The day I went to a makeup store

This weekend, I did something I’ve never done: I walked into Ulta and asked questions. Now, I’ve always had a kind of fondness for makeup – I even get Ipsy monthly, but I can never really get myself into a routine, and to be honest, whenever I wear it I feel like I’m pretending to be someone else. What’s that all about?

So, I decided that I would really focus on neutrals that I know I could wear daily, which would help that whole routine problem – well, minus the fact that I now have 2 kids and TIME for a routine might pose a problem. Anyway, I went in with the sole purpose of buying the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette – something simple, beautiful and blend-able.

When I walked into the store, I was pummeled with images of flawless skin, and rows and rows of products. My anxious librarian brain was all ‘where do I find the eye shadow section? How is this stuff organized? Where are the maps?’ Of course, I didn’t ask any of these questions, but rather sauntered around with the baby on my hip and my 4-year-old off smudging the darkest shades of anything she could find, all over her face.

Maybe I looked doe-eyed, or perhaps it was my constant “Ava. Ava. Ava. Ava, no, don’t do that. Ava. Ava.” But someone came over and said, “Is there anything I can help you find?” And just as I was about to spout the usual, “No we’re fine,” I decided to say, “Yes, actually. I need help finding foundation that’s easy and light and will cover these breakouts that I seem to have now after having 2 babies.” And just like that, she takes me over to the Foundation Lady who stood glowing before a wall of brownish goo in sparkly glass jars.

At first I thought I’d made a terrible mistake, but the next thing I knew, Foundation Lady had me sitting in her chair, assuring me that she’s quick. With baby Wren on my knee, Foundation Lady proceeded to do my face. She asked me, “Have you ever used primer before?” and I said, “No. the thought of using something called ‘primer’ on my face made me feel like a wall,” and she said, “Well, it kind of is – if you think about it. Primer gives a nice even surface to work with before you put on the foundation.” Then, I realized I’m in TEXAS – I’m going to come out of this looking like a DALLAS royal housewife or something, but then I looked in the mirror and this happened:

 

I actually said “WOW” when she showed me my face in the mirror. It didn’t feel like I was wearing anything at all – something I’ve never felt when I’ve worn foundation.

 

My very pale blotchy skin looked so pretty! Foundation Lady continued to explain how to do my face as she grabbed the stuff she used on it – and she was right, she was quick. For the first time, I thought maybe I do have time to do this. I don’t need to wear makeup, but I like how I look – me, enhanced.

Here’s what I left with:

Urban Decay’s Naked Basics palette
Pur Liquid Veil 4-in-1 spray foundation (light)
Pur Correcting Primer
Pur setting veil
Urban Decay Naked lipgloss in Streak
Pur chisel brush

I LOVE the way this stuff feels – it’s super light, it really feels like nothing is on my face. I did not think that was possible. And, I’m not sure if this is just a coincidence or not, but the 2 blemishes I did have on my face are now gone – only a little redness remains. Overall, I think it was one of my favorite Saturdays out with the kids.

I’ve never had anyone do my makeup like this before, and I am so glad I just asked instead of wasting more money on junky goop. I truly feel beautiful!