Long before I got the official word from Mom that I could regularly apply a little blush and mascara, I would play with makeup. Whether it was ruby red lipstick or bright blue eye shadow, the thought of enhancing my face with what some call “grease paint” attracted me.
Once, when I was still in elementary school, my Aunt Gloria, who I was visiting, let me wear a little bit out to the local skating rink. I cannot tell you how beautiful I thought I looked all dolled up in my drugstore finds.
Well, I have not outgrown my makeup fetish.
Even still, when I walk by department store makeup counters, especially shops like Sephora that have hundreds of colors from which to choose, I feel like a child in a candy store.
I go nuts!
This week, I decided to treat myself to a sweet and visited a cosmetic store where I received a makeover.
For you men who have no clue, a makeover is when a woman sits down with a makeup artist or cosmetologist and lets him or her tell her how beautiful she looks naturally but with just a little bit of a change can enhance those wonderful attributes.
I had fun during my makeover as products were being applied to my face, and once it was complete, I admired the end product in the mirror.
I will not reveal how many dollars I spent when all was said and done, but you can just say it came close to a car payment.
And just so hubby does not start eyeballing my checking account, I used my Christmas cash.
While driving home from this little afternoon indulgence, I realized my outward appearance was impacting my attitude.
I was feeling happy.
However, this new found outer beauty washed off at the end of the day.
I know makeup is not the answer to lasting happiness, especially when I listen to one of my favorite playlist songs.
The lyrics to Michael Jackson’s “Man In the Mirror,” remind me that it is not my outward appearance that will make the difference in my life, it is the changes that come from within that have the lasting impact.

“I’m gonna make a change, for once in my life
It’s gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right…
As I turn up the collar on my favorite winter coat
This wind is blowin’ my mind
I see the kids in the street, with not enough to eat
Who am I, to be blind? Pretending not to see their needs
A summer’s disregard, a broken bottle top
And a one man’s soul
They follow each other on the wind ya’ know
’Cause they got nowhere to go
That’s why I want you to know
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change.”

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. You may reach her at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.