A Picture Worth a Thousand Questions

You know, photoshop can be a wonderful tool.  Of course, so can a chainsaw.  If used correctly, both can work artistic wonders (ever seen a chainsaw ice sculpture?  Amazing!), and, if used incorrectly, both can cause you to lose a limb.  Case in point:

Photo by PhotoshopDisasters 

This is an ad for Shiseido cosmetics, and at first, I wasn't sure what the problem was.  Then I really looked at the picture.  Um...why is there a hand coming out of her ankle?  And why on Earth is her right leg not attached to the rest of her body?! 

Now, I am not against photoshop.  Not by a long shot.  As a performer, and someone who needs to have the occasional publicity shot, I understand the many virtues of being able to bump up the colors or erase a pesky zit.  Any photographer worth their salt will tell you that photoshop should be used to enhance the subject, not to change it, and definitely not to disfigure it.  I mean, I like my pictures to look good, but they better look like me.  Otherwise, it's worthless to me as a publicity photo* and, quite frankly, insulting.

Granted, this is an ad, and not a headshot or beauty shot.  Fine.  Fighting Owl Films used photoshop to make some early promos for The Night Shift.  We took photos of the leads, cropped out the background (stunning as my living room was, it wasn't quite the look we were going for), replaced it with something a bit more appropriate, color corrected everything, then added in the shadow elements and text.  Yes, that's a lot of photoshopping.  Did we alter the subjects?  No.

It's still unclear whether Shiseido is responsible for this photo, or if it was another company who happened to carry Shiseido products.  Either way, it should never have seen the light of day.  I feel horrible for the poor model who was so egregiously altered, and can only hope she was paid well for all the flack she must be getting.  I'm sure this is one tear-sheet that will not be going into her portfolio.  Sadly, this is not the first photoshop trainwreck to hit the news, and it probably won't be the last.  To quote a friend of mine, "you can't cure stupid."  Maybe not, but it sure would be nice to prevent it. 

Okay, the magic bag o' samples is still nowhere to be found.  I did run across my sample of DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom when I unpacked a makeup bag.  It had broken during the move and spilled everywhere.  It gave me a headache before, and an even bigger headache this time around.  So, I guess that's your update for the day.  Smells nice, but aggravates this girl's sinuses.  Also, glass shards are not fun to clean out of a travel case, but you probably could have guessed that.

Oh, one more thing before I close out this rambling post.  The MAC/Disney Venomous Villains collection is out!  The collection officially hit stores today, but has been available online since Monday.  If you want something, I suggest you run, since most of the cooler items have already sold out online.  Seriously.  Gone.  Find a store and get it while you can.  That's what I'm planning to do.

*If you would like to see the photos discussed, you can visit the movie's website for promo pics, or my website for publicity photos.  Headshots and album cover photo by Atwell Photography.  All other photos by Thomas Smith.  If you would like to decline, that's okay, too.  Totally up to you.  Won't hurt my feelings at all.  Really.  It's fine.  Whatever.  *sniff*   

Lost and Found

I am still moving.  We have to turn in our keys tomorrow morning, so my panic point has hit eleven, and I'm furiously scrambling around, loading up boxes, cleaning what I can, realizing that none of my pots or pans have been packed, and marveling at just how filfthy my "clean" apartment actually is.  Who knew?  Anyway, the one thing that has kept me going is the knowledge that, as I unpack the new apartment, I can start putting out Halloween decorations!  Oh, and just to give you fair warning, Halloween is, by far, my favorite holiday, so the entire month of October is going to be filled with Halloween-related posts.  Hope you're okay with that. 

To help me keep what shred of sanity I have left, and to jump start my favorite time of the year, here's a super-cute lunchbox I found at funtocollect.com.  If I could, I'd use it for Trick-or-Treating.  Just be careful, carry a flashlight, and check your candy for rocks. 

Photo by funtocollect.com.  $21.99

In case you were wondering, no, I have not forgotten about the magic bag o' samples.  Truth is...I can't find it.  It's somewhere in the apartment, but I honestly have no idea where.  As soon as I find it, the reviews will resume.  We're actually very close to the bottom of the bag, so if it's gone, you're not missing out on too much.  I have a feeling more samples will show up soon, anyway. 

She's a Witch! Burn Her!

So, I've spent most of the day a hot mess.  Jeans, sneakers, Springsteen t-shirt, no makeup, and my hair in a clip.  I think I may have startled some small children in the neighborhood.  Behold, the swamp witch!

Suffice it to say, we're still moving.  This makes day four, I believe, of trying to empty out a six-bedroom townhouse.  Had the weather been clearer, the wedding I sang been a ceremony and not a Mass, and the Falcons not played the Saints, we probably wouldn't be in this mess.  Instead, we have to turn in our keys Thursday morning, and the house is still full of stuff. 

Unfortunately, I couldn't spend the entire day cooped up out of sight, unpacking boxes.  I'd have been fine with that, but at some point, I had to rejoin the land of the living and be seen in public.  That meant that I needed to, at least, brush my teeth and put on some makeup.  I also only had about ten minutes to make myself presentable.  Great.  Luckily, when I set up the bathroom counter, I found an old makeup tray organizer and stocked it with the most used makeup from my train case.  This way, on busy mornings, I can just grab and go, and not have to wade through a ton of stuff.

Today, I learned a very valuable lesson, folks.  If you have good makeup in the right colors, you don't have to put any real effort, or even thought, into looking halfway decent.  This is, literally, step by step, how I got "cute" this morning. 

1)  Splashed cold water on my face (gas company hasn't hooked up the hot water yet.  Joy.) and slathered on a little Garnier Nutritioniste moisturizer.  The exact name escapes me at the moment, but I've never tried a Garnier moisturizer I didn't love. 
2)  Skipped the primer (no time, and really, who cares?  I'm moving.  You're lucky I went to this much trouble) and threw on some Benefit Some Kind of Gorgeous Foundation Faker.  Best. Stuff. Ever. for when you don't feel like wearing makeup.  A travel-sized container is $9 at Sephora, if you want to give it a whirl.
3)  Grabbed my Smashbox eyeshadow quad.  It's four matte neutral colors that define your eyes without making them look made up.  Sephora had it on sale for $6 a few months ago, so I snapped one up.  Unfortunately, you can't get it anymore.  My suggested replacement:  L'Oreal HiP eyeshadow duo in Dashing (matte lavendar pink with dark gray accent color) or Darling (similar name, I'm sorry.  Sparkly nude with medium brown accent color).  They run about $8 at drugstores everywhere.  Dashing is matte, like the Smashbox, and the colors are just enough to give you a polished look.  Darling is shimmery, but similar in color to the Smashbox, and both sets have wonderfully silky textures.  Added bonus, the darker colors can be used as liner as well.
4)  Used my E.L.F. Eyebrow kit to tame my always unruly brows.
5)  NARS Orgasm blush.  Always flattering.  It's a no-brainer.  Easy peasy.
6)  Benefit Erase Paste under the eyes and on any little blemishes that might have popped up (not that I would have any of those...).
7)  Light dusting of Bare Escentuals Hydrating Mineral Veil to set everything.
8)  One coat of Buxom Lash mascara.  All I had time for, and really, all you need most days.

