Beauty For Free?

[AllyOops!]

Over the past few months, I have gone on something of a spending spree. Tossing money at tempting promises. Promising me the delivery of youth. Freshness, vitality. A healthy glow.

With an open wallet, I search for the one jar I can't seem to find. Labeled: confidence.

Yesterday afternoon, it all came upon me like a bold, crashing wave upon a sandy, pebbled beach. Like the feeling of a tranquil, salty sea mist kissing ones face, one thought enveloped me. No matter how much money you spend, beauty cannot be bought. Corny? Perhaps. I mean, don't get me wrong. I certainly don't plan on kissing my pout promising lipgloss wands goodbye. And I'm still convinced that a Sephora & Beauty Collection Apothecary exist in Heaven (sandwiched blissfully between Starbucks & Jimmy Choo.)

I have learned that the best moisturizer is not the pricey jar of Creme De La Mer that I purchased & was so excited to try, but rather plain ol' water. Lots of it. It's cheap, and it's the most effective. That healthy glow comes out of a tap. Or a bottle. Drink up me beauties, yo ho.

The best blush in the whole, wide world is glee. No, not the i.d. Bare Ecentuals Bare Minerals shade (although it is quite lovely & a staple in my daily routine), but actual, natural glee. The kind born of blood that flushes our cheeks when we feel a surge of sudden joy, a realization of inner peace and happiness. Glee that rose up in my cheeks yesterday when I spent an evening dining with friends and family, laughing over a delicious supper, a bottle of merlot and beautiful latin instrumental music.

I'm still a fool for beauty. Or rather, a tool. Sell me, tell me and watch me shell free. Shelling freely, rather, for that hope I need to deliver. Just this once. I believe almost every promise. My eyes, transfixed, become as glossy as the Sephora catalog pages that tempt me with sigh-inducing lotions & potions. I'm convinced if I spend every dime on a promise, perhaps it will come true. And maybe, it does for some. Heck, I'll still shell out for my wrinkle fix. A spend-happy Cinderella still needs her glass slipper. Even if it is filled with Freeze 24/7.

It's the oldest adage, really. I guess that is the message I'm trying to convey. Beauty truly is from within. I wanted others to know you don't need to spend to find it. And that I think all of you are absolutely gorgeous. I've seen most of you in person, or in picture and I thought you should know how truly beautiful you are.

That's it. That's all. I just wanted to share something nice I was feeling inside, hoping I could make you feel a little niceness, too. I'm growing, and learning. And trying to find my confidence each and every day. It sadly cannot be purchased. And no magic wand can make it appear. Well, perhaps maybe my lipgloss wand.

Your'e all beautiful.

And I'm still always up for a trip to Sephora.

[wendybeth]

What a great post, Ally!

I've been a hairstylist for nearly twenty years, and I agree with everything you say. True beauty comes from within, and there is no topical solution or magical elixer than can compare with the radiance that comes from confidence, loving and being loved, and inner peace.

[UvaGirl]

Great post Ally

I was pondering this very thing yesterday, as I left the gym. Post-cardio (and, I hasten to add, post-shower) my skin was glowing and I had a spring in my step. I felt relaxed, happy (and a little smug and virtuous ). Was I wearing tons of makeup? Why, no. But I felt confident and happy. You won't see me giving up my addiction any time soon. But it's nice to know I don't have to rely on it to make me feel good

[Name]

I agree, beauty and sexyness are an attitude that are available at the whim of every person on this planet if they choose to take on the attitude that they are beautiful. It is all in the way that a person carries themselves, and the way that a person feels about themselves can almost always be seen in their eyes.

[Ponine]

Oh Ally... did you have the same kind of weekend I did?
I have my all new Bare Minerals, and everyone loves them, and what they look like on me. But the past week, has been enlightening in sooo many ways.
People have thought I was thinner, got newer makeup, am happier, any number of things.. and they tell me to quit smiling.
Now, mind you, I abhorr drinking water, but I am trying.

But I do also believe after this week that nothing, makes you seem more attractive, and friendly to other people than being happy yourself.
I am happy. I catch myself and occasionaly slip back into my depressive self pity mode... and think I have no right... but I do, I really think I do. Right this moment anyway.

If I had heard that it made a difference to love someone, or to not hide that you love, or care, I would have scoffed.
But you know what? I think it does matter.
Even if they dont return the same degree, or kind of love, the fact that I am willing to embrace it, seems to make a difference.
I dont care right this instant if its reciprocated. I just like it.
In short, I agree with you.

[cirquelover]

Thanks for the feel good post!

Sometimes we all just have to remember to feel good about ourselves.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

More agreement here, from the other side of the spectrum.

I've tried to wear makeup, tried to wear trendy clothes. But I failed early on - Jr. High, High School. I gave myself up for unattractive, as I immediately knew I couldn't get pretty out of a bottle. It was a while until I realized that it was my lack of confidence that I needed to fix. As soon as I realized that I had nothing to be shy about, I looked better. I could see it in the mirror, smiling back at me.

Along with a good kind of self-aware confidence comes a better understanding of your own body. Instead of slapping on any cure you run across, you learn what works for you and what doesn't. This goes from what you eat to what you wear to how you walk and interact. It's a self-affirming cycle that makes me look better, feel better because of it, and on and on.

Within the past 2 or 3 years I've hit my stride in this department and I feel better than ever. My confidence allows me to learn more about me and in turn become more confident. I feel very blessed to have reached this point.

Ally, I hope you find your beauty in just being yourself!

[blueerica]

Yeah, wow Ally!

How very true, and well said.

[BarTopDancer]

I think it's in the water (or maybe the minerals). I had the same eppiffany this weekend too. In the end what is inside makes you beautiful. Beauty isn't skin deep. It comes from under the skin. Once this is realized you are able to stop being what you think the world wants you to be and are able to just be yourself.

Water is an amazing thing. I drink about 2 gallons a day. Sometimes plain, sometimes with lemon, sometimes with lime. All depends on my mood. Water keeps your skin clear and helps you lose weight. When you first start drinking water you may notice that your face is breaking out more. Never fear. That's just your body cleaning out the impurities. Just drink through it.

[Morrigoon]

(wondering if I should point out that everyone feeling good just happens to coinside with the return of warm springlike weather..... nah.)

Snaps on the post, fair maiden!