Shopping at the drug store
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What I blew my paycheck on this week
by Jennifer Johnson
Nov 29, 2007
I one-stop shop
Commitment is a difficult thing to embrace in the world of cosmetics. A television ad for a sensational new mascara that promises to make my lashes look five times longer, plumper, thicker and natural recently invaded my senses. Of course, skepticism is present, but that doesn’t negate my frenzied need to spend $9.99 on Almay Triple Effect Waterproof black-brown mascara. Off to Bartell Drugs or like ilk. The chain drug stores have become a one-stop-shop for many household needs.
Try out new and upcoming lines of cosmetics, too. Jane & Co. out of New York has a fresh launch with new, sleeker packaging and is trying to capture a more sophisticated market with liquid eyeliner, mineral powders and colorstay liners. Revlon stays in the game by constantly improving products, making them longer lasting and keeping prices reasonable — Revlon ColorStay Black Brown eyeliner with built in sharpener $7.99. Obviously, I’m a big fan of products that stay put and last a long time and won’t smear, run, or fade. Almay, as well as Revlon and other lines, offer 12 to 18 hour lipstick/moisturizer combos that really do stay put for $5.99-$9.99.
I also value the return policy on the cosmetics. Even if a package has been opened and the product used, items can still be returned as long as the receipt is kept. I always keep the packaging too, just in case, but I’m told it’s not required to get your money back. This is a great way to try out new makeup fads without blowing your cash on sparkling metallic cotton candy pink glaze eye shadow that you bought on a whim at 3 a.m. and in the light of day realize the shade makes your skin look like a newly healing burn. Maybe a 16-year-old could pull it off, but not your 27-year-old legal secretary self.
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods is an online shop that celebrates jewelry, accessories and random whimsical trinkets that are made from recycled materials or handmade. I came across its Web site some years ago after viewing a necklace in Travel and Leisure magazine that struck me as smart and classy. I cut out the blurb, stuck it to my corkboard and, just this week, finally went to the site and purchased the vintage typewriter key set necklace and bracelet. From an 18-inch sterling silver ball chain dangles the white single letter J captured on a field of black encased in a round silver frame; bracelet consists of chunky silver interlocking rings ($46/$55). Authentic typewriter keys of the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s are used in these U.S. and Mexico handmade items.
Check them out at www.uncommongoods.com.