And that's it.  I changed shirts (adorable Threadless tee with a cartoon Leia giving a cartoon Chewy a makeover), ran a brush through my hair (cold water rinses really do make your hair shinier.  I've had no choice in the matter, but can't argue with results), and that was that.  When I got in the car, I slicked on a little Buxom Lips in Clair.  Seriously, ten minutes tops, with no thought necessary.

My point is not the products or the shades, though these are all top-notch.  My point is that a good product in a good shade for you requires less work to apply and less thought, since you know it'll look great.  Grab some go-to products, toss them in an organizer, and keep them at the ready for days when you're running late or just don't feel like worrying about makeup.  I have all my other stuff (and will acquire more, probably this week, since the MAC Villain stuff comes out in stores on Thursday) in my train case, nearby, in case I need something other than what I have in the counter-side tray.  It's not gone.  It's not forgotten.  It's just out of the way of the everyday stuff, and my life is already easier for it.  I guess what I'm trying to say (badly, since my brain is fried and I tend to ramble) is that a little organization and forethought, as well as research and investment (as opposed to grabbing off the shelf out of necessity) can really cut the clutter and simplify your life.  That works not only for makeup, but pretty much every other aspect of life.  Let's cut the clutter, people.  I'm working on it, and I'll let you know how it goes.     

Dear Santa, I'd Like a Little Blue Box...

I want a TARDIS.  After spending this weekend moving, with no hope of finishing in sight, I would love to have a home with seemingly infinite space, that I could move wherever, whenever I wished.  U-hauls suck, especially when they try to take your husband's arm as a souvenier.  Pick-up trucks are great...until it rains.  With a TARDIS, everything goes with you.  There's no chance that your neighbors will see you packing up the car and take it upon themselves to "help" by stealing your patio set and lawn decorations.  You never have to have the cable and Internet transferred, so there's no possibility of the cable company losing your service request, then informing you that the only date available to make up the visit is while you're supposed to be at work and have no way to take off.  The TARDIS runs off its own power, so you never have to deal with the gas company, or spend days without hot water.  The Doctor never has to take cold showers (well, not unless he just wants to). 

Now, I'll admit, the TARDIS is a little on the eccentric side.  I mean, it is a blue police box.  We've seen what that looks like in Pompeii, Victorian England, and on countless planets.  I'm not sure how well it would fit in around 21st Century Alabama.  Even now, I'm flashing back to my wedding, where we had a TARDIS groom's cake.  The baker was perplexed, the guests kept commenting that they had no idea Thomas was a police officer, and my mother was horrified that this bright blue thing was clashing with the purple, green, and gold reception (yeah, I'm from the land of Mardi Gras).  But then, once the kids starting running around with blue tongues, it was kind of worth all the confusion.  Aw, heck, nevermind propiety!  I'll have a TARDIS, and anyone who has a problem with it can take it up with the Doctor! 

Um...any ideas where to find one?

I guess, for the time being, I'll have to settle for something more along these lines.  So what if I'm doing my kitchen in a bright red, retro 50s theme?  It's a time-traveling device.  It'll fit right in. 

Photo by ThinkGeek.  $26.99, ThinkGeek.com

I'm So Moved! I'd Like To Thank...

Thomas and I are finally moving this weekend.  Stressed doesn't even begin to describe how I feel right now, but we're getting through this.  Luckily, we've had a lot of help, and I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude.

First of all, to the nice German family that moved into my parents' neighborhood:  thank you for letting us have your wonderfully-constructed, heavyweight boxes and packing material.  Without your need to ship things internationally, my china and crystal would not be nearly as safe as it is now.  Also, your son left his Spiderman crocs in one of the boxes. 

Next, to my amazing step-dad:  thank you for stopping the truck in the middle of the road and stealing the nice German family's packing boxes. 

To Bed Bath & Beyond:  thank you for putting the quilt I've literally been dreaming about on Clearance and marking it down $100.  You have truly outdone yourself. 

To Foosackly's, Pizza Hut, and Lenny's:  thank you for feeding us.  I know we paid for it, and all, but still.  Thank you for allowing me to not have to cook.  It would have been difficult, what with all the dishes and pots and pans being packed.  (If you have no idea what Foosackly's is, it's a local chicken finger chain, and the best chicken I've ever eaten.  It's addictive.  I left home for several months and practically went through withdrawal.)

To Pepsi:  thanks for bringing back the Throwback.  That one's just in general.

To Genna:  thank you for listening to me.

To Curt:  thank you for missing a football game to help your big sister pack, and for giving up a weekend hanging out with your girlfriend to help us move.  I would tell you that I love you very much, but I know that would embarrass you, so forget I mentioned it.

To Friends:  thank you for putting up with my incessant Facebook status updates about packing, my blogs about decorating, and my rants about everything else.

To my awesome mom:  thank you for biscuits, coffee, and packing up 90% of my house.  Seriously, were it not for you, we'd have packed DVDs and some photo albums, and that would have been about it.  Heck, we'd have run out of boxes before we got that far.  Most of all, thank you for being my Lorelai. 

To Thomas:  thank you for being the best husband a girl could ask for, and for continually amazing me. 

True story:  The apartment (townhouse, really) that we're moving into has two bathrooms.  The one we're currently in only has one and a half, so we needed all new bathroom accessories, towels, the works.  This is also the guest bathroom, so it's the one that most people will see.  Money's tight right now (for everyone, I think), so any and all purchases were researched, discussed, and treated like they were major expenditures, and not the soap dispensers or trash cans they actually were.  Well, after two or three weeks of comparing shower curtain rings at every store in town, we finally decided on the perfect set.  They matched the curtain, were a little art deco-y, and I loved them.  I went to the store, picked up the rings and some cedar blocks, brought them in and set them in the kitchen, near the bag with the shower curtain.  I wanted to keep them together. 

