Confessions of a Cosmetic Junkie

All right, I’ll confess. I have about a thousand jars of lotions and creams stuffed into to my cosmetic drawer. If you’re looking for lipstick, you’ve come to the right spot. From browns to dusty pinks, I have them all. There isn’t a major brand name that won’t be found if you shuffle around my make-up case. Yes, I am a cosmetic junkie.

You might wonder why I’m making a confession like this. It’s easy. The first step to finding a cure is admitting your problem. I hang out at the cosmetic counters of department stores. There isn’t a sample that I won’t accept. I look for the bargains and the give-aways. I even long for the promotions, where you get samples of the make-up in beautiful travel bags.

How did I get this way? Vanity you might think. But it isn’t that at all. I truly enjoy taking care of my skin and trying to look my absolute best. I’m one of those rare creatures that thinks the car won’t start if I don’t have on lipstick. Sure, it takes a little bit of effort, but as all the ads say, “I’m worth it.”

In reality I can put my make-up on and do my hair in about fifteen minutes. My nighttime ritual takes about ten minutes if I’m in a hurry. These twenty-five minutes each day are mine and mine alone. The rest of the time I am at the mercy of a busy telephone, running my home office, cleaning the house, and most important of all, caring for my family.

I use my time to rejuvenate my spirit as well as my looks. I spend these minutes to plan my day or review it. It’s surprising how the anxiety and stress seem to melt away. With hectic lives, we can all use that personal attention. I enjoy “playing” with different products. It’s surprising how a simple thing as using a new lip or eye color can give me a boost.

Now that I’ve given my addiction some thought, I think I’ll continue to be a cosmetic junkie. I’m not spending money I don’t have; I’m not taking time away from family or work; I’m really not doing any harm. As a matter of fact, I’m doing some good. I’m taking care of myself, not only for me, but for those who look at me.