The Salon in the Drug Store

So as most of the world knows, Longs is out and CVS is in. Now, at first I thought this just meant no more craft aisle--I totally used to love buying fabritac glue at midnight when the fabric store was closed, and of course it meant my worst nightmare had come true and the drugstore is now carpeted---I can't wait for the vomit stains and gum remnants, so hot. But no. It gets stranger.

Tonight I went to CVS. I needed duct tape and gum, but found myself draw to a mysterious doorway into an all white, non carpeted room. Wait a minute, it's not a room, it's a salon and beauty store. Like a legit beauty store. I stare in amazing, and say "waaah?" and a girl walks by me and says "yeah, I know, what the fuck?"

Turns out I'm just not as European trendy as I wish I could be. Beauty stores in drug stores is apparently all the rage over there. So this place is called Beauty 360 and they look like an operating room's version of Sephora. Now, I was too intimidated to walk around, but I did grab a flyer and it turns out you can go in any time for free samples and lessons, and get manicures with a purchase of nail products. Their motto is "a new vision of beauty." At first I didn't get it. If I want beauty, I want to seek it out. Then I stepped over the carpeted threshold to the CVS makeup aisle and the harsh florescent lighting made my dear friends Cover Girl and Mabelline look a little less beautiful.

Clean Up for the Cheap and Lazy

Got the ironing board blues?

Take your slightly unsightly blouse and trousers into the bathroom during your morning shower. Hang them on the outside of the shower curtain, away from any fly away suds. The steam from the shower will help release wrinkles and make the time-tested 30 second "hand ironing" more effective.

Scuffed pumps?

Attack shoe blemishes with a tube of toothpaste and paper towel. Buff away the scuff in a matter of minutes, and reap the benefits of clean shoes and minty toes.

Foggy mirror?

If the fog from your morning shower (or ironing) slows down your makeup and hair routine, try applying some of your man's shaving cream to the mirror. Rub a small amount all over the mirror, and wipe clean with a towel. The thin layer will prevent the mirror from fogging so you can prevent your makeup from the dreaded Picasso face.