Publicity Makeover

I just returned from the most grueling 3-day event I've ever attended…

Have you ever watched "American Idol?"

Well, imagine performing a 2-1/2 minute audition in front of 63 different judges over the course of 3 days:

• Each performance should seem "fresh"…even if it's the 50th time you've said the same thing.
• You need to charm each judge and dazzle them with your personality.
• You must have quick answers to any question they throw at you."

…Basically, you need to be "ON" all the time. Whew! It's completely exhausting!!

No, I wasn't auditioning for "American Idol." I was meeting with producers from various TV and radio shows, as well as magazine and newspaper editors.

Honestly, if I'd known what I was in for, I would never have done it. But, I'm glad I did it (the publicity I'll get is well worth spending 3 days in audition hell)…and, most of all, I'm glad it's over!

So, where does the makeover come in?

Well, the day before I started meeting with all these people, I had an appointment with an image consultant. According to her, I needed a complete overhaul (LOL…my words, not hers).

She kidnapped me for the day…

• Twisted my arm into buying an outfit from Saks.
• Tied me into a chair at Elizabeth Arden's Red Door for a color and a cut.
• Held me down while a make-up artists "brought out my eyes."

…And, basically gave me a "new look."

Was it worth it?

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I'll let these 'before' and 'after' shots speak for themselves (needless to say, I'm happy with the makeover results):

Before

After