I went out to buy a foundation cream yesterday as my current one has nearly run out. The only place that sells it near me is a pharmacy about a ten minute walk away. This pharmacy has a corner of creams and makeups which is separate to the rest of the normal pharmacy bit. You have to queue and ask for everything you want. The two assistants behind the counter have a long drawn out discussion with every client whilst I wait. Finally it's my turn, I ask to see the darker shade of the foundation, what with me thinking that after a full summer here I might be a shade darker, but no, lady stares at my skin for what seems like an eternity then tells me I'm still very "chiara" and sensitive skinned. She still smears my hand with the darker version just to prove her point. She's right I guess. Thinking since I'm at the front of the queue and I'm not coming back anytime soon, I get everything off my chest and ask also to see a face cream in the window which caught my eye. Liking what I see I ask how much it costs "16 euro normally, but 12 with a discount card" she replies. Me: "I haven't got a discount card", assistant: "oh never mind, it's still 12euro" Right. I ask myself "so what's the point signing up for a discount card?", but realise I've just "saved" myself 4 euro (or have I?) so decide to shut up.
How I miss places where you can browse the various lotions and potions at times like these. Thinking Boots/Superdrug (UK). AFAIK the only products they have behind the counter in these stores are medicines which require a pharmacist to sell.
Benvenuti/welcome!
A few tales and insights about my daily life and adventures in Naples. Enjoy! ... All words and photos Copyright© 'Delinissima' 2007-2008
11 comments:
Really? You're still enjoying your summer tan? Woooow! :) I can't keep a tan for the life of me! I'm paler than ghost :(
Well I thought I was slightly tanned compared to the last time I bought makeup, but turns out it's all in my mind :)
That is so funny! I always am delusional about my tan as well. I am pretty white - not see through, but close enough! LOL!
Ahhhh Boots is in my top ten of 'things I miss the most'... Here, in the winter all I ever hear is "you're white like mozzarella", which turns into "you're red like a pomodorino" in the summer!! I've given up trying to get that perfect bronzed look!
I would love love love a nice long stroll through Boots. The sandwiches, creams, makeup, newest pampering items. Italians seriously have no idea of how much money they could make if they had a Boots-type of pharmacy.
I'm still getting used to the way of shopping in Naples, as well. The first time I bought maxipads there was a man behind the counter of a crowded shop loudly asking me how heavily I bled, in Italian, of course, which I am still learning, so it took me longer than I wished, and I finally just pointed to one of the packets in his hand and said, 'questo!' even though I didn't have a clue. At that point, I would have been happy with dinner napkins... ;)
:D thats a great story reminds me of the time i was in rome and the 2 comessa's were talking to each other about everything and not paying attention to the clients. So i decided to take my own initative and get the product I wanted. Then they came rushing over and said "NO" as if I'm like 2 years old and dont' know what the hell i'm doing. I should have said to her.."SCUSA Ma sei tu nn stavi chiachherendo invece di aiutare i clienti, nn avrei dovuto fare io....." but i'm not that bold! too bad
I SO know what you mean. I just got back from the states and stocked up on all the "girly" creams and such you can buy over the counter there and that i am too embarrassed to ask for here :(
I really miss browsing too! When we went to Dublin, Boots was high on the list of shops to visit, and what a time I had there!
okay I laughed out loud regarding mental's comment. There is a big Sephora in Rome's Termini station...they don't have one in Naples?
I am assuming I will need to stock up on my Prescriptives powder and fondation before I move. I don't think they sell that brand in Rome.
last time i was in Naples (a few years back) there was a Sephora in the Galleria Umberto shopping mall - not quite as good as Boots, but might make a good quick fix!
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