MAC Me Over: Shirley Daley

Cleveland native Shirley Daley has a truly inspirational story. The 29-year-old grew up in foster care and was abused at the age of four. “But I’m a survivor!”, she insists. When she was six, her new foster mother saw that she had talent, and encouraged her to sing in church. Later she enrolled in the Cleveland School of the Arts, which she attended from elementary until graduation. As a classically trained vocalist, she was accepted into Morgan State University, where she toured the world with the school’s choir. “My number one favorite place is Paris, it just oozed glamour!”

Later she joined Group Therapy, a gospel-influenced troupe that performed as background singers and for various BET programs in San Diego, California. She now lives in Newport News, Virginia and is married to a Naval Petty Officer 1st Class and meteorologist, but still works with Group Therapy, who just recorded an album to be released later this year.

A self-described “MAC fanatic,” the makeup junkie almost missed the opportunity to enter the makeover contest. “My friend forwarded me the email assuming I’d already applied, but I actually had no idea that the contest was going on.” Shirley made sure she wrote in, and before she knew it, found herself flying to New York for the photo shoot. “I’m a girly-girl, I love to dress up, I love the drama of it and trying all kinds of different glam looks. Obviously, makeup fits right in, and when it comes to MAC, it doesn’t get any more dramatic than that!” Currently, she’s pursuing a degree in the music business so she will be better equipped to manage her own career.

Hidden Talent

 “Many people don’t know that I have a secret passion for acting.”

Favorite Song

 “Always” by Stevie Wonder.

Fave MAC Product

 “Without question, Studio Fix (R180 - see in gallery below). That compact is like a badge of honour. Once you find your number and get your first compact, you officially become a MAC Diva... I’m NW45.”

Style Icon

 Vintage Diana Ross. “I love her look with bold lashes with eyeliner, no shadow, a little blush and a lip colour. It’s classic, simple and dramatic at the same time.”

Who Would Play You in a Movie?

 Jennifer Hudson. “But who knows, I may do it!”

Top Makeup Tip (you learned from MAC Me Over!)

 “To make your eye shadow pop with shine, dab a tiny bit of clear Lipglass on it. This adds drama!”

Favorite Magazine

 Essence

What Shirley says...

 “I am going to change the world, one smile at a time.”

Your thoughts...

What do you think of Shirley's transformation? Do you love it or loathe it? Please leave your thoughts in the comment box below!