Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Operation Look Alive

LOCATION: SEPHORA, SOMEWHERE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
TARGET: ONE TUBE OF LAURA MERCIER STICKGLOSS IN BROWN SUGAR
TEAM: TWO AND A HALF FEMALES
GEAR: ONE BOB STROLLER, ONE PAIR OF NEW BALANCE RUNNING SNEAKERS
MISSION: CAPTURE AND PURCHASE TARGET IN UNDER 3 MINUTES



Since having Mackenzie I've relinquished my ability to shop like the pro I once was.  Yeah I can grab a few things off the rack at Target while I'm picking up some toilet paper and sandwich bread.  But I don't spend hours perusing the mall like I used to.  
And the last time I stepped foot into Sephora it was to buy some cologne for Doug at Christmas.  
The only reason I ventured into my former beauty Mecca on Monday was to pick up a tube of my go-to "look alive" product: Laura Mercier's Stickgloss in Brown Sugar.  
I don't usually wear lipstick unless I'm feeling really down in the dumps.  Then it serves as a little pick-me-up that reminds me that I still have a heartbeat.  
These days I don't wear much makeup at all.  For one thing, where do I go that would require any? And secondly, if I do manage to make it out of the house sans baby it usually involves getting made up only for Mackenzie to slobber all over me before I can step out of the bathroom. 
Regardless, I do still keep several essentials in my makeup case: L'Oreal Le Kohl Pencil Eyeliner (I've used this since I was 15 and will honestly go postal if they ever stop making it), L'Oreal True Match Concealer (they should call this, "Had a Baby, Always Tired, You'd Never Know"), CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup (if I'm like, seriously going out), and finally LM's Brown Sugar lipgloss.  I use the lipgloss on my cheeks as a blush because Doug hates any kind of powder on my face.  He's very honest in his critique: Powder makes your skin look old.  I think he may have a future in cosmetics.  
This gloss is soft and subtle and gives me a little "oomph" on my cheeks that screams, "I'm alive!" even when I haven't had much sleep.  It's super easy to apply, comes off in a jiffy, and one tube lasts an eternity. 
But this post isn't about the contents of my toiletry bag.  It's about how times have changed.  
I used to spend hours at Sephora, leisurely making my way through each aisle, with a million tissues in my left hand as my right hand applied countless balms, lotions, potions, creams, glosses, and serums.  
I could easily spend an entire paycheck on makeup, skincare, and hair products. 
This time, I was on a mission. 
One tube of lipstick.  In and out.  Take no prisoners. 
But OH. MY. GOD. 
It's not like that in Sephora.  Because Sephora is supposed to be an experience.  It's an indulgence.  You go in, you try on some products, you may even stick around for a free makeup application.  It's not supposed to be about weaving your jogging stroller in and out of narrow lanes, ducking when someone tries to help you find what you need or attempts to spritz you with some eau de toilette.  It's not about juggling a sippy cup, a snack bowl of Cheerios, and a cinnamon bagel for your toddler who has no other choice today but to eat lunch in her stroller.  FOR. CRYING. OUT. LOUD. 
When I finally made it to the register I was greeted by a very enthusiastic guy who seemed to be channeling Prince.  His face was caked with more makeup than most girls wear on their wedding day and his pristine manicure made me hide my nails in shame. 
He asked if I was a Beauty Insider (naturally I am).  That means that if you spend a buzzillion dollars at Sephora you can get a free gift.  I used to covet these moments as if they were the equivalent of my last meal.  Getting to choose a lash-lengthening mascara, a lip-plumping gloss, or a wrinkle-reducing serum used to be my version of hitting the jackpot.  But given the options at Sephora the other day I decided to pocket my Beauty Insider points for a later date when I was sure to benefit from the glamourous treats they were offering.  I joked with the Makeup Artist Formerly Known As Prince that I'd one day have enough points to buy the entire store.  He didn't bat a single false eyelash, quickly explaining that I could always use my Beauty Insider credits to schedule a "mother's" makeup lesson, during which I'd be schooled on how to quickly do a "simple face" that required little to no energy.  I'll give the guy credit.  He was super nice and was just trying to be helpful.  And I clearly needed the help. 
These days my hair goes up into a bun as soon as I emerge from the shower, my idea of a rejuvenating exfoliation involves scrubbing crusty food out of Mackenzie's hair, and coverup is something I wear to the pool.  Lip gloss is typically Mackenzie's drool after an open-mouth kiss, blush is what I do when Doug sees me naked, and shadow is the little girl who follows me around the house all day long. 



2 comments:

  1. I love this!! Aaron hates powder on my face too!!
    Let's go to Sephora..after baby #2 comes..I am going to need some "look-alive"products!

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