Thoughts from the Dirty City

Historically I have been a big believer in fancy make-up and cleansers from department stores. They smell pretty and have amazing packages. For some reason those two things combine in magical ways that make you forget how ridiculous the price tag is.

But then the economy tanked and the whole world went broke, my self included. One of the first things to go was all my fancy make-up and yummy smelly soaps. I just couldn’t justify braking bank for such obvious luxury items. And honestly, it hasn’t been so bad. Most of the make-up I found at the drug store I’ve been really happy with. There were a few disasters, but I try not to think about those as the scars are finally just about faded. Even the cleansers, toners, moisturizers and random other shit Cosmo insists I use or will crack and crumble were good to me, for a while anyway

Little by little over the past month or so some bad shit has started to happen north of my neck. I know that the real reason for the change is that the long dry NEO winter air sucked all the life outta my skin. Whatever the cause, I was desperate to do something to fix it, fast. My face was becoming a combo platter of oil, and breakouts with the added kicker of dry, red itchy patches. Hawtness.

Last week I decided to overhaul my skin care closet. I hit the department store and magpie that I am fell prey to the make-up counter as well. But being that this was not my first trip to rip off island I knew better than to fork over cash for something I had never used before (make-up wise*).  I got a sample of the product to take home with me and try first. That way if I wasn’t satisfied I could return said product hassle free. And thank god I did. Cause this shit really is a rip off. The $10 bottle of foundation I purchased at Target not only has better coverage, but it stays on longer and doesn’t smudge. Granted the unassuming bottle and lack of fragrance isn’t as exciting to play with in the morning while I get ready for work. But seriously, at those costs it should at least WORK. I guess I can chalk it up to one more lesson learned from the recession.

I will give it to the department store brands for being able to make their products smell and look so amazing on the shelf. And to be honest, I don’t know if I will ever be able to give up the fancy skin care again. After less than a week my skin is starting to clear up and even out. What can I say, the magpie in me still lives on, at least a little bit.

*They generally only give samples of liquid make-up. You know the kind you layer on like spackle. The other stuff you have to just try them out. They say you can’t return them…but I have before. At those prices they really can’t argue with much.

Additionally. I know, there is a new OPI line out. Hong Kong or something. No worries. I’m on it.