I have a…thing coming up that requires that I be coiffed and groomed. Those are not skills I possess. I mean, I shower and all but I am more wash n go than Barbie.
I decided that it was time to invest in some makeup that is designed to look good under lights and on film. And, I do mean invest. Those few small bottles cost more than the groceries for the week. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Not only is the world of the fancy makeup a foreign one to me, I am actually afraid of it. I couldn’t fathom walking into the store without prior knowledge. I needed a Rosetta Stone class of sorts so that I could at least speak a few words of beauty. So, as with all burning questions in the social media age, I started my query on Facebook.
My friends came through with lots of suggestions. Many of them even called makeup “fun.” Who are these women?:)
So yesterday, I steeled myself and walked, head held low, into Sephora, the land of all that is beauty. I immediately felt like an intruder, unwelcome. Even the men had on more makeup than me. I walked through the aisles of sparkles and spackles until I found the product I had decided upon.
And then I was a bit stuck. There were 25(!) shades to choose from. And I was starting from scratch. I looked around for an open assistant, but they were all occupied, many helping girls the age of my students.
And then one approached me. She smiled. Was friendly. Was well-groomed but not perfect. I liked her. She led me over to a station where they use a small computer/camera to take a picture of your skin for color matching purposes. I found this oddly comforting; it reminded me of buying paint at Home Depot, a familiar endeavor.
Once matched, I collected my product and inquired about application techniques. Bless this woman, she wasn’t trying to sell. She actually encouraged me to try hand application first and return for a brush if I felt like I needed it. Unfortunately (to my wallet at least), I decided that I needed it after hearing the pros and cons.
And then stupid me inquired about concealer. Which led to another tub of goo and yet another brush. By this point, I had a small basket of product. I no longer looked like a tourist. But I still felt like one.
When the cashier asked if I had a loyalty card, I actually laughed and explained a bit about my general beauty attitude and my discomfort in the store. A male employee (with the best eyebrows I’ve ever seen) smiled and quipped, “That’s how I feel in the gym which is why I’m so skinny.”
I could have kissed him.
Not only did he relate, but the example he gave was where I feel most at home. We joked for a minute about him helping me with makeup and me helping him with pull ups.
We all feel that way sometimes, like interlopers. Pariahs on the outskirts of the group. But that separation and discomfort is in our heads, not reality. We all have areas where we are more comfortable and we can use those times to reach out to those who appear to be struggling.
I wished him luck on his workouts and exchanged a spirited fist bump before leaving the store. This time, with my head held high.
Related: Say Stress to the Dress
What makeup did you get? 🙂
Makeup Forever HD foundation (with associated primer and powder) and an under eye concealer from Benefit. I take it you speak beauty:)
Yes. I used to be like you, a foreigner in beautyland… then I saw how much better/different I could look with makeup. I started experimenting with different products/ colors… now it’s like a form of art to me. I quickly became obsessed…
That’s cool:) I appreciate it as an art form as well. I’d like to become more comfortable with it.
Be careful… it can suck you in quick… 😉
Oh boy!
I bought that makeup for my wedding day and it is lovely. I never would have found it if not for the wonder that is Sephora shop people.
🙂
Love the line about being the wash n go type versus Barbie. I feel the same. Many familiar sentiments herd for me. Best of luck with the upcoming event, but what will become of all the new makeup afterward? In my case I know it would end up sitting in a drawer waiting for another chance to emerge. 🙂
Pretty much:) Although there are enough events happening which is why I decided to bite the bullet on this one. I don’t exactly see putting on the full face for teaching 8th graders!
Good luck at your event. You will look m.a.r.v.e.l.o.u.s.
🙂
😉
It would appear that you and I are kindred spirits when it comes to this matter, as I have had a similar experience when wading into the cosmetic waters! I wear a bit of concealer, lip balm, and translucent powder, and if I am feeling really courageous, I might wear a bit of eye liner or mascara. Much to the chagrin of my friend who is a make up artist (proof that opposites attract), I don’t even own lipstick or blush. Oh, the horror!
You are a natural beauty, and I take heart in knowing that I am not the only one who feelings like an intruder at the cosmetics counter. I wish you all the best at your upcoming events, and I have no doubt that you will put your best foot (and face) forward!
Thanks:) I’m not sure about those feet, though. I’m afraid the toenails don’t get much attention either!
I hear you, as I don’t own any nail polish, either:) Pedicures at a nail salon are the way to go!
Very helpful! Thank you!
Ah! We are soul sisters, I knew it!.
🙂
My make-up bag is a small ziplock bag, with one eyeliner, and mascara from 1998. My friends love to take me to SNOREphora so I can sleep! I am sure you look fab! 🙂