TV Dreams

Rachel (329)

Originally uploaded by rachelw80

Not sure how it got from criticising my purchase of a book about lighting for digital photography, but it ended up in money-saving makeup tips. Oh, yes, it’s coming back to me. My partner had been looking for an odd sock in my drawers and pulled out the bottom one to see if it had fallen down the back. Having pulled it out she rummaged round in what I had stored there - wipes, nail varnish remover, brush cleaning fluid etc.

So here goes, a few tips from a real girl:

1. Don’t buy brush cleaning fluid - it’s just a con to get more money from you via inflated prices for “specialist” products - use hair shampoo to on your brushes. Same goes for cleaning makeup sponges.

2. If you use wipes to clean off makeup, don’t use branded products like pampers, go for supermarket own-brands. Beware of sensitive eyes though - you may need to use eye makeup remover.

3. When your mascara brushes get clogged up, use shower gel or shampoo and a nailbrush.

4. Clean the top of your mascara tube to get rid of the build up of dried mascara. If you don’t it won’t seal properly when you screw in the brush and the fluid inside will dry up.

5. Don’t use brands like Max Factor - they’re over-priced.

6. Use Collection 2000. Most of it is very good, with the exception of the eye shadows which are too powdery and wishy washy colour-wise.

That’s all I can remember. I explained that I didn’t like mentioning this stuff to her because I thought she didn’t like me talking about it, but it seems when it comes to saving money she’s more than happy to give me the benefit of her advice - so I thought I’d pass it on…

Do you have any practical advice on makeup, money-saving or not?

I’m ever so bold ya know. I don’t care about signing up for girly stuff on women’s websites.

But the thing is by sticking down a woman’s name and using my “Rachel” email address no one would be any the wiser. So really it ain’t that bold, is it? Of course not.

But Rimmel, and don’t ask me what their motivation is, have a gender dropdown list for the newsletter form - you got it, they’re asking if you’re male or female. Or should that be female or male.

Anyhows, I told the truth. Wonder if I’ll receive any further communication in the light of my oh so daring revelation. I’ll report back, if so.

I have to say it does intrigue me as to what the purpose of it all is. Do they see themselves stealing a competitive advantage by doing this? Think I feel an enquiring email coming on…