Day 252
I am a lotions and potions gal. I’ve said this before. It’s no wonder I sold cosmetics for some twenty years … under all the dog furred yoga stretch pants I’m pretty much a girly-girl.
Lock me in a Rite Aid overnight with carte blanche to try whatever I’d like to and I’d be delirious with joy. You can bet I wouldn’t sleep one wink but I’d be trying everything even remotely possible from Witch Hazel and Wintergreen Tonic to the most emollient of night creams and body butters. I’d be in Heaven!
Some people don’t like staying at the homes of friends or family when they are off visiting. I am not one of those people. One of the things I like best about staying at someone else’s home is that I get to see what normal, everyday products they use … what is their shampoo – is it clarifying, dandruff, moisturizing, one for volume or anti-frizz? Do they use conditioner – and if so, what type and brand and scent is it? Is there shaving foam or gel in the shower? What soap do they use? And what color is their netted pouffy bath scrunchy?
Is there lotion around the house and if so, what kind? Is it for extra dry skin or a healing therapy type? Is it oil-free or extra emollient? Does it contain Vitamins A, C or E? What are its special properties? Is it a cheap bottle of water and glycerin with some fragrance? Or is it one of those high-end ultra emulsions with glycolic acid, tea tree oil, and rare botanicals from some rain forest where the bugs are the size of dinner plates? Do they use regular bar soap at the sink or is it a foam or a liquid? And whatever it is … is it scented, anti-bacterial or a deodorant type? And what is the brand?
My mom has enough toiletries to open up a small drugstore. I do as well. Sam, apparently, has the same toiletries gene (as my mom and I) as her bathroom replicates a small warehouse of personal care items.
I look forward to stepping into her shower – not only is her water hotter than mine and shower bigger – but her shampoo and conditioner are different. There are a few to choose from … fragrance-free, ultra hydrating humectant and one that promises sleekness and shine. And, in the soap dish she has an Olay beauty bar – unlike the trusty Safeguard deodorant bar found in my shower soap dish.
In essence, it’s like being at a spa … without actually being at a spa.
I look forward to opening up the cabinet drawer to use her hairspray (aerosol, not pump) and in said drawer are 8 other bottles of hair products … ultra firm mousse, dry spray shampoo, mega hold spray gel, nourishing foam maintainer (what is THAT?), a detangler and other items that make me wonder how on Earth can I possibly be living without them at my own home?
And then there are the lotions … extra care, super hydrating, nighttime restoration, protective daily skin shield, barrier balm, deep moisturizing therapy, extensive healing and the names continue on … all promising a soft, hydrated, silky epidermal layer.
Whatever any of them promise, I don’t really care. I just want products that will keep my skin from flaking off like an alligator, my lips from being chapped, my hair from being flat and frizzy … and it all has to smell really, really good.
And it’s always so much more fun if it’s found in someone else’s bathroom cabinet.