Tuesday night I had quite an array of experiences, beginning with a trip to a local high school for a Mary Kay 'Success' Party where I was to get a facial and a makeover.
Let me set the scene. I had agreed to go with my friend Alexis as she was doing a favor for another friend. (Isn't that how these things always go?) In any case, we arrive at the high school a little bit early and head to the restrooms immediately. I have to say, either high school kids are getting shorter or I somehow grew an awful lot in the 10 years from graduation until now b/c those stalls were short. Alexis and I could see each others shoulders when standing up in our own stalls. (please note, I am only 5'5 on a good day) After the bathroom, we began to wander down the hall to find the room we were supposed to meet in.
When we get there, there is a lovely woman there to greet us wearing these massive sunglasses with the letters MK on them in rhinestones. She was very peppy. We then saw Alexis's friend and were told that we were the first ones there and just to have seat and fill out the rest of these cards, which we did. The first thing we noticed was that everyone we saw was a Mary Kay rep and they were insanely peppy. As we sit there, we start to wonder where all the other non-MK women were? Turns out, we were experiencing, as stated above, a 'success' meeting. Which is basically a time when the local reps get together and clap and rejoice over that month's sales, etc.
This rejoicing includes, but is not limited to the following:
jumping up and down
squeals of delight
excessive clapping
tiaras
banner sashes w/titles
hand raising
mock stage walking, complete with Miss America waves
passing around of diva sunglasses for all to try on (this was mandatory)
music--C&C Music Factory, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, The Pointer Sisters
Now, I admit that while I do enjoy learning about new body/face care products, I do not enjoy the whole scene of excessive happiness and joy. Especially when it seems like everyone else in the room has bogarted the kool-aid and left none for the rest of us.
We get into the actual presentation--at least our part, which includes 'washing' our faces half and half with two separate cleansers and then applying our own make-up! Now, that is not a make-over. At least as far as I am concerned. (PS, my parents used to own a Body Shop skin and haircare store so I do know a bit about the industry. Can't someone else do my make-up?) So, under the fabulous science lab florescent lighting, we set to apply our make up from cardboard handout samples. Needless to say, we ended up looking a bit clownish b/c how do you really put on blush with something other than a good brush?
Once we got through all the make-up and were ready to complete the evening, we were told we now had to model for the other 4 MK ladies. So, we had to get up in front of the room, with our clown make-up. They also made us do the Miss America wave. It was disturbing and not at all embarrassing. At. All.
We totally thought we could go home after that. Wrong. We were asked to stand and go around the room and tell everyone something that we were excited about. While listening to 'I'm So Excited'--I mean, was I in the twilight zone? Who really does this? Apparently the folks at MK, do. (Note: I was excited about moving. Alexis: softball starting)The whole event was so surreal and not like the kind of MK parties I had been to in the past b/c we were outnumbered 2 to 1 by consultants. It was wacky. And too peppy. I just don't trust people that are so excited about inanimate objects and seemingly on speed. Just something about it that is off-putting to me. Although I am sure my alcohol intake might be off-putting to some, so I guess to each her own.
The good news is that the evening of 'pampering' was balanced by having to fix a flat tire at 9:30pm thanks to the nail that apparently pierced Alexis's tire.
*This is in no way a slam on the products or the individuals who we met. All were very nice...although perhaps too nice...
Posted by Morgan
at 1:47 PM EDT