So, fast forward a couple of weeks.  Thomas and I had a few other things for the apartment, and we wanted to put all the new stuff together in one box.  I went into the kitchen to get the curtain, rings, and cedar blocks...and found the curtain.  Nothing else.  This was not good.  At this point, one of three things had happened.  1) The bag was thrown away, contents and all.  Not likely, considering they were very heavy and would have had to have been separated from the shower curtain.  2) The maintenance man who came by to check the air-conditioner took them.  I hate to think that way, and can't see any reason why he'd do that(well, other than spite--he doesn't like us).  3) They were already packed.  Possible.  Very possible.  We unpacked everything we'd already boxed up, frantically turning the house upside-down.  Nothing. 

I was really upset.  I couldn't imagine either of us just blanking out and throwing them away, and I hated the thought that someone might have taken something out of our house, but they obviously weren't on the premises.  And yeah, I know they were just shower curtain rings, and not even terribly expensive ones at that, but I was stressed.  We'd been through the lay-off, then the job search, then not knowing exactly what the new job would entail.  We'd been through mold and floods and crooked walls and floors, and were thrilled that we were definitely out of the current apartment, but weren't certain that we were going to get to keep the new apartment, and the alternative solution, while viable, would only be temporary, and then what?  We had this movie and my album hanging over our heads.  I kept finding little things that reminded me of Grandma and Daddy, and had just gotten through the anniversaries of when we lost them, and...I freaked.  I sat down on the stairs and cried my eyes out over shower curtain rings.  Well, that and so much more. 

Eventually, I calmed down.  Thomas told me to just hold off on getting new ones until we got moved and knew for certain that they hadn't hidden themselves in a box, and that seemed reasonable.  Besides, we needed to spend that money on other things, like dishes and renting a U-Haul, not rebuying lost shower curtain rings. 

The next week, I came home from work to find a box from Bed Bath & Beyond.  Thomas asked me what I had ordered, but, truth was, I hadn't ordered anything.  I opened the box, and there were my shower curtain rings and cedar blocks, along with a note saying, "Sorry we ran off like that".  I looked up, and Thomas was grinning from ear to ear.  He'd ordered them while I was crying on the staircase. 

I love my husband.

Well, now that I've embarrassed Thomas to no end, I think I'll sign off for today.  I know this wasn't a traditional AN post, and really wasn't the post I set out to write today, but I promise that the reviews, samples, and challenges will all be right back as soon as the dust settles.  Thank you, again, for bearing with me.  Now, can someone tell me which way to exit?  This statue is a lot heavier than it looks! 

Sign Me Up!

Unilever Global and Ampere Life Sciences, a biotechnology group, have teamed up for a five-year initiative that will focus on antioxidants and the core biology of ageing.  This partnership is meant to create anti-ageing products that cover a variety of categories, and the one major category that Unilever is best known for is food. Now, whether or not this means that one day we'll be able to buy groceries that make us look younger remains to be seen, but how cool is it that it's even a possibilty?  I mean, seriously, forget the flying cars and houses on the moon, this is the future I'm looking forward to.  Until that day, I guess I'm stuck with moisturizing, exfoliating, and reminding myself that the only thing I'm getting out of my ice cream is a little calcium and some calories.  Where's that Delorian when you need it?

Well, folks, the allergies are much better, but I'm still not quite up for trying anything new and potentially scented, so there's no dip into the magic bag o' samples today.  Instead, I'm revisiting First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.  Normally, after almost a week of blowing my nose, my face is on fire.  Usually, my nose is bright red and flaky, and all the skin around it is dry from medicine and constant rubbing (lovely, I know).  Not this time!  I applied a little bit of this cream to my nose and surrounding skin twice a day, and while it's not totally flake free, it's way better than it usually is.  There's no redness, very little dryness, and I'm not broken out.  As far as I'm concerned, I'm sold.  Actually, I went to pick up a tub today, and the only reason I didn't was the Sephora inside JC Penney didn't carry it.  Oh--one more thing--there's no scent, so there's no chance of aggravating the allergies.  As I said, I'm sold.

Goth Kitteh Can Has Hot Topic?

Photo by Manic Panic

I'm pale. We've established this. Aside from that, I'm about as goth as a kitten (and now I have a mental picture of kitty cat with eyeliner and piercings, and it's giving me the giggles). In fact, up until now, my only experience with goth culture has been a Halloween costume, and that time I picked up some pool blue hair color for a friend's birthday present (hi, Genna!). However, the folks at Manic Panic specialize in all things dark and glamorous, and have now added make-up to their creepy-cute arsenal.

Creature of the Night is Manic Panic's brand new cosmetic line. It debuted Monday in New York at the Gerlan Jeans fashion show, and it kind of rocks. The colors are all in the red, purple, and black families, and are extremely versatile. In fact, the makeup kits--named Knock 'Em Dead (red and black shades) and Final Curtain (purple and black)--come with instructions for three looks each: PG-13 (everyday cool), R (slightly more dramatic) and X (full-on goth rocker chic). In addition to these kits, there are lip kits, eye kits, lipsticks, eye shadows, liners, mascaras, nail polishes, and face powders--everything you need to complete your look. As an added bonus, the entire line is 100% Vegan and totally cruelty-free.

Manic Panic's Creature of the Night products run from $4 to $25, and are available at Urban Outfitters, Meijer, some specialty boutiques, and http://www.manicpaniccollection.com/.

Now, normally this is where the magic bag o' samples would come in to play, however, I am sick as a dog with allergies, so we're skipping that for the rest of the week. Instead, I'm revisiting some earlier reviews to see if my opinion has changed with use. Today, we're looking back at Zirh Clean Face Wash (for men. Oops).

If you recall (or click the link for the review), I liked this stuff a lot. It got my face super clean, was refreshing, and left my skin baby soft. It smells wonderful, and even removed mascara. There's absolutely no reason why a girl couldn't use this product. There was enough product in my sample for a couple of weeks, and I was actually sad to go back to my normal face wash when the Zirh ran out. I'm seriously considering buying a bottle and repackaging it into a pump. It's pretty darn good stuff, and I think I'm "man" enough for it.

With the Wheezes and the Sneezes and the Sinus That's Really a Pip!

Reality TV executives, have I got a new show for you!  I call it When Allergies Attack, and it would follow hapless human beings around, documenting the exact moment their allergies flare up, and all of the torture their poor bodies are put through as they try to fight back and recover.  I'm on day four of feeling like a freight train hit me, and I have a feeling it's only going to get worse. 

Thomas and I are moving this weekend (yay!), and it seems that, while I managed to keep all the furniture dusted, I neglected to think about all the things in closets and cabinets.  When I started to pack up the stuff in those places, I stirred up a ton of dust (and mold, but that's another story), and now I'm sick.  Sick, sick, sick.  Thomas is, too.  We got some dust masks to try to get us through the move, but I'm really not looking forward to pulling out the cleansers and spackle.  The fumes are going to wreak havoc.

