Under The Tuscan Sunphora

While vacationing in Florence last week, I put down the pizza, pasta, and gelato long enough to take a peek and picture of the local Sephora, which I dubbed La Dolce Sephora.

La Dolce Sephora has a dusty-stone façade that fits in perfectly with the surrounding old-world-chic architecture. Staying true to its European roots, this store comes in a size small—making it easy to spot your favorite brands and products but also easy to knock over display trays.

I chatted with a couple cast members and they revealed Tri-Aktaline wrinkle reducer is their best-selling product (lower right: my mom was an instant fan), smoky eye kits are a big hit (sultry stares are 'in' everywhere), and Sephora Brand Atomic Volume Mascara is a must-have for Florentine women.

Talk turned to Sephora stores in the States and I noticed that something major was missing: Bare Escentuals Mineral Powders! Though they don't carry B.E. in their store, they had heard all about it.

"Is it true that the Blodgett has a bus?," asked one wide-eyed cast member, referring to B.E. founder Leslie Blodgett's 'Try, Believe, Love Texas Tour'.

"Don't you swirl-ah and ah-tap?" said another, smiling as her hand made a circular motion in the air.

I confirmed these tales were true. I then revealed that I actually know someone who was on the bus with 'the Blodgett.' They gasped in awe—and I decided it was time to make a valiant exit.

Departing La Dolce Sephora, I was showered with two-cheek kisses, slipped a sample-size of the Atomic Lash (and ordered to apply, pronto), and sent off in a resounding chorus of 'Ciao Bella!'s.

I was so happy, I decided to get another gelato.