Machine Age- By Meredith Bryan
http://www.marieclaire.com/hair-beauty/trends/beauty-gadgets
Through the use of comedic language, entertaining images, and relatable details, Bryan produces a very personable, yet well-informed, article about the maze of new anti-aging technology on the market today. The article begins with a sentence that many women can relate to: "...after a decade spent tithing embarrassing portions of my meager salary to the French face cream gods in an attempt to soothe symptoms ranging from dark circles to boyfriendlessness, I quit products cold turkey." This sentence contains several inviting aspects. First, the reality of meager salaries and incredibly expensive French face creams immediately cause the reader to feel a connect with the writer. Also, the use of comedic language when saying "French face cream gods" rather than just "French face creams" or something to that extent, shows a common sense of mocking towards something not necessarily loved. All in all, the first sentence draws in a variety of readers by relating to various common woes. Later on in the article, when discussing the Fine-Light Skin Rejuvenation System, Bryan uses comedic language to maintain her connection with the audience. She states: "I read the instructions three times before I'm even able to put the damn thing on." Again, several of her readers were probably able to relate to similar experiences. The comedic language used by Bryan leads to a connection between her and her audience that establishes a sense of trust not commonly associated with new technologies in the cosmetic market.
The details Bryan uses throughout her article come from various sources within popular culture and contribute to the personable nature of this piece. Some are slightly obscure, like her reference to the high-end skin care company "La Mer". However, most of them are immediately recognizable. When sharing her experiences with a teeth whitening device, she compares it to a "white iPod" that "can even be charged through [her] MacBook with a USB cable." In a technology-obsessed world, these details surely had an impact on many of her readers.
The comedic tone that pervades this article leads to some very entertaining images throughout the piece. Here, she relates her unique experience with the personal teeth whitening device: "I haven't even cleared the first eight minutes when I'm drooling heavily and my jaw feels slightly warm." Further into the piece, she describes the strange feeling of using an LED skin rejuvenation system: "I... am suddenly overcome by the sensation that my life has ended and I am walking into the blinding light à la Ghost." These images, while hilarious, also give the audience another opportunity to relate to the author.
All of these factors combine to result in an personable article that provides feedback and information the readers can trust.
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