I was at Ulta yesterday. It’s a makeup chain, in case people don’t know. The front part of the store is given over to stuff branded with the movie Wicked franchise. Make-up, hair clips – it’s all very expensive and very clearly aimed at middle-aged women. I liked most of the products, which goes to show that they are not for teenage girls or young adults.
I find it very hard to understand this. I like the products but the ditzy children’s fairy tale association makes me not want to buy them. And a young girl who likes the movie won’t wear the heavy dark colors in a momsy palette.
Then I started thinking, what are the cultural references for people in my age category, and there’s nothing. Everything is based on the idea that you will be a teenager forever.
Marketing. It depends on a labile sense of self, which is an adolescent thing.
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Have you heard this joke?
Q: If a middle aged woman tries to act like a teenager, is she senile?
A: No. She’s teenile.
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