I’m learning to put my wife’s make-up on because she is going blind
Devoted Des learned new skills in his 80s to help Mona stay stylish
WHEN Mona Monahan was told she was losing her sight she feared she would never again be able to put on the make-up that keeps her feeling good about herself.
But devoted husband Des stepped in and saved the day – by learning to do it for her. And the 84-year-old has now mastered the art of applying cosmetics such as mascara, lipstick and bronzer.
Mona, 83, will soon be totally blind, but already struggles to see the different shades in her collection.
So Des went to his local Debenhams make-up counter for lessons to help out his wife of 56 years.
The retired theatre actor and musician said: “Mona’s eyesight is deteriorating and she won’t be able to do her make-up in the future so I thought the quicker I learnt the better.
“As far as I am concerned, I don’t consider myself to be doing anything wonderful. If there is anything ever wrong with Mona in any way, I would immediately think nothing of it to help her. We think like one.”
Des came up with the idea after taking Mona to the shop to get her make-up done professionally for his special birthday meal. The couple, from Waterford in Ireland, met make-up artist Rosie O’Driscoll at the counter selling the Benefit brand of beauty products.
Rosie encouraged Des to give it a go himself and a photo of him powdering Mona’s nose went viral after a friend posted it online. He quickly picked up the basics and is now so skilful with a blusher brush, he thinks he is ready to teach his own class. And Mona is delighted to have a skilled professional on hand at all times.
She said: “I was brought up with a pot of cold cream and nothing else and I never knew a thing about make-up.
“I was always afraid of it. Des uses eyeliners and lipsticks I wouldn’t be able to use myself. I struggle to see the colours of different shades now but thanks to Des I now know my make-up will always look great.”
Not bad for someone who until last October had not even applied a single stroke of make-up to anyone.
Des’s learning curve has certainly helped to boost Mona’s confidence as she continues to lose her sight. Rosie has become good friends with the couple, and regularly visits their house for tea.
The 43-year-old said: “They are such a lovely couple and Des loved learning how to help Mona from the very beginning.
“It was obvious Mona was losing her sight and he wanted to help her in any way he could.
“I know from being in the make-up industry that applying make-up each morning helps people with their confidence as well as it being something they enjoy. Des and Mona’s story shows that no matter your age or gender there are always new skills that can be learnt.
“Des had never picked up a make-up brush before but look at him now, I’m so proud of him.
“Des and Mona are madly in love with each other and it’s amazing to help share their story.”
Des said: “Rosie has been a great friend to us and we go in daily to see her and so I can get more tips.”
And he has learned a lot already. He added: “I used to complain about eyebrows on ladies and how they aren’t even. I was told that eyebrows are supposed to be sisters, not twins”.
Des met Mona in 1952, but he had to work hard to persuade her to go out with him. He said: “I thought I would try and woo her with a song, which at that time was Nat King Cole’s They Try To Tell Us We’re Too Young.
“I tried and tried, right through from July until December when I don’t think she could stand me singing it any more.”
The childhood sweethearts have six children and three grandchildren. Des is clearly a big-hearted man. Not only does he help Mona with her make-up, he reads her favourite books aloud to her, along with household tasks she will not be able to do when her sight finally goes.
And in his spare time he teaches homeless people to play the piano.
Thanks to Des I know my make-up will always look great MONA ON HUSBAND’S NEW-FOUND SKILLS