Packaging isn’t everything, but the “bells and whistles” of gorgeous, clever product casings, to a large extent, makes a diff. Beauty, per Stendhal, is “the promise of happiness,” and those consumed with beauty enough to make it a lifestyle (ahem, moi) can be blinded by the pretty. Of course, there are examples of divinely packaged gems that wrap up utterly useless cosmetics. I’m happy to report that with Napoleon Perdis‘ adorable boudoir-fodder, its inner beauty doesn’t just make a cameo; it stays and drains the party of champagne. I am newly OBSESSED with this brand, and especially with the fact that they feature pro tips on each product.

In particular, Napoleon Perdis Lip Service ($25) is a must-have. I envision this one establishing residency in my handbag throughout the tenure of Fashion Week. Comprised of Vitamin E and subtly infused with menthol, it glosses up your pout just enough… but not so much that it makes your lipstick application that ensues reminiscent of a slip n’ slide. You know? I lurve the retro-glam aviator who lives on the tube. I fear that I’ll have a Napoleon Dynamite-style “Can I borrow your guys’s phone” situation should I misplace my container of Lip Service. The entire convo, for your reference:

Napoleon Dynamite: Hey can I use your guys’s phone for a sec?
Secretary No. 1: Is there anything wrong?
Napoleon Dynamite: I don’t feel very good.
[takes telephone and dials number]
Kip: [making nachos on the other side of the line] Hi.
Napoleon Dynamite: Is grandma there?
Kip: No, she’s getting her hair done.
Napoleon Dynamite: Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…
Kip: What do you need?
Napoleon Dynamite: Can you just go get her for me?
Kip: I’m really busy right now.
Napoleon Dynamite: Just tell her to come get me.
Kip: Why?
Napoleon Dynamite: Cause I don’t feel good!
Kip: Well, have you talked to the school nurse?
Napoleon Dynamite: No, she doesn’t know anything. Will you just come get me?
Kip: No.
Napoleon Dynamite: Well, will you do me a favor then? Can you bring me my chapstick?
Kip: No, Napoleon.
Napoleon Dynamite: But my lips hurt real bad!
Kip: Just borrow some from the school nurse. I know she has like five sticks in her drawer.
Napoleon Dynamite: I’m not gonna use hers, you sicko!
Kip: See ya.
[Kip hangs up]
Napoleon Dynamite: Uh! Idiot!

Also, if this never-ending recession is leaving you few dollars for a back-to-school slash work beauty wardrobe, be sure to check out Napoleon Perdis’ easier-on-the-wallet line for Target, NP Set.