I've given up on carrying around the pocket packs of tissue.  I've moved on to smuggling entire boxes in my over-sized purse.  It's not the most elegant solution, but it works.  While looking for a better way to tote my kleenex, I ran across this.  I'm not sure I'd call it elegant, either, but that's exactly the word the company uses to describe it.  Well, to each his own, I guess.  It's funny, if nothing else.

Photo by LightintheBox

Yep, that's tissue (well, toilet paper, to be exact) coming out of a giant tube of glue.  Lightinthebox.com has these listed for $9.99 each, or wholesale for $1.99 with a minimum order of five.  They're shaped like Japanese toothpaste tubes, come in five designs, are water-resistant, and hold a standard size toilet paper roll.  You can hang it up by a string, or just leave it laying around, and according to the site, "the fresh and colourful new designs mean they wont [sic] look out of place in a lounge or bedroom."  Believe it or not, they're sold out. 

Photo by LightintheBox

I think I'll just stick to carrying my kleenex in my purse and putting my toilet paper on the holder, but these could be cute in a kid's bathroom, maybe.  What do you think?

Well, folks, given the allergy and moving issues, I think the magic bag o' samples is going on hiatus for the next week.  In the meantime, I thought I might revisit some previously reviewed products and see if my opinion has changed with time.  Today, let's look back on Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Blow Dry Perfector.  It's supposed to make blow-drying my hair straight faster, easier, and frizz-free for up to seven shampoos.  I'm now past the halfway point, with four shampoos down.

If you recall, I hated, loathed, and despised this product.  I received it through BzzAgent, a word-of-mouth marketing company, with the instructions to try it, see what I thought, and pass that reaction--good or bad--on.  That reacion was bad.  Really bad.  It reeked, didn't do anything to help tame my frizz, and the only way my hair would straighten completely was with a curling iron used as a flat iron.  The instructions in the package even state that you should use a flat iron to ensure your hair straightens.  News Flash:  a flat iron after blow-drying will straighten your hair, with or without this product.  After my second shampoo, the smell was still prevalent, and the frizz was still frizzy.  So, how is it after four shampoos?

Well, I think it's gone.  If not, it's on its way out.  The odor is completely gone (thank God), and I haven't noticed it keeping the humidity at bay.  My hair is straight-ish after I blow it dry, but no straighter than it was before I started using this product.  I just really don't see that this product is worth the time or money involved.  As I said before, get some good shampoo and conditioner, and invest in a flat iron.  You'll be better off.  At least, I can report that there hasn't been any damage.

It's Five O' Clock Somewhere

Photo by Prescriptives

It's Friday, and I think it's safe to assume we've all at least mentally started the weekend.  I know I sure have.  My brain hit the wall around Tuesday.  Just for kicks, I thought I'd send all you lovely readers a small diversion to help get you through till five o'clock rolls around.  Just don't let the boss catch you, and it'll be our little secret. 

Back when I was getting ready for my wedding, I thought it would be nice to surprise my mom with a little thank-you gift.  I'd already gotten her a "Mother of the Bride" hoodie to match my VS "Sexy Little Bride" (this isn't exactly the same one, but close, and yeah, I was that girl.  I even had "Bride" flip-flops.  Sue me), but I felt like I needed something to go with it.  That's when I ran across Prescriptives Custom Blend Lipgloss ($26, Prescriptives).

Apparently, you could custom blend your own special lipgloss, and I thought that would be perfect!  I could get her a lipgloss to match her MOTB gown (shimmering champagne, and she looked freaking gorgeous, even though she'll never admit it), and even get one for myself to take on my honeymoon.  It'd be a mother/daughter thing! 

So, I went to both Prescriptives counters in town, told the sales ladies what I was looking for, and they both looked at me as though I'd just asked them to put their underwear on their heads and dance the Macarena.  Guess they didn't have it available.  So, I called the Prescriptives counter at the ritzy shopping center one town over, and was told yes!  They could do that!  I grabbed Thomas and we high-tailed it over there. 

I'd been misled.  Yes, they could do that...online.  You know, that one little word was very important, and it would have been ever so helpful if they had not ommitted it.  Oh well, at least I knew I could get it.

So, online I went, and the site was too much fun!  You pick a base color, then what kind of finish you would like (full color, chrome, luster, glitter, shimmer, or jelly), add a flavor, and voila!  You have your very own just-for-you lipgloss. 

Yeah, it's a little unnecessary and expensive, but for a special occasion or gift, it's not a bad deal.  In the meantime, the website's a hoot to play around on.  You can kill a lot of time playing with the different colors and finishes.  Right now, my favorite is Medium Rose with a Luster finish and Latte flavor.  Oh--the one I have (and am wearing now, actually) is Light Red with a Luster finish and Bellini flavor.  Mmmmm....

Okay, folks, my allergies have positively exploded, so in lieu of grabbing something out of the magic bag o' samples that could potentially worsen my condition, I thought I'd review something I've just started using, instead.  I hope that's okay with y'all.

Photo by Sephora

My latest obsession is with Benefit's Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner Eyeshadow ($19, Sephora), and I have no choice but to highly recommend it in the shade Strut.  Recommend as in, "get out there and get this color now, before I drag you to the store myself."  From what I've seen on the runway, I think this is going to be one of the go-to shades for Fall.

It's labeled "smoky denim" (which is funny, because they have a shade called Skinny Jeans, and that's not the denim shade.  Weird), which basically means it's a dark gray with an indigo hue.  Note:  this is NOT blue eyeshadow!  I am not suggesting that anyone play 80s Throwback Barbie!  This is charcoal gray with a little extra oomph.  If you have brown, hazel, or green eyes, this is going to look fantastic on you.  If you are fair-skinned, this is your solution to the how-do-I-wear-silver problem:  accent it with this.  Also, makes a great smoky eye without danger of going goth or looking like someone punched you.

It's a highly-pigmented cream shadow, and a little dab'll do ya.  You can wear it as a sheer wash of color, or build for a smoky look.  You can use it as an accent with another color (I'd suggest R.S.V.P. for day, or Skinny Jeans for night), or as a liner.  It's incredibly versatile.  You can also use it with or without primer.  It really doesn't crease very much, and if you catch a slight crease, you can smooth it right out with your finger.  Also, because it's a cream, you don't have to worry about any of it sprinkling down on your cheeks or under your eyes while you apply the shadow.  No more raccoon eyes!

Seriously, I can't say enough good things about this stuff.  That's all.  Have a great weekend, everyone!

Beats Pulling Them On With Pliers (I Guess)

We've all seen them, the girls with the clothes so tight you wondered how on Earth they ever got them on, and if it'd take scissors to get them off again--the girls with the "painted on" blue jeans. Well, folks, before too long, those jeans might, literally, be painted on.

