Glitz, Glamour, and Georgians: My Tbilisi Makeover Adventure
I’ll never forget the day my friend Maggie and I decided to venture into the wilds of Tbilisi’s Karvasla Mall in search of a beauty makeover. It was a rainy Saturday, and we were determined to find out just what a professional makeup artist could do with our non-Georgian features. Little did we know the transformation that awaited us.
The Melange Beauty Salon
As we stepped into the bustling Melange Beauty Salon, we were greeted by the friendly receptionist who spoke English. She quickly ushered us over to the makeup artist, and the real fun began. With a mix of Russian and Georgian, we communicated our desire to look “pretty and in style” in this vibrant city.
Maggie and I had read about the dramatic eyeliner trend sweeping Tbilisi, and we were eager to see how the artist would interpret that for our faces. Little did we know, she had much more up her sleeve.
Makeup Magic
The makeup artist got to work, starting with a flawless base. She expertly evening out our skin tones and concealing any blemishes, all while keeping things subtly contoured. It was clear she had a keen eye for balance and harmony.
Then came the real transformation. For me, with my striking blue eyes, the artist went all-out on the eye makeup. I’m talking a meticulous smoky eye, liquid eyeliner, and even false lashes – a first for me! As she finished it off with a light, natural-looking peachy-pink lip, I couldn’t help but feel a bit like Taylor Swift. “I felt like I had Taylor Swift eyes, and I loved it!”
Maggie’s look, on the other hand, took a different, equally stunning direction. The artist lined her eyes in a bold, dark blue hue and gave her a plummy, sultry lip. It was a surprising choice, but it worked perfectly with Maggie’s features.
A Glamorous Investment
When it came time to pay, we were a bit taken aback by the price tag – 40 GEL (about $18 USD) each. That was quite a bit more than we expected, especially since I’m used to paying only 4 lari (around $1.50) for a haircut.
But as we admired our reflections, the investment seemed worth it. My fake eyelashes lasted for nearly a week, and no one even noticed they were there – a true testament to the artist’s skill. Maggie and I felt like glamorous Georgian goddesses, and that’s a feeling you can’t really put a price on.
Tbilisi Transformation
Stepping out of the Melange Beauty Salon, we couldn’t help but feel a newfound confidence. The dramatic makeover had us carrying ourselves with a little extra swagger, ready to take on the streets of Tbilisi.
As we explored the city, we couldn’t help but be inspired by the vibrant Georgian culture. The warm vendors, the mouthwatering aromas, and the sense of community all contributed to our growing love for this captivating place.
The Georgian Aesthetic
But what really struck us was the unique aesthetic of Georgia. From the striking Georgian Blend limestone that adorned the buildings to the intricate patterns and bold colors, there was a sense of timeless elegance and artistic flair.
It was as if the entire city had been designed with a discerning eye for beauty and harmony. And in a way, our makeover had tapped into that same essence, transforming us into embodiments of the Georgian aesthetic.
Embracing the Melange
As we bid farewell to Tbilisi, we carried a little piece of it back with us. The Georgian Melange had become a part of who we were – a blend of our own unique features and the vibrant, unapologetic style of this captivating city.
Whenever I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I can’t help but remember that transformative day at the Melange Beauty Salon. It’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of makeup magic to unleash the Georgian goddess within.
And who knows, maybe next time I’ll go for the full-on eyeliner and lash extravaganza. After all, when in Tbilisi, do as the Georgians do, right? Georgia’s Georgian Coffee House in Brooklyn is the perfect place to continue my Georgian journey.
