Let Them Get Facials

People—not generic “people” but people I know—are losing their jobs.  I’m worried for them.  And like Michael Kinsley, I’m confused:  should I stay home and save? or spend to keep the sluggish economy from getting even worse?  

I hear that Russians are buying big ticket items.  They’ve been burned by their banks in the past and would rather have their money in something they can touch.  I can relate:  I’ve been saving for years and have watched my stocks sink.

All this to justify:  I got a free facial last week and wound up spending money on skin care products.  

To Urban Nirvana’s credit, try before you buy was a great idea.  I went into their Forest Drive location to try a new line called Skin Authority.  They promised a difference you could see in just 30 minutes.

Yeah, sure.  I’m doubly skeptical, because I wrote a TV pilot about skin care a few years ago.  I hadn’t touched an expensive product since.

So here’s how it went:  first hair back, cleansers, etc.  Then they applied a chemical peel, with the warning “This will tingle a little.”  Indeed.  And the Dow has taken a little dip.  Nevertheless, thanks to the fanning action of these super-nice women at Urban Nirvana (left), the “tingling” wasn’t unbearable.

And then….the results.  I took the hand mirror and held it close.  I could see a difference, gosh darn it.  Maybe that was just wish fulfillment, I thought, as I purchased the basic cleanser kit. 

But about an hour later…my guy friends noticed…the ultimate proof of visible difference.

So at the risk of having my own Gwyneth Paltrow out-of-touch Goop moment, let me say I may have found the path to skin enlightenment.  My face feels fantastic, it’s true.  I may have stimulated the economy too, along with my epidermal something-or-other.  Or I may be kicking myself that I didn’t save those bucks for food.  Only time will tell.  (In the meantime, please don’t tell Suze Orman.)