A Spanish fashion designer, Manel Torres, and the Imperial College of London have teamed up to create spray-on fabric. It consists of tiny polymer-bound fibers, made liquid by a quick-evaporating solvent. After the solution is sprayed on, either by aerosol can or high-pressure spray gun, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind dry fabric that can be worn, washed, and worn again. In addition to clothing, this invention could also be used to make, among other things, medical patches and car upholstery.

Torres said, “When I first began this project I really wanted to make a futuristic, seamless, quick and comfortable material...I want to show how science and technology can help designers come up with new materials."

The invention will be on display this weekend at Imperial College of London's Science in Style fashion show.

As cool as this sounds, I think I'll stick to my skinny jeans, leggings, and tights if I feel like being body-conscious. I've tried spraying paint evenly, and my skill level is not so high that I would be comfortable relying on it to cover my butt--or, ahem, anything else. As I understand it, this would be usable on the entire body (I'm suddenly remembering the commercial with the glue socks), so I guess I need to really get cracking on the crunches. Afterall, you need abs of steel to wear a spray-on shirt. No, I think I'll stick with plain old cotton, thanks, but I admire the technology, and think it'll be a wonderful advancement in other fields.

Now, I like fitted jeans. A lot. Not sprayed-on, but body-conscious, so I recently tried the new Jeggings trend. For those of you who are going, "what the heck are jeggings?" they're leggings that are made from super-stretchy denim, so they look like jeans. The point, I guess, is to get the fit of ultra-skinny jeans, with the comfort of leggings.

I like 'em. I ran across a pair by City Streets in J.C. Penney's, and since they were on sale, thought I'd try them on. Now, I have skinny jeans, and they look fantastic, but feel like crud. If I sit down, they ride dangerously low, and they're no fun to put on. These jeggings have a very similar look, but are a million times more comfortable. Honestly, they feel like yoga pants, or even pajama pants, but they look just like regular blue jeans. They pull on, and are fitted in the waist, hips, and thighs, but aren't so tight around the lower legs and ankles, so the fit is extremely flattering--only the good curves get shown off. Plus, there's no gap in the waistband. My only gripe--and it's a small one--is that the waistband is obviously elastic. They went to all the trouble to add in a decorative "fly", but no belt loops to hide the waistband. In fact, before I bought them, I showed them (on the hanger) to my husband, who thought they looked "a step above mom jeans". Ouch. Obviously, once they're on, they bear no resemblance to those awful things, but you need to either wear your tops on the outside, or DIY some belt loops. Final Verdict: I bought them and have worn them a couple of times already. They look sleek and sexy, like skinny jeans, but feel like jammies. Thomas even retracted his "mom jeans" comment. I may never buy real jeans again.

And now, the magic bag o' samples! Today's pick was Boscia Luminizing Black Mask. $34, Sephora.com.

According to Sephora:

This innovative treatment dramatically improves skin clarity, radiance, and texture. The unique peel-off action offers gratifying physical exfoliation—as you peel, you actively remove dirt, toxins, and dead skin layers. Exceptional deep-cleansing and exfoliation draw out impurities, bacteria, and excess oil, refining and minimizing pores. Recover smooth, even skintone as pre-existing melanin levels diminish, fading the appearance of dark spots. Inflammation, roughness, lines, and wrinkles fade, revealing younger-looking skin.

It's a pain in the rear. Sorry, folks, I calls 'em as I sees 'em. Now, I'm not saying it didn't work. Quite the contrary--my skin looks and feels tons better than it did before. It had been dry and rough, and in definite need of severe exfoliation. My pores were clogged, and I was starting to break out slightly (lovely, I'm a swamp monster). This cleared up all except for the under-the-skin blemishes. My pores are visibly clearer. This stuff works amazingly well. It's just a pain in the rear.

First off, it's black. I mean, pitch black, and really sticky, so it feels like you're smearing tar on your face. You have to put it on thickly and evenly, but you can't do it in layers because the first layer rubs off as you apply the second layer. I finally had to squeeze the entire sample tube into my hand and smear it all over, then use a wet rag to wipe the mask away from my eyebrows and hairline. Then, it gets really tight. I had a cup of coffee, and I couldn't take a sip because I couldn't pucker my lips enough. That's okay, though, because that just meant it was working. I just wanted to give you a heads up.

After just a few minutes drying time (it really doesn't take very long), I went upstairs to peel off the mask and see if it really was the "Biore strip for your whole face" that one user review proclaimed.

Apparently, I didn't get it thick enough around the edges, because the mask did not want to peel off. It must have taken me ten minutes to peel off what I could (about 80%) before finally washing off the rest. Word of warning: do not peel this off into the sink. You'll have a devil of a time trying to clean it up later. Peel directly into the trash can. I will say, though, that when I finally removed all traces of the mask, my skin looked lovely. I followed up with the moisturizer from yesterday's post, for added protection.

It's a really good mask, but there is a lot of room for user error, and a lot of product can be wasted. I suggest trying to snag a sample to try yourself before shelling out that kind of money. In the meantime, if you know of a really great peel mask, let me know about it in the comments.

The Most Dangerous Bathroom

Well, folks, the big move (two miles away, maybe?) is in less than two weeks!  That means that we've been packing like fiends, Thomas has a sinus infection from all the dust, and you can't walk through the house for all the boxes.  It also means that the decorating bug has latched onto me, and I've been scouring the Internets for all things art deco for the new place.  Somehow, that search led me to this:

Photo by BustedTees

It's a ninja toothbrush sanitizer!!  $29.95 at BustedTees.  After you brush your teeth and rinse your brush, place the head of the brush into the sanitizer, and a special germicidal UV light ninjas away 99.9% of germs.  I want one.  It doesn't go with a darn thing in my house, but it's so cute, and Thomas would love it.

Since I had ninjas on the brain, anyway, I thought I'd see if I could find any more decor to go along with this.  Oddly enough, I could.

Photo by ThinkGeek

Throwing star coat hooks!  Perfect for hanging up bathrobes!  They screw right into the wall, so you don't need any tools (awesome, since I can't hammer worth a flip).  $12.99, ThinkGeek.  I'm going to be in so much trouble if Thomas reads this post.

Photo by Mystake

Okay, nobody panic!  These are not real!!  You're actually supposed to light these little guys--they're candles!  Just don't open the package in front of the mail carrier.  $12.00, Mystake.

Well, that's enough of that.  On to the magic bag o' samples!  Today, class, we're going to discuss First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.  $28 for 6oz, Sephora.com.

