Local makeup artist tours with Cyndi Lauper

“ you grow up watching these people on TV, idolizing them your whole life, and she was right in front of me,” explains Nafra about her first experience with Lauper.

By Krystle J Bailey

Like countless other 80’s kids, Nafra Gonzalez spent childhood Halloweens decked out in brightly colored hair and eccentric makeup, singing “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” in honor of the iconic Cyndi Lauper. So, when the Egg Harbor Township makeup artist got the call of a lifetime decades later, she couldn’t believe what was being presented to her.

“Do you know Cyndi Lauper?” asked the voice on the other side of the phone.

Nafra had been working as a makeup artist for Mac Cosmetics for 17 years when her trainer called to ask if she was available to do Cyndi Lauper’s makeup for an upcoming summit in Philadelphia.

In a blink, Nafra found herself faceto-face with the timeless star as the newest addition to the Lauper glam team.

a s the summit concluded, Nafra thanked Ms. Lauper for the oncein-a-lifetime experience that, unbeknownst to her, was only about to get better. On the way out the door, Nafra was stopped by a manager who informed her that the legendary artist loved her work and would be in touch about future projects.

almost six years later, Nafra has done makeup for Lauper periodically, including a short United States tour, a trip to the Grammy’s, and attending the Tony awards as Lauper’s “plus one.”

This Spring, Nafra was invited on tour with Lauper and Rod Stewart for the “The Hits!” tour through australia and New Zealand. The mom of two and career esthetician grabbed her passport and hit the road with one of her childhood idols for an experience she does not take for granted.

“When we first got to Sydney, the window of our hotel opened up to the Sydney Opera House,” explains Nafra about her most memorable tour experiences. “I began to cry in front of Cyndi; I was just so thankful.”

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after six weeks of touring, we asked Nafra how the superstar prefers her makeup, to which she responded, “It’s a day-by-day thing; it really depends on her mood. Some days it’s a soft eye and a red lip, while others involve glitter from lip to brow. She’s unafraid of color or texture, so we do anything!” a s the australia tour came to an end and Nafra danced to her favorite Lauper songs, she was invited on stage with Cyndi’s hairdresser and stylist. In a moment of opportunity, she did what any 80’s kid would do. She grabbed the microphone and belted out, “They just wanna, they just wanna!” to a sold-out crowd of fans.

Nafra’s career in makeup and skincare began at an early age. She recalls coloring only the faces of characters in coloring books and telling her mother how pretty the girls looked. a s a high-school student, she attended VoTec for cosmetology and, later,

Rizzieri aveda to become a licensed esthetician. She became a makeup artist in Miami at 19 and continued to follow her passion for skin and beauty throughout adulthood. Now, as a mother of two adult boys, when Nafra isn’t on tour with Cyndi Lauper, she works as an esthetician at Drift Day Spa in Northfield.

Nafra looks forward to expanding her career and skill set, including her interest in special effects makeup.

“I want to do a big film,” explains Nafra when asked about the future. “But right now, my priority is Cyndi. I’ve been able to learn so much, and everything has been such a great experience. It’s so surreal.” a s for her journey with Cyndi Lauper, she is excited to continue working on upcoming projects and events. Nafra’s work will be showcased in Cyndi’s upcoming documentary, “Let the Canary Sing,” being released on June 14th by Sony Music Entertainment.

Keep up with Nafra on Instagram @Nafra25. Mention this article for $10 off when you book an appointment with Nafra at Drift Day Spa.

Krystle J Bailey is a multimedia journalist, author and poet. Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5