I went shopping yesterday! I’m excited because I don’t generally do that. We are a one car family right now, so I’m stuck at home most days. That’s probably a good thing in the long run, as I can focus on doing what I should be doing instead of roaming around the countryside in search of the biggest ball of twine or something.
At any rate, I stopped at Ulta to get shampoo. It’s very special shampoo, and you can’t buy it just anywhere. It magically takes my straight, dismal, fine hair and turns it into hint-of-curls-fluffy hair. Awesome stuff! But I can’t walk into Ulta without wandering through all the girly things.
Have I mentioned I work from home? The only one who sees my face most days is my husband. He’s probably used to the grunge look by now, poor guy. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want the option to look better! There’s still a girl inside here somewhere. Visions of photoshopped models dance through my head as I peruse the many sparkly packages. If I bought all of this stuff I would be bold, beautiful, glowing!
I’d settle for eyes that weren’t so puffy and lip color that stayed where I put it.
“Can I help you find something?” The girl looking at me was young, perky, and had the prettiest, long, curly black hair. I briefly considered running my fingers through it but then thought it might disturb her or the other customers. Whatever products she’s using must be fantastic, her hair was that touchable.
“Well, I need…nothing really. But I’d like cheek color or lip color that stayed. If I could tattoo it on I’d do it, because I forget otherwise.”
She nodded knowingly. I bet she has never stepped foot outside her apartment without a full face on. Especially given where she works.
She peered closely at my face for a minute. Sizing me up. Measuring me. I’m sure thoughts were running through her head like “Doesn’t she ever use moisturizer?” and “Why is her nose so red?”
I try to withstand the scrutiny without blushing or running for the door.
“Did you just get your hair colored?”
Yes, yes I did. Yesterday actually. You could tell because it still had that vivid, surreal sheen to it and because it was perfectly straight, having been assaulted by a flat iron. I think my hair dresser is trying to make me fashionable. It’s a losing battle, but I like to let her dream.
“I love it, it really brings out your complexion. I have the perfect thing for you, it will really enhance the whole effect. You’re going to love this…” and off she went. She pulled products from several shelves and came back with an armload. All I can see is dollar signs floating above each tester.
She spritzed my face with something refreshing. I have no idea what the stuff was but I felt suddenly transported to a tropical island. Then she pulled out a bottle of red liquid. Blood red. Multiple murders red.
“Don’t worry, it looks strange but this is going to look great on you.”
Her delicate fingers worked a Q-tip full of this red paint into my cheeks and lips. Then she handed me a mirror.
Who the heck is that girl? Wow…I have lips! AND cheeks! Who knew?
She was right, I did, indeed, love it.
I walked on a cloud as I left with this red elixir. The best thing about it? It has to wear off…it doesn’t rub off if you touch your lips to a cup or drag your hand over your face in frustration. I do both things a lot, so this is important!
I got to the car, still elated. I looked in the rear view mirror. I smiled at myself. I felt beautiful! Or pretty, at least. It happens so rarely I decided to savor the moment.
I continued shopping, then trudged home with a car load of groceries and my new happiness in a bottle. When I got there I went immediately to the bathroom to inspect the results again. The color…it’s still there! I have cheeks! I have lips! I have a sparkle in my eye because I’m happy with my purchase!
I admire the person who can do what that girl did for me. She works in retail. She’s on her feet all day, dealing with people who are probably cranky, haughty, or annoying. Despite that, she helped make my day better without making me feel like a burden. That’s a skill. An art, even. It might seem like a little thing, helping a woman find just the right cosmetic. But it’s the little things that end up making or breaking the day sometimes, and this one really made mine. Thanks, Ulta girl 🙂
Well you must give the names of these GREAT products! I too have limp hair and need a make up that stays on! What a tease!
I was wondering if someone would ask :-D. The hair product I’m using is Redken Intra-force and is meant for thinning hair, but it works fantastic on fine hair too so don’t let the name scare you. You have to use all 3 steps to get the full effect, but it’s well worth the effort. They also make a styling foam which works great as well. They have a regular version and a “for color treated hair” version. http://www.redken.com/products/intra-force/system-1-for-natural-thinning-hair
I want to buy girly things but have no idea what to do with them, but that is sounds like I could manage.
Yeah I so rarely buy this stuff…I’m sure that’s why she took pity on me. I looked lost!
Thanks! so what about the makeup? what is that red liquid stuff?!!
The makeup is by Benefit, and it’s called Bene-Tint. It’s, well, sorta like a stain rather than a powder, gel or paste. Very thin, very liquid, very red. There’s a few different shades but this one worked best for me. It blends in great and then stays there all day. At least it has for me.
Lucky you! Yes, money sometimes *can* buy happiness (to a point!) and yours only set you back a hundred bucks or so, if that. Last time I bought happiness it was a good bit more than that, but almost three years later, I still smile almost every day when I hop in, put it into gear, and turn the key.
There is a lot to be said for finding makeup that works for you!
Oh I never leave that store without dropping $100 lol. I tend to save up my purchases. They probably love me. I’m with you, sometimes the exact right thing really makes your day every time you see it. Like an awesome car!
I was wondering if it was a tint. I have some of that stuff! I bought it hoping it would stay on in the salt water when I went diving. It stays on through practically everything else. LOL But, alas, it does not say on after an hour in the ocean. I came out with my face pale as ever. Bummer. I never did find a product that stayed on through a dive. So you can’t fault the make-up one bit. Great stuff! So glad you had such a wonderful experience. 🙂
OK, I didn’t test it in salt water lol. Glad you did! I think the only thing that would stay on in the ocean is a tattoo. I know people who have their basic make up tattoo’d on. I’ve been too afraid to do it but admit it sure would make things easier for me. Eyeliner, lip color…sure would be nice not to have to worry about it ever again. Not that I worry overly much in the first place. I think what I loved most was the high I had as I left 😉
LOVE this post! I’m a makeup fiend. At last count I had two dozen shades of purple in my drawer and I don’t really wear purple that often. *sigh*
I’m so glad you gave the names! I was wondering and now must find that shampoo stuff and the Benefit tint.
I think Redken needs to change their marketing. I can imagine some people wouldn’t try that shampoo because it says it’s for thinning hair, and what woman wants to admit she has that problem? If it said for fine hair…oh yeah, bigger market! And it works fantastic for fine hair. At least for mine it does. Here in Dallas, anyway. I notice hair reacts to different locations differently. For instance, In New Mexico my hair does nothing but fly-away-stuck-in-a-light-socket static cling. In New Orleans, it hung like a limp dishrag. /shrug
Benefit makes the best stuff! And their packaging is pretty awesome too.
It really is! Look at those cute little bottles 😀
Melinda, I just love the way you look at life! You are an amazing person! Truly.
And I am so glad you enjoyed this experience because it is one of the fun things about being a woman. Just the slightest change in our hair or face perks us up and make us feel beautiful. I’m also impressed with the sales clerk. That doesn’t happen everyday.
Okay you gorgeous girl, go flaunt you stuff. Hubby must like it too! 🙂
Aw, thanks Karen! It is funny how happy I can be with something so simple, isn’t it. I’m not sure the hubby noticed lol.