No, this is not the result of my anti-aging-cream-on-half-my-face experiment.

If you just can't get enough of my bombshell makeover (clearly I can't), click here! I've written about the experience on AOL's MyDaily. I'd love it if you'd comment over there--comment registration is a matter of clicking on a link in your e-mail, and you won't get spam. Plus, check out the cool roll-over graphic of my face. Fun!

I've been surprised by how much the experience has stuck with me. As Eden DiBianco—the makeup wizard who made it happen—told me, "I think people are so quick to dismiss the effect an experience like that can have on someone! Anything that takes you out of your normal routine and makes you reexamine the way you think and live is a valuable tool."

And it's been just that. It's been fun to write about the lasting physical effects--i.e. lipstick!--but it's harder to write about the newfound awareness it's given me of my back-and-forth opposing desires to be seen by the world and to play wallflower. I'd file this under "beauty experiment" (speaking of which: update on the half-face anti-aging cream experiment coming soon!) but the fact is it's a project, not a dabbling, to be at peace with the daily choices I make in self-presentation.