A few issues to discuss here. First off, what a pleasant surprise while visiting my hair stylist for a cut and color last week to see a Cover Girl ad in Vogue that admitted, albeit in small print at the bottom of the ad, that they had added individual lash extensions to Sofia Vergara’s lashes BEFORE applying mascara. KUDOS Cover Girl! This (obvious) admission of honesty will move this product into my “new cosmetics to try” list. Sure, my lashes will not resemble Sofia’s and I won’t be augmenting my beauty routine with lash extensions, but it made me read the ad to see what made this particular mascara different. This segues nicely to my first point:
- STOP using false eyelashes on models to sell me your super colossal lash extending gynormously long and lush mascara. Instead, show a before picture of a model, preferably with light, average eyelashes like mine, apply the mascara then shoot the after picture. Your photo shoots are already enhanced with fantastic lighting and professional hair and make-up artists…jeez…
- Okay, this one is huge: DO NOT use twenty-year-old models to sell anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, anti-sagging skin care products to women over thirty-five. One, it’s insulting to our intelligence, and two…I don’t need a two…just stop.
- You can’t just invent sudo-scientific words to describe some super substance in your creams and serums. Geo Q3-12 with dragonfly extract collagen peptides is not keeping it real and will never make me abandon my Olay products.
- Extended wear lip anything is not necessary. I love reapplying so no worries there. Also, gloss and lipstick that clings to your mouth for twelve hours doesn’t feel natural in my experience. Besides, you’ll sell more product if you let me just reapply all day so I run out and get to buy more.
- From a marketing perspective I understand the desire to airbrush complexion close-ups because you want me to believe my pores will disappear completely when I apply your foundation. Again, I think the before and after would show genuine honesty of product marketing. Those of us with uneven complexions or who are pore-challenged (I’m neither confessing nor denying either) need to see how the coverage will improve skin appearance.
Sincerely,
Women Who Know Better
Now it’s time to hand out a few awards. These are not official accolades, only personal opines based on trial and error and years of experimentation, otherwise known as The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
My Fav’s ~
Cleansers, creams, serums and tonics: Olay, Olay, Olay. I haven’t found anything I like better and I’m a tough sell to convert. Using everything from Regenerist line. Marry me!
Foundation: Currently using Smashbox and I am pretty happy so far, but after years of Bare Minerals use, I’m not totally loyal yet in this area.
Blush: Trying Smashbox for the first time and love it.
Mascara: This is where I am fickle. I currently have one from Loreal and one from Maybelline. I’ve tried drugstore brands and designer brands and don’t find the more expensive lines work better. I think the mascara ad mentioned above is 24-hour Lash Blast…it’s a new formula said to be less sticky and more nourishing, and because Cover Girl was forthright in their ad campaign, I’m going to try it next. Long wearing mascara = very good. SPECIAL UPDATE: OMG, bought 24-hour Last Blast and LOVE it. BEST mascara I have EVER used, and believe me, I leave behind a trail of empty tubes!
Eyebrows: Clinique Superfine Liner…nothing better. I will never leave you!
Sunscreen: Aveeno, SPF 70. You, me, together forever.
Just for Men: Pssst! Speaking of eyebrows…best tip EVER from my hair stylist for brow color. Use Just for Men (ha, not anymore it’s not!) for a natural brow tint. It’s inexpensive and one box last a long time because you just need a small amount. Hey, I’m picky about this stuff and live with a metro-sexual spouse with a discerning eye so this is no B.S. I love it because I workout almost daily and sweat like a carton of melting ice cream so I need to retouch weekly. It’s the one for beards and mustaches. Awesome!
What glams you up? Share some of your can’t-live-without beauty aids. Now auditioning new mascaras!
With all that said, do you know the sexiest way a woman appears to her partner? Survey says…fresh from the shower, no clothes or make-up wearing but a smile (um, I think this works both ways?). Remember this, always, because no one can sell anything to a confident female who stands firm inside her exterior.
Later, gorgeous!
“Sweet bird you are
Briefer than a falling star
All these vain promises on beauty jars
Somewhere with your wings on time
You must be laughing” – Joni Mitchell
About Beth Elisa Harris
Beth Elisa Harris is the author of the VISION trilogy and contributor to the INDIE CHICKS ANTHOLOGIES. She is currently working on re-releasing VISION with Sapphire Publishing later this year. A native California girl with a passion for travel, Beth has a wicked sense of humor and loves all things pop culture. Her weaknesses include OPI nail polish, high quality coffee, teas and dark chocolate, dogs, babies, and giraffes. For more information, visit her web site at http://bethelisaharris.com.
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