So last week was my first as Beauty Director here at Latina, and I was dying to jump right into the busy calendar of beauty-world events. My first was a luncheon celebrating the upcoming release of American Beauty’s newest fragrance, Beloved, for which Ashley Judd is spokesperson. I wondered if she’d be there. I’ve watched her sappy romantic-comedy “Someone Like You about 20 times, where she plays the most convincing heartbroken woman ever to cry on screen.

Wednesday arrives. The invitation says 12:30 p.m. I arrive at the Cosmopolitan Club in New York City at 1:22 p.m., and missed the meet-and-greet with Ashley. Lateness, chicas, is a trait I am desperately trying to replace with perpetual early-ness (current status: failing miserably). Inside, the dining room was Barbie’s Dream House come to life: Ornate chandeliers, rose petals, pink ribbons, more rose petals. Just being there made me happy to be a girl. As I walked in I see the back of a woman seated at the center table; she had incredible posture, and was wearing a floral dress and fuchsia pumps. Her hair cut just short of her shoulders and curled 30’s style. I knew it was her. By the end of dessert, I’d worked up the nerve to introduce myself. I walked over to where she was sitting. “Hello,” I said. “I’m the new Beauty Director at Latina magazine, it’s so nice to meet you.” She lifted her face and stared up at me. She was flawless; high cheekbones, clear skin, eyes focused – directly on me. She slowly placed her dainty teacup back into the dainty saucer in her hand. “And what is your name?” she asked, clearly – but not offensively – pointing out my faux pas. Hello? My name! I suddenly felt like a savage holding a club. I told her, and quickly followed up with my thoughts on the apricot-and-rose scented perfume: “Congratulations. It really is a beautiful fragrance.” And I meant it. What girl isn’t a sucker for a bouquet of flowers – even in liquid form? “Thank you,” Ashley said. “I’m glad you enjoy it.” And then she turned away and went back to sipping her tea. A true southern belle, she was a reflection of the fragrance we were there to welcome: Perfectly pleasant, perfectly sweet, perfectly pink.– Angelique Serrano

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