It was all the rage in the adolescent magazines: New! Trendy makeup styles! Wear it today and snag any boy you want!
Of course, Isabella was swayed immediately after reading the subtitles.
The day's morning routine consisted of a quite heavy foundation, layering itself two shades darker than her genuine skin tone. Black liner thickly enclosed the eyes, accompanied by Lord knows how many coats of mascara. A powdered rogue was more so thrown on than applied to her cheekbones. Lipstick messily veiled the lip's shape, not quite defining them as it had the model's. A smack of the overwhelmingly bright red, and… perfect. Ready for Phineas.
"Hey, guys! Whatcha doin'?"
Her approach into the backyard was as subtle as her demeanor allowed. She could feel the sun intently beaming its rays, just perfect for highlighting her features. Phineas would notice in a heartbeat.
Boy, did he ever.
"Isabella! Oh my gosh, are you okay?"
The young girl quickly examined her appearance. Was her leg bleeding? Was something wrong with her dress? Did a bruise lay on her arm?
As the answer to all of such inquiries was a firm no, she responded hesitantly.
"Yes… Yes I am. Why, what's wrong?"
He was concerned, in the simplest of definitions. "It looks like you were in the sun for a month and forgot to sleep the whole time!"
She couldn't decide if she wanted to strike the blatancy of his expression or kiss it.
"Phineas, it's just makeup," she returned rather dejectedly.
A sigh of contentment was breathed, aware that she had, in fact, remained in good health. "Oh. What a relief," Phineas chuckled. "Why are you wearing that, anyway? Not to sound impolite and all, but you looked a bit more aesthetically pleasing before."
Isabella perked. "I did?"
"Well, of course. Didn't she, Ferb?"
An ascertained nod replaced spoken confirmation.
"It's less noticeable now. The way everything always looks so symmetrical, the contrast of your bright eyes and dark hair and thick eyelashes, how your smile just lights up a room… Oh, and your nose!" He laughed once more at the conceived image. "Too dang endearing. Sounds a lil' corny, but you're perfect."
Out went the makeup.