According to Sephora:

This Ultra Repair Cream is a thick, rich, emollient product that hydrates deep down with exceptional penetration. This cream is for anyone with severely dry, scaly skin due to harsh winter weather, aggressive cosmetic treatments, or any of the following conditions: atopic dermatitis, irritant eczema, allergic eczema, and keratosis pilaris. With the help of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, soothing eucalyptus oil, and ceramides, Ultra Repair Cream provides immediate relief and visible improvement for distressed skin. The FAB Antioxidant Booster defends skin from free radical damage and the cream deeply hydrates with exceptional penetration, providing immediate relief and visible improvement. The cream is immediately absorbed into the skin and can be used all over the body and on the face.

Now, my skin isn't that bad.  It's just a little dry from all the dust that packing's stirred up, and a little broken out from stress.  Really, nothing a little scrubbing and some moisturizer couldn't handle.  Still, I thought, now might be a good time to give this a whirl.

I'll be honest with you, it put me off a tad bit at first, because it feels like diaper cream.  The cream has a very thick, whipped texture, and almost no scent, whatsoever.  I started to apply a very light layer, and it immediately sank into my skin.  I mean, "shluurrp", it's gone.  I applied a thicker coat, rubbed it in, and by this point, I really didn't want to stop rubbing my face.  This cream feels amazing.  My skin looked about 80% better than before, too.  The dry patches were gone, my tone was more even, and my skin feels petal soft.  This stuff is pretty darn awesome.

I'm not thrilled with the packaging of the full-size product.  It comes in a tub, which would make traveling with it a pain, and there's not a travel size.  It also seems a little unsanitary, but that could just be me.  The tub is really cute, though, and there is a travel kit available with four other moisturizers and cleansers for $15, that, while I haven't tried it, has gotten some wonderful user reviews. 

With the Fall upon us and Winter approaching, we're all going to need a little extra protection from wind and dryness.  This is definitely a moisturizer to consider.

A Little Blarney and Some Petty Theft

Last night, I stole my husband's heart.  Now, before you go all sweet and mushy on me, take note that I mean this literally.  You see, we're moving in a couple of weeks, so we spent a good chunk of yesterday going through closets and drawers, packing up and throwing away.  Somewhere, mixed in with a pile of fake body parts, tombstones and lone socks, was an old, tarnished Claddagh ring. 

Me:  Oooh!  A Claddagh!
Thomas:  Oh, yeah, that's from my Angel costume.
Me:  (furiously trying it on every finger and totally ignoring my chance to mock him for dressing up like David Boreanaz for--God, I hope--Halloween)  It fits me!  I'm stealing it. 
Thomas:  That's fine.  It was just going in the thrift store pile, anyway.

Gosh, he's so romantical when he talks purty.

For those of you who are trying to figure out what the heck I'm talking about, a Claddagh (CLAW-duh) is an Irish symbol, given as a token of love and committment.  It consists of two hands holding a crowned heart--a design based upon the Italian Fede ring (showing clasped hands as a sign of trust)--and stands for friendship, love, and loyalty.  The design is attributed to a Galway man by the name of Richard Joyce.

Claddagh wedding set.  14 kt. white gold, $2,795.
Photo by Linda Clifford Rings

Now, kids, settle in and I'll tell you a story.  A long, long time ago, back in the late 17th century, there lived a man named Richard Joyce.  He worked as a fisherman in the small town of Claddagh, and was all set to marry the woman of his dreams.  Lo and behold, a week before the wedding, his ship was overtaken by pirates, and the crew were all sold as slaves!  Richard was sold to a goldsmith who taught him his craft. As years went by, Richard became a master goldsmith, himself, and forged a ring for the woman he'd left behind.  When King William III came into power, he released all the slaves, meaning Richard could go home!  The goldsmith offered Richard his daughter's hand and half of his riches and property if he would stay with him, but Richard wanted to know what had happened to the love of his life.  He returned to Claddagh, found the girl, and learned that she had never married, but had waited for him.  Richard gave her the ring, and the two were married.  Together, they opened a goldsmith's shop, and lived happily ever after.

Modern Gentleman's wedding band.  $145.50.
Photo by IrishShop.com 

There are rules to wearing a Claddagh.  Traditionally, if you are single, you wear the ring on your right hand, with the heart pointing outward.  If you are "taken", you wear it on the right hand, heart pointing in (toward your own heart).  When you become engaged, you wear the ring on your left ring finger, heart pointing out, and flip it around when you get married.  In some wedding ceremonies, the groom flips the ring around for the bride when he slides on the wedding band.

As for me, I'm not swapping my engagement ring for a costume remnant, so I have it on my right hand, facing inward.  The strangest thing happened, though.  You know how I said the ring was old and tarnished?  Well, this morning, it was shiny and sparkly and good as new.  It was probably just the tarnish rubbing off on my sheets while I slept, but I like to think there was some good old fashioned Irish magic at work.  Maybe some ancestors giving their approval.  I don't know, but it made me smile.

And now, the magic bag o' samples!  Today's vict--I mean, pick, is Aquolina Pink Sugar Body Mousse.  $30 for 8.5oz., Sephora.com.

According to Sephora, this is:

Stylish and lively, with a distinctive personality, Pink Sugar takes you on a journey through the pleasures and flavors of childhood with a playful blend of vanilla and caramel.

It also contains notes of Bergamot, Sicilian Orange, Raspberry, Fig Leaves, Lily of the Valley, Licorice, Strawberry, Red Fruit, Cotton Candy, Vanilla, Caramel, Musk, Wood, and Powder. 

Well, I got the baby powder and sugar scents.  This stuff is a complete sugar rush, and one I was actually really scared to try.  See, I opened the lid when the sample first came in, and a drop got on my finger.  It just about knocked me over!  The fragrance tends to mellow out as you apply the mousse--kind of like how the first stroke of wall paint always looks like neon, but the color calms down once the entire wall is covered--but it's still not a subtle fragrance.  No, sir.  I put it on around 9:00 this morning.  It's after 4:00, and it's still strong, and it's kind of getting on my nerves.  Do not wear this if you are going to be in cramped spaces, because the people around you will want to kill you.  I also would not suggest layering this scent.  One coat is enough, folks.  One light coat is more than enough.  A little dab'll do ya.

As for the mousse, itself, it's okay.  I generally prefer body butter, but on a hot day like today, the mousse is a nice, light alternative.  It's non-greasy, absorbs quickly, and leaves your skin feeling powder soft.  The problem lies in the fact that you really can't put this all over your entire body.  I only put it on my legs, arms and chest, and that was more than enough scent.  It's also, frankly, not a scent I really care for.  It's aiming for flirtatious girliness, but I think it's missed the mark.  It's not sophisticated enough to be sexy.  It's sweet, but almost saccharin.  It's girly, but little girly. 

