Best of 2001: Best Vacation From Yourself

Buffalo Breath Costume Company
2050 Hancock Street, Old Town
619-297-1175
www.buffalobreath.com

The ultimate getaway doesn't have to be somewhere else. Why not be someone else instead? Without the physical and fiscal pain of plastic surgery. Buffalo Breath Costume Company has everything you need to rearrange your face for around $50, including hair, teeth and a newly dimpled chin (double the digits if the new-you demands clothing and accessories). "A basic makeup kit with different color assortments runs $12 and comes with creme foundation, rouge and shadowing shades, an eyeliner pencil, face Powder, three foam sponges and one stipple sponge. Makeup remover costs $68 per gallon. "Facial appliqués like a nose or a chin run $2.50 to around $15.00," a store clerk explains. "They're usually [made of] latex, you stick them to your face with liquid latex bond [$3.50 per bottle], which is like glue but flesh colored and rubbery." Be careful where you spread, though. "Only put it on over a clean shaven area, otherwise it'll will rip the hair out when you pull the latex off." Discounts on full costumes are available when purchased with masks, makeup and hair. "We have a realistic looking Elvis wig, kind of a fifties greaser style, for $27.50." The website, www.buffalobreath.com, provides shoppers with an electronic product catalog (minimum purchase $25).