I have a problem. It’s expensive, it’s vain and ultimately it is bad for my self esteem.
It happens every time I enter a the cosmetics section of a department store . I am seduced by the bright lights and repeated promises of the make up counter. It’s like suddenly I am in a magical place where everything I read is true and nothing is more important than flawless skin, wide eyes and ridiculously long eye lashes. I firmly believe a miracle lies in the bottles on the shelves – I just need to unearth it.
Last Friday was no exception. My very good friend and partner in crime work, Kerri and I had been at a work related meeting all morning. We were suave and professional until about the second we left the building when we went back to normal. In the car on the way home we discussed some very important issues that had not come up in the meeting because they were not at all work related. Even though the issues weren’t work related they were slightly stressful so we decided to take them to Westfield at Bondi Junction to get rid of them.
Although I am sure Kerri will deny it, it was when we went to the bathroom and the harsh light shone on the bags under my eyes that she told me about this new product that she loved. And I started to tremble because I knew where we were headed next.
As we walked through the magical make-up corridor towards the Benefit counter where we were going to find a concealer that would change my life, er I mean face, I got that familiar feeling. I needed ALL the things. Even though I own a fair bit of make up I still have this nagging feeling that there is something that I am missing – that one piece of magic makeup that is actually going to change my face, make me look different – younger, smoother, shinier, more “finished”. Actually I am not even sure what I am looking for any more.
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Ten minutes later I found myself sitting on a chair having all manner of make up applied to my face. Eyes closed, lips pursed, cheeks sucked in I was very patient while I had my face painted. I was convinced that when I looked in the mirror I would hardly recognise my new flawless skin.
But when the lovely woman handed me a mirror and I glanced at my reflection I looked just like me. If anything was different it was that all the make up was now highlighting my fine lines so they looked less fine and more prominent.
Kerri insisted that I looked gorgeous. Another clue that she was working for the enemy Benefit. And so it happened like it always does, I was persuaded by the perfume, the hype, the adverts and the lies that the make up might just be magic and maybe the woman had not been liberal enough in her application. So I bought it all.
And I took it home and I applied it quite liberally. And you’ll never guess what happened.
I look exactly the same as I did before.
Bastards! I’m not a makeup fan but I’m often gripped by that feeling that I’m missing out on something when I go through the makeup area of Myers. What if there’s a perfect product that makes my face perfect, less pale, less fat, and that applies itself without me lifting a finger?!
Chance would be a fine thing.
Love this piece x
Thanks Michaela. Luckily for you I am checking out and trying ALL the makeup – I will let you know if anything ever works 🙂
Maybe it just takes time to work? Maybe I’m just an enabler?
LOL
You are an enabler. Nontheless I will keep trying – just in case xx
Before we got married, my wife was never really that in to makeup. Then, it was so sudden….she became addicted to the stuff. I would have to say that she has more paint, powder and lipstick than any ten women could use in a lifetime secreted all around the house. At a guess she has a minimum of 150 bottles of nail polish. I had no idea that there were sooooo many shades of red. I am unable to detect the subtle differences in those different shades. When I mention this, she casually reminds me that I am medically diagnosed colour blind to green and red. Strangely, I am able to detect the subtle differences in all of those shades of green nail polish.
I don’t know that she has a favourite brand. She buys most of her kit online. To my knowledge she is not known to anyone at the Revlon counter. I suppose that there are worse things that she could be addicted to. It’s a harmless addiction and it makes her feel good about herself, so I can’t complain that loudly, can I ?
You’re a very nice man.
It’s a very “safe” if misleading addiction
I am impressed on two counts, Lana: a) that you braved the unforgiving mirrors and lights of the cosmetic counter and b) that you supplemented the meagre income of the cosmetics salesperson (heard they rely heavily on commission)…. Just wondering, is Kerri sporting any new designer jewellery, shoes or handbags…just asking??
Lol! I am going to use that line on my husband – I was helping the poor (salesperson) . I may omit the salesperson word.
My Granny used to say, ” a little bit of lipstick, a big dob of paint makes a lady exactly what she ain’t”.
This from a woman rarely seen out of her Revlon Red.
Your last line made me laugh out loud!
Which is why I buy my makeup from Woolies and spend my money on good wine.
I don’t know what my wife pays for her makeup, but I refuse to drink cheap wine regardless ! A man has to have some standards. 🙂