Among the beauty booths

Today was the big day. In fear and trepidation I met Jacqui at Oxford Street. To give me a moment to gather my nerves we detoured for sarnies and cappucino. But we couldn't stay there for ever, so off we went to John Lewis.

The range of make-up there is bewildering, disorientating and even terrifying. There are all these different booths of brands - which one? After spinning around feeling like I was in a game of Russian roulette I plumped for the same brand as Jacqui and was given a make-up lesson by the lovely Ellie from Leeds. She was brilliant! And Northern - which made me comfily at home. I'm even going to see her again.

If you can bear to read the next paragraph, please try not to vomit. This is a post I never thought I ever blog.

It actually was a wonderful experience. The make-up looked really natural, things have really come on a lot, and my skin does feel hydrated. I am horrified to say that the adverts seemed to come true. Made me feel weepy. Luckily the mascara is waterproof. Expensive though.

Now I'm listening to Mary Dillon's version of Kate Bush's 'Army Dreamers'. Love the Derry accent when she sings 'purple flowers'. Fantastic.

... Sings the Beatles (BBC)

I'm watching a peculiar collection of Beatles covers compiled from the BBC archives. Gosh, the Carpenters version of 'Help' is terribly bizarre, but of course Nana Mouskouri is singing 'Hey Jude' just for me.

I do love Nana's lilac eyeshadow. It reminds me that next Friday I'm being taken by a poetry friend of mine, Jacqueline Saphra, down the West End to experiment with make up. She says as a performer I should be able to use it on stage. But I have something of a phobia when it comes to feminine consumer culture.

On Friday I will face up to my cosmetic fears. As I listen to Nana, I imagine she is urging me to be brave in the face of gigantic lipsticks and eyeliners. This makes her 'Hey Jude' feel even more surreal.