Making a Virtual Ass of Myself

1) Face of the Future: Face Transformer

Ever wondered what you might look like as a different race, gender, or age? What about transforming yourself into a classical work of art? The University of St. Andrews has a free face morphing application that does all the work for you, and it only takes seconds. (No software download required.) All you really need is a few minutes and a strong stomach (because the images are so realistic, you might crap yourself in the process!) Click here to try it for yourself.

Below are images of me transformed into an East Asian woman, an African-American woman, a Caucasian man, and an elderly Caucasian woman:

Below are images of me transformed into paintings by Mucha, Botticelli, and Modigliani. There is also one of me as a Manga cartoon character:

2) Sephora.com Mistletoe Makeover

Tucked several clicks into Sephora's site is a tiny "Holiday Card Starring You" graphic along the bottom of the page. The link takes you to a really sophisticated program that allows you to do a virtual makeover (which can be forwarded to friends in the form of an e-card). Unfortunately, as bad luck would have it, mine turned out more like a Taliban glamour shot than a blushing snow bunny. Click here to try it for your self.

3) BeFunky.com Cartoonizer

While you won't get to see yourself in the latest shade of blush, you do have the option of turning yourself into a real life cartoon. In the Be Funky "Cartoonizer," you can warp, sketch and color yourself into cartoon oblivion. Or, you can go the classic comic route with the "Uvatar" tool, which allows you to change just about anything -- hair, clothes, backgrounds, accessories, pets, etc. You can even drop in a move star next to you (like Johnny Depp or Woody Allen) although I would've preferred Karl Lagerfeld. Click here to try it for yourself.

4) MaryKay.com Virtual Makeover

I'm not a big Mary Kay cosmetics fan, but their virtual makeover tool kicks some serious ass. If you're a clown like me, take the "choose your own" route. Or, if you're looking for something more practical, they have some pre-set makeup artist looks. The best part is of the builder is that, in addition to trying on makeup, they let you play with hair too. Although, they are a little heavy in the 'Golden Girls' and 'Designing Women' department (so you can tap into your elderly southern belle?) Click here to try it for yourself.

5) FaceInHole.com Fantasy Photo Maker

I was always a sucker for those "put your face here" picture makers at carnivals. In fact, somewhere in a box hidden away is me at the age of 13 with my head on Sylvester Stalone (decked out as Rambo, of course.) But they were always really cheesy and the skin colors never seemed to match up. Not an issue with the FaceInHole.com builder, which lets you rotate, color correct, etc., then embed images into social network sites and blogs (or download them to your computer). They have a lot of fashion themed templates, including some new animated ones. But my faves were in the art gallery, which means I'll have to go back and play some other time. Click here to try it for yourself.

6) DailyMakeover.com Makeover Studio

While the Makeover Studio wasn't full of surprises (it's almost identical to the Mary Kay application as far as functionality), there were a lot of enhanced features that peaked my interest. You can 'try on' celebrity looks just by clicking their picture (see my "Jenny McCarthy" below). And you can share your makeover with other site members and expert stylists. You can try out products from different brands (which can then be purchased on the site). And, while the 'basic' membership is free and will keep you busy your first go around, you will have to cough up some cash if you want to play on a regular basis. Click here to try it for yourself.