Inspiration: Vampira

I first discovered the glamorously ghoulish beauty that is Vampira through Tim Burton's incredible biopic Ed Wood, an inspiring tribute to the Worst Director of All Time.  Vampira stole every scene the way only a vampy vixen can and I had to know more about the character.

This siren made a name for herself by slinking across television screens as a late night horror movie hostess on The Vampira Show.  Her waspy waist, eyebrows that exist nowhere in nature, and fingernails more resembling claws were just three of her trademarks.  At the beginning of every show Vampira would sulk toward the camera, let out a bloodcurdling scream, then seductively purr "Screaming relaxes me so!"

She provided sarcastic and double entendre commentary on the films, talked to her pet spider, sipped cocktails from her Poison bar, and encouraged viewers to write her for "epitaphs instead of autographs."  Vampira was all at once witty, spooky, and glamorous, and the audience loved her for it!  In the middle of America's conservative and uptight 1950s, the vamp was a hit.  

Feeling a little glamour ghoulish yourself?  Here are a few modern day beauty essentials to vamp up your vanity.

NARS Trio Eye Shadow, $45
For smoky, beguiling, glittering eyes in vampy colors
Too Faced Close-Up Coverage Foundation, $36: 
Flawless smooth skin in a gorgeous bottle
Hourglass Onyx Film Noir Lash Lacquer, $24: 
To emphasize your long, spidery lashes and accentuate and define your dark eyebrows
NARS Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, $24: 
Blood red lip crayon inspired by another iconic villainess
Bvlgari Jasmin Noir Eau De Parfum, $98: 
What's a vamp vixen without a seductive scent?
Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser, $28
Requisite black and strong enough to dissolve your stage makeup
Chinoise Nail Polish by Rescue Beauty, $18
For glorious blood red talons
Shahnaz Husain Shaeyes Herbal Kohl, $5.98
Line your eyes with cosmetics the ancient Egyptians used...spooky

Maila Nurmi, the woman who created and acted as Vampira herself, explains her inspirations in molding this iconic femme fatale.  Theda Bara, Snow White's Evil Queen, and Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard were all influences.  Maila also explains her theory on Vampira's appeal and how such a scandalous character thrived in the conservative climate of 1950s America.  This interview is a treasure!

The Best Rose Scented Goodies

Roses aren't my favorite flower (that would be tulips), but for a while now I've been obsessed with anything that smells like the gorgeous blossoms.  This current obsession has nothing to do with Valentine's Day, but the timing is definitely appropriate!  Here are some of the best rose-scented goods I could get my hands on.

Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment, $22.50:  The cult favorite lip balm with a beautiful rose tint.  Read my glowing review of the balm here.
Le Labo Rose 31, $145: Originally formulated for men, this fragrance smells just as amazing on the ladies.  Get a sample yourself from LuckyScent!
Korres Wild Rose Face and Eye Serum, $41: Nothing could ever possibly replace Elizabeth Dehn's now discontinued signature rose-scented serum, but I'll grudgingly settle for this version by Korres once I run out.  It smells like roses, too.
Dr. Hauschka Rose Body Oil, $25: Incredible moisture for dry winter skin, either after a shower or poured directly in your bath
Love & Beauty Rose Extract Make-up Cleansing Tissues, $2.80: Thirty cloths for under $3? This is one of the best bargains I've ever found!  It removes makeup just as well as more expensive versions and smells lovely, in addition to calming skin.
Lush Turkish Delight Shower Smoothie, $33: Lush does it best when it comes to bath products.  It's expensive but gives you the softest skin you'll ever have.  And you (and your bathroom!) will smell like roses long after the water has drained.  I wish I could bathe in this stuff!
Pacifica Persian Rose Perfume Roll-on, $12: The best portable rose scent.  Soft and simple.  I just wish it lasted longer.
Demeter Pruning Shears Perfume, $10: I looove the edgy metallic element to this otherwise traditional rose scent.
Lush Rose Jam Bubbleroon, $6: Just half of this bubble bar is enough to fill up your tub with a mountain of glorious rose scented bubbles.  Relax in fragrance while your skin softens to perfection.

2012 Trend: Bright, Bold, and Neon Makeup/Accessories

Since Pantone named Tangerine Tango the color of the year for 2012, the bright trend has been surging again in anticipation of warmer weather.  Bold, punchy lipsticks and nail polishes are debuting in makeup collections everywhere in addition to colorful packaging and accessories.  Here are a few ways to get in on the trend yourself!

 The extra bold can play with bright unusual eyeshadow shades or orange-red lipstick.  For less of a statement try out an orange-pink or sparkly neon purple manicure.  If bright makeup just isn't your thing, you can still get in on the trend with a Tangerine Tango-inspired makeup bag, metallic hot pink eyelash curler, or bright yellow face mask (bonus: it's hibiscus!).

Sephora Eyelash Curler in Rose Quartz
Kat Von D High Voltage Lacquer in Wonderchild
Balm Balm Organic Hibiscus Face Mask
Iris Apfel for MAC Nail Lacquer in Oriole Orange
Sugarpill 4 Color Eyeshadow Palette in Burning Heart
Iris Apfel for MAC Matte Lipstick in Scarlet Ibis
Sephora Hot Hues Orange Bag Collection

Putting this post together brightened up my mood so much I think I need to add a little more color in my life!  What about you?  Will you be in on the bright makeup/accessories trend this year?