Final verdict:  It's mediocre and too strong.  The perfume version might be better, since you can adjust how much you use and pinpoint its location, but it's just too much scent for all-over.  If you love Vanilla, Bergamot Orange, and Musk, I suggest trying Bath and Body Works Vanilla Noir.  At $10.50, there's less sugar, more moisturizers, and you're out a lot less money.

Hint, Hint. Wink, Wink. Honk, Honk. Say No More!

I'm a girly girl.  My cell phone is pink with a disco theme, and has alternating Lily Allen and Blondie ringtones.  My hot pink iPod has rhinestone earbuds, and while I don't have a Bedazzler, I do have jewel glue, and I know how use it.  But, even with all that, this is too girly for me.   

Yep.  Those are eyelashes.  On a car. 

And that's the crystal "eyeliner" (sold separately).

Photos by Turbo Style Products

Lord, help us.  These CarLashes were created by visual effects artist, Robert Small, who has contributed to the films Apollo 13 and Titanic, and the Universal Studios attraction Terminator 2: 3D.  Prices are $24.99 for the lashes, and $19.99 for the eyeliner, and both can be applied to most cars.  Simply provide the make and model of your car, and the appropriate style will be sent to you.  The lashes are made of heavy, flexible plastic and are attached with 3M tape.  They are designed to handle regular driving and car washes, won't damage your paint job, and can be easily removed by peeling off the tape.  

CarLashes come to us from Turbo Style Products, a brand new company out of Utah.  Their mission is to become "THE leading supplier of female automotive aftermarket products."  I don't know.  Maybe it's just me, but that sounds more than a little condescending.  I can't really think of anything I need in my car that my husband doesn't need in his.  I mean, what's next?  A glittery tampon dispenser next to the CD player, maybe?  As I mentioned earlier, I love pretty shinies, but within reason.  I don't need my jumper cables to sparkle, or my tire jack painted pink, thank you.  I just need them to work.  

Yeah, sure, it's cute in the picture, but can you imagine this in the real world?  "I'm sorry, officer.  I didn't mean to hit that power pole, but I could have sworn that car winked at me."  Oh, that'd go over well.  

Now, I'm sure there are some good points to this.  Your car would be much easier to find in a parking lot (if you parked facing out).  Your husband/boyfriend/dad/brother won't ask to borrow your car very often.  Um...help me out here...uh...small children will be delighted to think you know Thomas the Tank Engine?  

Well, they did give me a good giggle today, if nothing else.  So, would any of you put these on your car?  Let me know in the comments.  

Now, today, in lieu of the magic bag o' samples, I thought I'd share an outright product review.  If you're a long time Adorable Napalm reader, you know by now that I'm a member of BzzAgent, a word-of-mouth marketing company.  The way it works, BzzAgent sends me a product, I try it, and then tell everyone I know what I thought about it.  If I like the product, great.  If not, that's okay, too.  All they ask is that I be honest.  Well, this time around, they sent me Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Blow Dry Perfector, and I'm afraid you're all going to get a whole lot of honesty from me.

I hate it.  Now, hate is a strong word, and one I rarely use in product reviews, but this time, it's the nicest way I can express how I feel.  According to Garnier:

Now you can achieve the perfect, bouncy-blow dry. One application of this innovative, 2-step smoothing kit.

. Tames frizz
. Keeps hair smooth and shiny
. Provides easier, faster blow dries
. Lasts 7 shampoos

I was actually looking really forward to this.  Being from the land of humidity so thick you need a straw to breathe, I have been on a hunt for anything that might help with frizzies.  I have thick, wavy hair, and it has a mind of its own--and a twisted mind, at that.  This really looked like my saving grace.

Eagerly, I tore open the box, and read the instructions.  "What?  You have to wait two weeks before or after coloring?  My hair appointment is next week!  Oh, man!"  So, I waited.  And waited.  And waited.

Finally, the now three week wait was over, and I could have the frizz-free hair I'd been dreaming of!  I opened the box, read the directions (again), put on the enclosed gloves, and opened the 20-minute smoothing serum.  And nearly threw up.  They warned that there could be an odor, but that's normal because of the active ingredients.  It smells like a wet dog had his fur permed, then decided to run through a chemical plant.  It's godawful, and it only gets worse the longer you have it on.  My entire house reeked of this stuff.  It gave me a headache, and my poor husband was more than a little relieved when the 20 minute application time was up. 

I jumped into the shower, and furiously began to rinse all of the ick out of my hair.  It still stank to high Heaven.  Then, I towel dried my hair and went to the sink for phase two, the heat-activated perfect-it cream. 

This smelled more like the Garnier I know and love.  It has their signature apple scent, and felt nice going on--like a leave-in conditioner.  Unfortunately, the stink from the earlier serum overpowered the apples, and within seconds, I smelled, once again, like that unfortunate dog.  Oh, well.  Maybe blow-drying would help?

Nope, still gross.  Also, my blow-drying time was not shortened, and my hair looked exactly the same as it always does when I blow dry it.  It was straight, but still frizzy.  I looked at the instructions, and it suggested using a flatiron to thoroughly straighten the hair.  Well, duh.  If you use a flatiron on hair, it straightens it, whether it's been treated with this stuff or not!  I was miffed.  Not only was my hair no better off than before, now it smelled putrid.  Great.

That night, the smell kept me awake. 

The next morning, I decided to use my curling iron to see if the heat would activate the product and smooth my frizz.  It helped some, but no more than usual.  Thankfully, my hairspray covered up the stench. 

The next morning, I just left it.  It had finally stopped smelling, and since I knew I was going to exercise after work, I figured it'd be fine in a ponytail. 

This morning, I got up, washed my hair, and rassafrackin' *expletive(s) deleted*, the stupid rotting corpse smell returned!!  Noooo!!!  I blew it dry, and I swear it took longer than usual, and the frizz was out of hand.  I had to put another smoothing product on it, which, at least, helped cover the odor.  I didn't have time to curl it, so I just left with awful, frizzy hair.

So, here I sit, frizzy and ticked off, writing this review.  I hope to God this stuff doesn't last seven shampoos.  The smell might kill me.  I could tell you pricing and availability, but save your money, save your time, and just invest in decent shampoo and a flatiron.  Trust me, you'll be much better off.

Blue Jean Baby, L.A. Lady

This afternoon, on my Starbucks run, I saw a flyer advertising a fundraiser for the local ballet, and on it, this picture:

Photo by Britta Rivera

Now, my first thought was, "Wow, that is a gorgeous photo."  My second thought, and what brings me to this post, was, "I totally want to start a new fashion trend."  NO!  I do not want to pull out the old tutus and point shoes and wear them to work!  I'm not completely insane (no comment, Mom), but I love the juxtaposition of the hard, cold vintage jewelry against the filmy material of the dance costume.  The edge and the frills.  How can I make this something I can wear to the mall and not get funny looks?

