A makeup artist from West African country Sierra Leone has broken the 19-year-old world record for most cosmetic makeovers completed by one artist within 24 hours.
Mary Yongai, 26, exceeded her personal goal of 100 makeovers and accomplished 111 in a single day, breaking Martha Tilaar of Indonesia’s record of 96 makeovers in 2005.
She said she had depended on “the grace of God” to sustain her and did not eat anything that day. She only drank soft drinks and consumed no other stimulant, and did not use the bathroom at all.
All makeovers had to include the application of concealer, foundation, blush or bronzer, at least two colors of eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, lip-liner, lipstick or lip gloss, and pressed or loose powder to complete the look.
Sierra Leone’s Freetown residents, along with celebrities gathered to witness the attempt. They celebrated the feat, which Yongai shared she felt honored by.
“People were celebrating me, and I felt so honoured. On our way out of the location the crowd was too much and I passed out, but when we got to the hotel room, I was feeling so blessed to attempt this record-breaking challenge,” she said.
Yongai was inspired by Nigerian chef Hilda Baci’s record-breaking cook-a-thon. She practiced with her sisters and friends and was given a boost of confidence after finishing 48 makeovers in only 8 hours during a trial run.
