Beauty Counter Diss

Ya know, some days I just hate the women who work at beauty counters. I try to be super friendly, knowing what it was like when I worked at Victoria's Secret Beauty (back when the makeup and fragrance was a separate store) but alas, on days like today I just want to spray perfume in their eyes!

I was perusing the beauty counter at a major department store this afternoon with my eye on the prize:

Lancome's Self-Tinted Flash Bronzer - $33

I had read two decent reviews on it and decided to take the plunge to give my pasty legs some much-needed color.

But as I waited patiently, I still hadn't been greeted after 5-7 minutes. Finally, a rep came over to me.

"You finding everything OK?" - annoying lady who knows nothing.

"Yup, just fine. Do you happen to know if this product is oil-free?" - me

"Hang on, I'll be right back."

Do you think she ever came back?

Nope. Begrudgingly, I decided to forge ahead. My trusted Lucky beauty editor had to be right about this one! As I waited in line patiently, it was finally my turn to cash out. The cashier then turned, paused, looked at me, and said, "Sorry, you'll have to wait. I have someone else in front of you." What? Where? I was next in line to cash out, I didn't need ten pounds of makeup slapped on my skin. It will take you two seconds! Ugh!

So what did I do? I'll tell you what I did. In true Hauger-fashion (my maiden name), I put that product back, not even in the proper place, and huffed away. (Editor's Note: In my mind this scene was as dramatic as George flipping out about hot dogs and hot dog buns in Father of the Bride.) Your loss, lady!

Where do these people get the nerve? Just because I look like I'm 16 doesn't mean I have no money to burn. The audacity! I'll get my hot dogs elsewhere!

So with no sunless tanner in hand to review, I turn my attention to summer skin issues. I think all of you reading will agree, it's not fair to break out after the age of 25. But, it happens. When my skin freaks out and I start freaking out, I reach for the product that's been my best bud going on 10 years now (and yes, it's still the original tube).

Clinique's Deep Cleansing Emergency Mask - $19.50
Literally, this mask is a God-send. I first read about it in Teen magazine, going on 10 years ago. They had teenage girls trying out different acne medicines and the girl who tested this one out said it changed her complexion overnight. I ran out the next day and bought it. I am just now running out.

The next time your skin flares up, dot a small amount of this on your forehead, cheeks and chin and spread. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes until it is completely dry. The next day you'll literally praise the almighty Clinique gods!

Another mask that I love is Proactiv's Refining Mask. You don't have to be a fan of the traditional 3-step Proactiv system to love this mask. It usually comes free though when you order their kit initially. I am a Proactiv fan. I tried it back in college and hated it, but recently gave it another shot and it does work. Not saying it will work for everyone; the key to acne-free skin is to find what works for you and to continue your regime.

Oftentimes people try out a new product, it clears up their skin right away and they move on to something else. When you find something that works for you - keep using it.

Also, I wanted to clear up one myth that always comes up during the summer months. Tanning and laying out in the sun may clear up your skin initially because it gets dried out. But weeks later your body produces even more oil to compensate for the dryness and you'll end up with a nasty complexion. To keep skin clear year-round, use a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher and avoid too much sun time.

That's all for now. 'Til next time, stay beautiful, beach bums, and don't let those beauty counter meanies get you down!
-Amanda :)