Lip Formula for Angelina Jolie

August 4, 2008 bench 1 Comment

It is a cyclone ride since I took a break from teaching. From the unrestricted number of sleeping hours I get and the Kate Moss size financial budget, I have learned to brace myself for more to come. There are moments that I would smile like a Care Bear because of the abundance of love from my family and friends; then there are times that I sulk like a wombat because of impending bills. Yesterday, I decided to hang out in 14^th Street to see the fashion must have’s for Spring. However, the ridiculous prices sent me packing to Barnes and Noble wherein for three hours, I read four books. I must agree that being on a cash diet lets you do great feats such as reading to tame the grumbling hungry stomach.

After I have absorbed all the information from the Trivia and Spa books, I grabbed a light snack. I stopped in front of Sephora. The beauty store, the Mecca of all cosmetics and the perfect perk- you- up when you are feeling unpretty spot. I went in and browsed the eyeshadow section. I discovered that glitter is back again but I hesitated on putting the blue sparkles or I would look like a circus dog. I hovered like a bee to the spa section where an eager salesperson hinted if I needed help. Help means, “I would love to help you pick out what you WILL buy.” I smiled and said no thanks, I am doing alright. Lying to one self is futile since I cannot distinguish a body butter from a body serum. All I know is that they were both silky on my dry flaky hands. I proceeded to the fragrance shelves where other women were spritzing away. I put on my thinking hat again, are these women choosing fragrances based on their current status? Did that teenager spray on Vera Wang’s Princess because her boyfriend calls her clingy? How about the nice lady who put on Marc Jacobs, is she feeling flirty in her flowery dress or that Asian chick who chose Ralph Lauren Hot to hide her pain from walking on those 6-inch boots/ stilettos? This habit of mine can sometimes be embarrassing since I found the women looking at me while I twirl the bottle of Estee Lauder’s Pleasure in my hands. I spritzed on the new Prada to fan the awkward scene. However, I was coughing to the intense smell of that $68 perfume.

I proceeded to the more complicated shelves lined with foundations, bronzers and self-tanners. I tried to educate myself by trying a few face powders. Well it took me three trials to unmake my face from looking like a geisha. Next, I tried the beige shimmery eyeshadow from Christian Dior. It looked hot but the price was not. I went to finishing up with a cheek tint from Benefit and mascara from Imju Fiberwig Fiberwig. My face was piled up with these concoctions. I looked in the mirror and I smiled. I had a mini- make over courtesy of sampling these beauty products which I honestly cannot afford. However, the thrill and simple joy of being able to “use” them are priceless. It is not everyday that a woman feels beautiful. Pampering ourselves does a great deal for our soul too.

As I head out, I put a lip gloss that swears it would lips fuller and plumper. I finished by putting a pink lipcolor from Stila. I was enjoying myself… I was loving myself inspite of the hurdles I am going through.

Outside, the air was fresh from the recent downpour and I decided to go to another bookstore. I crossed through the park and then I felt it, my lips were having a sensation. A weird one like being stung. Then I recalled that there was nothing to worry. I used the lip product to simulate full lips. It was named aptly Venom.

I arrived at Strand Bookstore and grabbed two books from the best seller’s pile. I stationed myself in the children’s section where the chairs are more comfortable. Before I started reading, I took out my small mirror and sneaked a peek at my made up face. My lips were indeed full- er. Thanks to Venom and those precious woman moments at Sephora, I can give Angelina a stiff competition. Well just in the mouth department.