84-Year-Old Man Attracts Attention Online for Doing Wife’s Makeup

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. doll up (someone) / dɑːl ʌp / (idiom) – to make someone/something look more attractive
    Example:

    I helped doll up my sister for a party last night.


  2. garner / ˈgɑɚnɚ / (v) – to gain
    Example:

    The actor garnered a lot of votes for the “Best Actor” award.


  3. of (one’s) own accord / ʌv oʊn əˈkoɚd / (idiom) – by one’s own decision
    Example:

    I’m proud of my son for helping the stranger of his own accord.


  4. spouse / spaʊs / (n) – a person whom someone is married to
    Example:

    I will become his spouse once we are married.


  5. unwavering / ˌʌnˈweɪvɚrɪŋ / (adj) – not changing
    Example:

    I admire you for your unwavering determination.


Article

Read the text below.

An Irish man has made headlines after people heard that he learned how to do his wife’s makeup.


In October 2017, 84-year-old Des Monahan voluntarily took makeup lessons at a department store counter of cosmetics brand Benefit to help doll up his partially blind wife, Mona. Because of her deteriorating eyesight, 83-year-old Mona is expected to become completely blind. This will make her incapable of doing her own makeup.


According to Des, he felt the need to learn how to apply makeup because he wanted Mona to look her best despite her condition.


As a result of attending lessons for months, Des can now apply different makeup products like lipstick, bronzer, and eyeliner. He even released a makeup tutorial video to share his skills.


Created in collaboration with makeup brand EX1 Cosmetics, the video featured the couple of 57 years talking about their journey with makeup. In the video, the Irish man shared how he chose the most suitable foundation shade for Mona’s skin tone. Des also showed his preferred method of applying foundation.


The video, which is available on EX1 Cosmetics’ official Facebook page, has garnered a lot of views.


Last June, Des and Mona appeared on the British talk show This Morning. On the show, Des shared why he did his wife’s makeup of his own accord. He explained that the gesture was something that any spouse would do for a significant other.


Following the couple’s appearance on the show, This Morning viewers took to social media their admiration for Des’ unwavering dedication and for the couple’s relationship.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Why do you think the couple’s story attracted a lot of attention from the Internet? Discuss.
• Like Des, would you also learn a new skill to help someone important to you? Explain.

Discussion B

• Why do you think some online tutorials go viral?
• If you were to make your own video tutorial, what would it be about? Discuss.