Mary Yongai, a 26-year-old makeup artist from Sierra Leone, has set a new Guinness World Record. She completed 111 makeovers in 24 hours, beating the old record of 96 set in 2005. This amazing feat took place in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, and drew large crowds.
Record-Breaking Makeup Marathon: 111 Makeovers in 24 Hours
Yongai’s goal was to do 100 makeovers, but she went above and beyond. Each makeover had to meet strict rules set by Guinness World Records. These included using concealer, foundation, blush, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, lip liner, and powder.
The young artist worked non-stop for almost the entire 24 hours. She only took a 20-minute break and didn’t eat or use the bathroom. Yongai relied on soft drinks and her faith to keep her going.
Sierra Leone Celebrates: Second Guinness World Record for the Country
This record is a big deal for Sierra Leone. It’s only the second Guinness World Record set in the country. The first was for the largest Sampa dance, held in 2012 at the National Stadium in Freetown.
Local celebrities and government ministers came to watch Yongai work. After she finished, people celebrated her achievement. The crowd was so big that Yongai had trouble leaving the event.
Inspiration and Preparation: The Journey to Breaking the Record
Yongai got her inspiration from Nigerian chef Hilda Baci, who recently set a cooking marathon record. To get ready, Yongai practiced for weeks on her sisters and friends. She even did a trial run of 48 makeovers in eight hours.
“This was a good start,” Yongai said about her practice run. “It gave me the confidence to know I could break the record.”
Empowering Young Women: Yongai’s Message of Inspiration
For Yongai, breaking this record means more than personal success. She sees it as a way to inspire others, especially young women. “Achieving this record is a dream come true,” she said. “As a young girl trying to achieve what people think is impossible, I’m super proud of myself.”
Yongai’s achievement has sparked celebrations across Sierra Leone. She is expected to be honored for putting both her name and her country on the world map.
