Going the Distance

So this is going to be my first full week of work in a MONTH.



Shoot me now.



Anyhoo, I've got to come up with something to keep me plugging away here until Friday, when I mercifully get another three-day-weekend.



I think it's ok to hate people in the government just a little bit. I would if I didn't work here.



Over the holidays I did take a quick spin out to Tyson's corner to brave the holiday crowds and check out the Cusp store.



By way of background (love those constituent letter writing skillz!), Cusp is an offshoot boutique of Neiman Marcus that caters to a younger, hipper clientele. They carry mostly lines like 3.1 Philip Lim, Theory, Diane Von Furstenberg, trendy jeans, etc. which are carried at the larger stores. However, they also create a "lifestyle boutique" feel, similar to Colette in Paris by adding a few select jewelry pieces and beauty products.



The first think I noticed was that they had the much coveted Tom Ford Black Orchid Scent. People have been raving about this all over the Internet, but, much like "Snakes on a Plane", the Internet hype did not translate for me and I ended up just gagging.



I have major smell issues. And major issues with Samuel L. Jackson's project choices.



They also carry the Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat, the Shu Uemera eyelash curler and other such greatest hits. But the best part about the whole store?



Jemma Kidd Makeup School products!!



As this is the only place in the DC area where I have seen this sold, this totally made my year (c'mon, it's only the 8th! I reserve the right to revise my remarks). They don't have the full line, but they do have an ample supply of her Semi-Permanent Lasting Tint.

Look at the cute hot pink packaging!!!

I snatched up a tube and ran home.



During the first few days of the 110th Congress I have tried it out and I can report that it is a keeper, although perhaps not a substitute for my current fave Tarte mascara. It is very thin, and goes on very dark, but doesn't provide quite the oomph and fattening that I prefer when going out on the town.



But holy poo, is it waterproof! Stayed on during a spin class (the first in like three weeks, I was sweating like a subpoenaed witness on CSPAN), stayed on during post workout shower, stayed on through the next morning, just curled and went. Seemed to disappear after about 48 hours, with no telltale dark circles.



Basically, I find this perfect for lazier weekends when makeup is a huge hassle or on workdays when you are actually working, not roaming the halls trying to find someone to flirt with.



Not that I ever do that.

photo courtesy of neimanmarcus.com