Cosmetic obsession
When someone loves their job, it shows. And anyone who's met Michael Perich knows he loves makeup. And skin products. And fragrance.
His Camp Cosmetics line, which he created in 2003, is starting to attract national attention. He's receiving inquiries from celebrities, scouting out additional locations and making plans for new hair care and men's skin care lines.
"I am beyond passionate and obsessed about this business," says Perich, 31, a Chicago native who got his start at Woodfield's department store cosmetic counters.
You can sample Camp Cosmetics by visiting the Glen Ellyn store at 480A N. Main St. The space is smaller than most walk-in closets, but it's filled with creams, bottles, brushes and color-filled compacts.
Some of the best-sellers include the new unisex fragrance, Formula 69 ($69); I.D., an instant dew spray for before and after makeup that's popular with flight attendants ($35); and SCRUB, a face-cleaning exfoliant ($39).
While CC products are also sold online (www.campcosmetics.com), it's worth the trip to Glen Ellyn to meet Perich in person. He'll make you laugh, invite you to test a few products and will speak out about the cosmetics business. ("Different moisturizers for day and night is such a scam.")
"Remember," Perich says. "Beauty comes from within. From within jars, compacts and tubes."
Glen Ellyn style
The light post banners in downtown Glen Ellyn say "Glen Ellyn Style," and it's a fitting title.
The town has become a suburban fashion nook, with a nice array of stores featuring unique and reasonably priced merchandise.
Besides the aforementioned Camp Cosmetics, shops like Fuschia (trendy women's clothes), MandEms (children's clothes, toys and adult jewelry) and Knickers (tasteful lingerie) are among the many standouts.
Starting Thursday, MandEms will host its popular, three-day "Holiday PJ's Trunk Show," featuring adorable, holiday-themed pajamas for children and adults. It's from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Also this weekend is Knickers' anniversary sale, with everything in the store 25 percent off. The sale begins Thursday and runs through Sunday.
Goodwill Sale time
Carson Pirie Scott will hold its semi-annual Goodwill Sale Sept. 12-24. Donate clean, gently used clothing and home textiles and receive coupons toward the purchase of new merchandise. You get one coupon per item donated, and all your donations support local Goodwill Industries job training and career services programs.