We've all been through an off night. 

We’re lounging at a party, perhaps not feeling our best, sipping down drinks in attempts to quell those inner, critiquing voices chirping at the back of our minds. Suddenly, the din of the room seems to hush, as the attention is drawn to a newcomer like moths to a flame. From the swarm emerges a glowing girl, weaving through the onlookers to the bar ahead, landing next to us, crowding our Plain Jane woes. She offers up a smile, which we hesitantly return, before slogging down the last of our spiked basil lemonade, and retreating to the bathroom. The nagging voices return, reminding us we should have worn the other top, picked a brighter lip … stayed on the couch, trashing our minds with reality shows.

Then, in walks Miss Perfect, yet again interrupting our self-deprecation. We’re tempted to wrench away her bag, rummaging through until we find the secret to that luminous champagne glow, but she seems to have read our mind. Pulling out Benefit’s new Watt’s Up! highlighter, she gently reapplies the creamy stick to her cheeks and brow bones. With a wink, she hands us the shiny lavender tube.

“We all have our secrets, you know.”

Quickly, we smooth it on, reveling in the velvety texture and perfect gleam that now accents both our faces. We’re refreshed, alive, and shining with confidence. Those inner voices now appreciatively silent.

Arm in arm, we head back to the bar, our newly shared secret beaming across our faces.

Written by Caroline Pham