Clever Julissa and the 20 pound face lotion
A couple of weeks ago I was browsing through the Clinique counter at John Lewis, knowing very well that I could not really afford anything. But you see, the thing is that since I turned forty, I started feeling I should take care of myself a little more.
Bubbly American Julissa sensed it and approached me discreetly, making sure I knew that if I needed help she would be around, then stepped back to pretend to tidy up the already immaculate make-up counter.
I usually get horribly put off by sales persons approaching me; Julissa, however, had the most marvellous smile I'd seen on these shores, and I gave in: I asked if one of their products had a sun screen.
From that moment on, she was on a roll with her skilfully mastered show of tailored persuasion and basic psychology, all wrapped up with genuine warmth and what I believe was passion for her job. If I am wrong and she could not give a fig about her customers, she is even better than I give her credit for. I was convinced she had taken a liking to me.
The only instance where the glossy veneer threatened to crack slightly was when she casually mentioned another cream, but quickly discarded it with a light-hearted little laugh by saying that it's anti-ageing, therefore not suitable for me quite yet. I knew it was a very diplomatic way to check whether I was interested. I did not react. Our eyes met and locked for a split second. She knew I knew, and the game might have ended there.
Instead, she chose that very moment to reveal the ace up her white coat sleeve, a lotion she said she was sure was perfect for me. Light and non-greasy, nourishing yet invisible. And, at 19 pound 50 for a 100ml tube, the best value for money out of everything I had seen.
She had also worked out that I am a cheapskate.
Oh, and the M Gel-Lotion itself is so good I keep stroking my silky smooth face for a while after I've put it on in the morning. Really.
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