Eye-wateringly expensive chemistry

[sawyl]

For no terribly good reason, other than a desire to stretch my legs, I went with mater to Boots in town. Despite her claims to be an extremely efficient shopper, I wasn't convinced; I thought she spent an awful lot of time trying to decide which of the many unguents and snake-oils to buy. I was also somewhat shocked by the price of the various dubious potions and lotions and, most especially, perfumes: one of the side effects of being (a) male and (b) single.