in my perfect world... i won't fall under the drugstore makeup spell.

oopsies.

I walked into CVS today to pick up a prescription and paper towels.

I left with my prescription, paper towels… a new bronzer, a new beauty blender and another makeup product.

A $20 trip quickly went south.

I’ll pause my rant to give details on the products for any fellow beauty lovers, and then I’ll resume.

Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer - $17.79 (ouch) - I used this bronzer in high school, then was lured away by everyone’s favorite: Hoola Bronzer by Benefit Cosmetics. A friend came to visit me about a month ago, and when I borrowed her Butter Bronzer, I couldn’t figure out why I ever stopped. My skin has cooler undertones (more brown, less yellow/orange), and this bronzer does the perfect job of accentuating color on my spring-has-sprung, I’m-already-beginning-to-turn-tan face. I got it in PF11000; a little dark for me right now, but the product is buildable, so it’ll be perfect in the middle of summer. Aaaand… the smell is addicting, let’s be real.

Real Techniques Miracle Face + Body Sponge - $8.69 - I’m not sure why they’re being fancy with the name; this is a glorified, extra large beauty blender. I’ve gone the Hailey Bieber, “I use my fingers to apply every product” makeup route, but something about the beauty blender is too good to give up. I started to bring my old sponge out of its antiquated state, but it was too far gone. I decided to go big or go home and start fresh with the “miracle face + body sponge”, so we’ll see what happens.

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion - also $17.79 - I am in strong opposition to a matte makeup look. For someone who has dry, dry skin (my nightly moisturizer is comparable to Elmer’s glue), a dewy face is a necessity. I want to look sweaty. I want to look like I just ran a mile, then applied my makeup. The Lumi Glotion was, dare I say it, all over my For You page (my Gen Z is showing!), and for a glowy makeup enthusiast, I had to try it out. I got it in “fair glow”, as I plan to mix it with my Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops.

Turns out writing mini justifications for a drug store splurge is cathartic. I’m no longer as up in arms over the prices of my purchases, but next time I’ll take about 10 more seconds to ask myself if really need it before purchasing.

Let’s be honest, nothing will change.

In my perfect world… they make Butter Bronzer scented candles. Physicians Formula, call me.