.

Recently, I convinced my hot friend Jill Kaufusi (of Square Native) into a photoshoot so I could photograph some of the process and to feature a giveaway here from Nikra's Makeup.

Check out our afternoon via photo:

 You want in, don't you?

This week, I'm giving away a hair & makeup session AND a photo session with Nikra. In addition, the winner will also be getting a gift basket of beauty products from Foot Petals, Cover Girl, Oil of Olay, and Pantene. This entire package worth over $200!

Entering is easy. Just do it below! 

(Either way - LIKE her Facebook page HERE and keep up with all her great info and promotions!)



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