Atlantic Blue Eyeshadow

The number of newly unemployed in the United States now equals the size of three cities. I visualize them on a map: Obsoletopolis in the Midwestern Rustbelt, Techbustfield out west, and Down Size to the east. Each would have a flag with a light pink field. Therefore, it seems somewhat timely to discover that the supplied eyeshadow offers not only an alluringly ambiguous shade of midnight blue, but a sales opportunity: starter kits for would-be representatives are advertised at the site with two sizes available. 

There are plenty of reasons to avoid industrial cosmetics, even though poisoning oneself in the name of beauty is a long-standing tradition: Elizabethan cosmetics included concoctions of lead and mercury. Contemporary make-up is also chock-full-of-toxins, including known carcinogens. Zana Cosmetics offers U.S.-manufactured all-natural products, apparently “extra-pigmented,” non-animal-tested, paraben and fragrance free and mineral-based. “Our formulas are created with vitamins and antioxidants to be extra gentle to the skin.” Yes, I read The Beauty Myth, but personally view the choice to wear make-up as rather low on the scale of pressing social concerns. Cixous would suggest a more nuanced interpretation of the relations of aesthetics, pleasure and power.

Years ago, one (gay, male) acquaintance shared the following “joke”: “Why do women wear make-up and perfume? Because they look ugly and smell bad.” It was reported that John McCain heaped similar insults on his wife in front of journalists during the campaign. Charming. Once again, women can't win. If you don't wear make-up, you are neglecting yourself and your civic feminine duty—or revealing your innate hideousness. If you do, it is evidence of inadequacy. Also, it's telling and inevitable that the consumerist culture generates products and perceived needs: more toiletries for men are now available. The eyeshadow applies smoothly and wears for an acceptable duration. I'll smear some above my own baby-blues and go perch in a public place to let you know how it works.

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