If you are an ’80s or a even a ’90s baby and grew up in any suburban area (or Times Square in New York City), you know the specific glory and subsequent shame of indulging in an all-you-can-eat extravaganza at Olive Garden (also known as my high school boyfriend’s restaurant of choice when he wanted to take me somewhere “fancy”).
I don’t care how high you may rise in life; to a certain demographic of folks, the prospect of unlimited salad and breadsticks will forever hold a certain garlicky allure—but aside from the inevitable fallout of a messy marinara, would you willingly wear it on your face?
This was my question when I read that Olive Garden was teasing a makeup palette inspired by its famously large pasta dishes. As reported by Marie Claire:
The restaurant tweeted a photo of a makeup palette this week, and it’s got some amazingly cheesy, Italian food-themed names. See: Alfredo Awesome, Royal Ravioli, and Spaghetti Sparkle eyeshadows, plus Breadstick Bronzer and Marinara Rouge.
Great. Now, I’m hungry.
But despite enthusiastic response from a lunatic fringe fans of the franchise, thankfully the palette is currently just a twinkle in Olive Garden’s eye—and a great way to get free press on beauty pages for their new breadstick subscription box.
It did get me thinking, though; what other franchises would translate to interesting makeup? I mean, think of the color possibilities of an IHOP “Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘n’ Fruity” palette ... or a Popeye’s three-piece “Extra Spicy” bronzer and “Biscuit” highlighter set ... or ...
OK, I really am hungry.