Hope In A Jar

There are no better cosmetics than a severe temperance and purity, modesty and humility, a gracious temper and calmness of spirit; and there is no true beauty without the signatures of these graces in the very countenance.
  - Arthur Helps
  
     Okay, but I like my mascara. Most of the time. As I contemplated the oversized wand of my latest lash enhancer this morning (it looks appropriate for Mrs. Jolly Green Giant or perhaps Shrek's beloved Fiona), I wondered how other women feel about their cosmetics. For instance, a new mascara always holds great promise when I bring it home—my most recent purchase was Almay, which lured me with "light interplay technology" but mostly because it's hypoallergenic. I wear contacts and that is hugely important. After my tube of "intense i-color" and I have shared a couple of weeks, I am getting frustrated with clumpiness and gloppiness as usual.

     Don't get me wrong: I've dallied with the best Estee Lauder potions and sampled the wares of Prescriptives, Laura Mercier, Smashbox and countless other pricey options. I usually end up back at Walgreen's, trying to decide whether to embrace Great Lash once more or date a new make-up brand for a while. (Only to break up . . . possibly after breaking out . . . later.)

    I get just as giddy as you do in Sephora, and love trying on all sorts of exciting new stuff. Invariably I am reminded of Charles Revson's words, though: "In the factory we make cosmetics; in the drugstore we sell hope."

     I have watched a friend purchase wrinkle-releasing cream for $45.00 in Nordstrom's, asking for my reassurance that indeed, her crow's feet did look diminished after the saleslady applied it. (They didn't—but I would be the last person ever to rain on anyone's skin potion parade.)

     Faith Hill said, "I think beauty comes from within. If you're happy and look at life in the best way you can, even when there are problems, it can make you beautiful on the outside."

     This is easy to say when you have Faith's genes, but I think she's right. However, I have found similar statements by emaciated supermodels earning $15,000.00 per day mighty irritating. I'm guessing Naomi Campbell thinks she is gorgeous even when she's beating an assistant with her cell phone, no matter what she might proclaim about inner beauty and sweetness enhancing her features.

     




I entered the cosmetics industry because I wanted more women to use cosmetics made with safe, healthful ingredients. 
Gloria Swanson





     


     Well, she was certainly ready for her close-up.

     Back to mascara. One reason I am writing this is to conduct an informal poll of my female friends (and any males who happen to wear make-up). What mascara do you use, and why? What is your favorite item in the drugstore's beauty aisle? From department stores? Do you have any at-home secrets to share? Just post your answers in comments, or email me at bethidee@gmail.com if you prefer to keep things private.

     If we garner sufficient wisdom and advice, I'll compile it in a future blog in which all will be revealed.

     Just don't tell me all I have to do is smile. Puh-leeze.






 Love from Delta.