When I was younger I hardly ever wore shorts or skirts. I always wore pants. I grew up in a neighborhood where I was one of very very few black girls. Of course I had my family, but on a daily basis I was comparing myself and being compared to people where there really wasn’t an appropriate comparison. Enter: low-self esteem.
I hated my legs. I mean, really really hated my legs. I was a tomboy. So my legs were pretty marked up. I was pretty embarrassed that my legs weren’t pretty like the other girls legs.
I’m sure you can imagine what came next: experiementation. I went to work trying to cover up those scars. I tried my mom’s foundation. Not only did I get a whooping, but it didn’t really work that well. I tried sheer stockings, but it’s kinda hot to wear those in the summer. You also can’t swim in stockings.
So I gave up and embraced my scars. I pretended I didn’t care, until I really didn’t care anymore. Fake it till you make it, right? But recently I saw a commercial for Joan Rivers’ Right to Bare Legs. They talked about how great it was. How easy it was to apply. How it matched her skin perfectly. How it was better than anything else. They even had a black woman in the commercial.
I know what you’re thinking. It was a moment of weakness. But I did buy it. I’m not kidding. I was hopeful. I really thought it would work. When it arrived I was actually excited. I opened it right away and followed the directions. Contrary to what other people may say about me, I do follow directions. At least, at first I do.
Anyway, the stuff was horrible. They had only one shade for black people. This should have been the first clue to why I shouldn’t have purchased it. Obviously the shade didn’t match. It was way to light. The consistency was pretty watery. If it was the right shade, I’m not sure it would have worked. I really don’t see how it could have covered up a tattoo in the infomercial.
So if you were thinking about buying it, don’t. It’s totally not worth it. I don’t know why I bought it, but at least I can help at least one other person step down from the ledge. Why would I listen to a lady with a plastic face? Embrace your legs, scars and all. They’re the only ones you’ve got.
Until next time, cheers to a better you!