Makeup Masterclass No. 3

a plethora of products for the pilling prone

Welcome readers, old and new!

I’m back in the U.S. and jet lagged after a couple of months away, which is always worse on this side of the U.S. ➡️ Japan ➡️ U.S. trip. One of the more disagreeable effects: Where am I? Who am I? Who are you? What are we doing here?

Last week in Tokyo, my granddaughter, M, was having a weekend swim at the pool, practicing a new diving feat, which I applauded with genuine enthusiasm. But eventually, as all audiences do after repeat performances, I became distracted.

“GramMIE!” cried M, as she resurfaced for the umpteenth time. “Why aren’t you clapping?”

“Oh gosh, Baby,” I said, putting down my phone. “I wasn’t looking.”

M shot me a disapproving glance. “Ok,” she said. “Please watch!”

By now you’ve read hundreds of these posts, but if you tap the ❤️ above, I’ll be able to hear you clapping. Which makes resurfacing in the U.S., even jet lagged, so much easier. In fact, feeling part of a community—especially for those of us middle-aged and older—can be life-saving. Did you know Japan has a Minister of Loneliness to ensure matters of loneliness and relationships are included in government policymaking? I invite anyone interested in taking on that role here at HNTFUYF to submit a resume. All you need for consideration is to have had one fulfilling relationship, not necessarily with a human.

The beauty Q&A in this post is available only to paid subscribers. For full access to all posts—and if I’ve saved you a nice piece of change or maybe even a piece of your soul—please become a paid subscriber at the current rate of $40/year. If you can’t afford a subscription, email me at valeriemonroe@substack.com and I’ll comp you one, no questions asked. 🙏🏻