That’s me, standing in front of the giant round mirror attached on
both sides sitting in the middle of mom’s dressing table.

I think that is what it was called so many years ago.

It’s such fun, playing with all the pretty brushes and puffs, the
lipsticks and rouge as they used to call cream or powder coloring
and tinting the cheeks.

Mom would sit next to me and laugh at the mess I was making
on my face, and on her dressing table, me standing in her high heels
in front of that giant round mirror, playing.

Oh, how I couldn’t wait to grow up! It was my favorite time.

And mom who was a working mom would patiently sit and enjoy
sharing these moments as well. How special was that?

Growing older, still maintaining the love of make-up, playing
with all the colors, experiencing and wearing them as quickly as they
surfaced.

As a young mom, I became involved and represented a private
make-up line. I went through intense training and taught some
tricks to my friends who now became clients. The name was Viviene
Woodward, not sold retail.

In those days, there was no TV advertisement. Lucky me, working in Lane Bryant across the Avenue from the famous Lord & Taylor Department store, allowed me to take advantage; lunch hour, I would hang out at the cosmetic counters and eagerly try to learn more.

When artificial lashes exploded on to the fashion scene, I quickly accomplished applying them, not an easy feat for one who is quite nearsighted. Then the birth of contact lenses, guess who was first in line to be fitted? Enjoyed that gift, wearing the hard ones for about 25 years.

Anything new, Dorys was quick to try or volunteer. Her love
affair with make-up/cosmetics. . . . and fashion as strong as ever.

I did get to be a ‘show room model’ in the famous New York City
garment district. My Dad did not approve (since most of the buyers
were men and notorious womanizers). So my modeling career was
limited to coats and pajamas. It was a fun time for a very naïve
young girl. Happy to use my love for make-up and involvement in the
fashion world.

Time marches on, and my beautiful daughter Jaime wears
none or minimal make-up. Her passion is the body, a certified Pilates
instructor celebrating 20 plus years.

Now in my 90’s, my make-up use is minimal, however I still
enjoy seeing the look and fads as they continue to evolve.

I have a question?

Remember THE POWDER PUFF?

When is the last time you saw one?

I still have my one and only. I am thinking of sending it to the
SMITHSONIUM MUSEUM. Would you?

your friend,

dorys