Ahhh, Sephora. My stress relieving ritual. My bank account draining routine. My love for make up requires frequent trips, online and in store, to this magical place of all things beauty. If you're a regular, like me, you might agree that it's an emotional rollercoaster. You have ups, downs, loops, turns, the checkout aisle with mini products, etc. I took the liberty of defining these stages we go through in order to have make up collection goals.
Stage 1: Excitement
It begins when you turn the corner at the mall and see the black and white strips gleam on the wall. The pit of your stomach swells with joy. The second you walk in a complete stranger greets you and instantly becomes your BFF for the next hour or so. They guide you through the aisles of beautifully lit products, offer you samples, complement your skin. The next thing I know my basket is full of all the latest from Dior, Urban Decay, Nars, Make Up Forever and any other brand I can justify selling an arm for.
Stage 2: Overwhelm
Looking over the sea of make up, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. The store consists of rows and rows of different brands selling their products. You can't go in wanting just mascara, you have to decide if you want it to lengthen, strengthen, color, or separate your lashes. You can't go in wanting just foundation, you have to decide if you want it to be light, medium, or full coverage, then decide the finish, such as matte, dewey or natural. This may lead to hyperventilation or rash decisions. I highly recommend doing research online before hand, making this stage a little less severe.
Stage 3: Commitment
Occasionally, you will have troubles deciding between products. How do you choose between the Glamglow hydrating mask and the Orgins charcoal mask? Easy: get them both.
Stage 4: Nausea
Aka, checking out. After dodging the trap that is the mini products you're forced to look at while waiting in line, it's time for the moment you've been dreading. The grand total for this week's trip to Sephora is (drum roll) half you're room and board. Queue nausea. Okay, okay it's not that expensive, especially if you go in with a list. Shopping at Sephora is an excellent way to practice self control. You stop grabbing every new product that hit the shelves and re-evaluate the things you think you need versus the things you actually need. Do you really want to spend $20 on nail polish you can purchase at Target for $5? Treat yourself, but be reasonable.
Stage 5: Reassurance
The nauseating feeling caused by swiping your card soon passes after your temporary BFF hands you your bag of brand new items. You earned those products and your skin is going to love you for both of the face masks. I agree, you don't need to spend a lot of money on a decent eyelash curler and there are great dupes for every YSL lip product out there, but if skincare and make up is something that means a lot to you, rest assured in your purchase. Also keep in mind you're totally helping the economy grow.