So, ladies and gents, I issued myself a challenge (CHALLENGE!!!), and created two looks that incorporate ballet-inspired clothing with vintage accessories.  One's for day, the other's for night.  To keep things easy and relatively cheap, all items can be found at Forever21.com.

Look 1:  Day

*Photos by Forever 21
Just so you know, it is really freaking hard to get the pictures lined up in Blogger.  The chiffon top is ballet pink, and has a similar flow to a dance skirt.  The gray rhinestone studded skinny jeans are a nod to the rhinestone fishnet tights coveted by pretty much every dancer I've ever met.  Black suede platform pumps give the height of pointe shoes, and remind me of the moleskin placed on the toes of the dance shoes.  Then we have the "vintage" jewelry in a beautiful amber, with pearl and dark gray rhinestone accents.

Look 2:  Night

*Photos by Forever 21

Now, for look two, we have a chiffon dress with a draped neckline.  Again, the chiffon is reminiscent of a dancer's skirt, and navy is a very classic, elegant color.  Actually, one dance school I attended required navy leotards, come to think of it.  Anyway, I have it paired with black open weave (fishnet) tights with lace seams up the back.  Seamed tights are a ballet staple.  Black ballet slippers with large stone accents complete the outfit.  As for the jewelry, we start with a feathered and jeweled hair clip (Swan Lake, anyone?), then add an ornate bracelet of dark gray stones, coupled with black and gray bangles.  We finish it off with an elaborate black and clear rhinestone ring.

Photo by Britta Rivera

Obviously, these are just examples, but it shows how a little inspiration and a lot of digging can make up some interesting and fun ensembles.  This last picture was just for fun.  Isn't it gorgeous?!  The photographer is Britta Rivera, and I hope she doesn't mind me posting this.  It was on a flyer, after all.  Anyway, these were just too pretty not to share.

Now, it's magic bag o' samples time!!  If you're just joining Adorable Napalm, this is my penance for hording samples for, well, ever.  Every day, I pull one at random and test it out, then review it here.  This morning, with my sinuses going bonkers, I pulled out Juicy Couture's Viva La Juicy eau de parfum.  Yay?  $18-$87, Sephora.com.

According to Sephora:

Can't get enough couture? Well here's even more, for Juicy girls who want it all. Juicy Couture presents Viva La Juicy, an enticing scent of wild berries and mandarins, honeysuckle, gardenia, and jasmine. To round it out, amber, caramel, vanilla, sandalwood, and praline add just the right touch of sweetness. It's bottled in a bold gold decanter decorated with Juicy charms.

According to me:  I wants it, my precious!!!  It's fun, fresh, young, and smells like pralines.  Seriously, the first thing I noticed was the caramel, and while I can note some floral scent now (hours later), I can still detect the sweetness, and I'm in love with it.  This is what I would call a weekend perfume.  You know, you have your everyday scent, and you have your special occasion fragrance.  This is your fun, nothing's planned, but anything can happen perfume.  If you've been reading for a while, you know that I've tried several perfumes now, and have some favorites.  Well, just for fun, I decided to classify them.  Here you go.  Maybe it'll help you pick your own faves.

Juicy Couture Couture Couture (really?  Three Coutures?):  Everyday fragrance.  Sweet, but not saccharine,  and a little sassy.
Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy:  Weekend fragrance.  Sweeter and sassier, but with a little sex appeal with the honeysuckle and jasmine.
Givenchy Hot Couture (what is it with Couture?):  Special Occasion fragrance.  Very sweet, and the raspberry smells like Heaven.  I mean, I really think that's what Heaven will smell like.  It's gorgeous.
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb:  Extreme Special Occasion fragrance.  Weddings (including your own), anniversaries, going anywhere with a dress code, that sort of thing.  Again, very sweet, but this time it's also very innocent.  It also contains ballerina freesia, which just sounds pretty. 

All of these are available at Sephora.com, and all have rollerball options that run in the $20 range.  As my samples run out, that's the route I'm going.

Just Try Explaining Anything Less Than an "A" To Your Parents.

This adorable zombie is only $5 at toofastonline.com!

Those of you who have been keeping up with this blog know by now that I recently wrapped filming on an indie movie.  It's called The Night Shift, and it's a supernatural adventure-horror-comedy.  Basically, it's Indiana Jones meets Ghostbusters, and it features a ton of absolutely adorable zombies. 

To get ready for the shoot, we had all the undead extras attend a one-day makeup workshop.  We called it "Zombie 101", and everyone learned how to apply greasepaint, create mottling, and play with what they wanted their characters to look like.  We all had a blast, but it was not necessarily what I would call "higher learning". 

Well, now you can attend Zombie 101 for real.  Although, technically, it's called English 333 at the University of Baltimore, and it's a heck of a lot more educational. 

The class is taught by Arnold Blumberg, curator of Geppi's Entertainment Museum, and author of Zombiemania.  The class will cover 16 zombie movies, from 1932's White Zombie to 2009's Zombieland, and will examine how the character of the zombie has evolved as a reflection of society.

Blumberg's class is not the first on the topic, and I dare say it won't be the last.  The first class was "Zombies in Popular Media" at Columbia College.   Now, Harvard Medical School professor Steven Schlozman, who has written on the neurophysiology of zombies, has hypothesized that the topic might make for an interesting philosophy class.  I know I'd take it.

Alrighty, enough about school and dead folks.  Now for the magic bag o' samples!  Previously, on Adorable Napalm, Erin tested out Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Gloss in Wild Honey, and was less than impressed.  What will she think of today's re-trial?  The shade up for evaluation:  Sugar Plum.  $15, Sephora.com.

So, yesterday I told you that Wild Honey felt wonderful, but that it really didn't show up on my lips.  Of course, that could have been because it was a very light color and just blended with my natural lip color.  Now that you're all filled in, let's continue.

Sugar Plum looks very dark.  It's a pinky plum, and thick.  You would think this would show up, and you would be wrong.  I had a difficult time applying the gloss because I couldn't see where I'd already put it.  There is no color, no shine, no anything.  It appears to be a wonderful moisturizer, and my lips looked natural, but polished, but I really can't see spending $15 on something that could be accomplished by a tinted drugstore lip balm.  Actually, after lunch (since I only had enough Sugar Plum for one application), I pulled out my $3 e.l.f. Mineral Lipgloss in Trendsetter, and ended up with an almost identical look, albeit slightly glossier (and I do mean slightly).

So, if you're okay with paying $15 for a lip balm, be my guest.  I just can't bring myself to do it.