Red Lipstick

I know it’s not clothes but it’s my blog and I’ll post what I want!!  Besides technically you wear lipstick.   The idea for this post came to me this weekend. I decided to brave the mobs and go shopping on Black Friday.  I rolled out of bed after Eleanor enthusiastically  ran into my room screaming about sales.  I threw on leggings, an oversized shirt and uggs, put my hair in a bun and was ready to roll.  I was not putting any effort into my appearance that day because I had only slept for about 3 hours.  Besides I highly doubted anyone else would be looking good at 4am.  Then as I was walking around the mall I noticed one particular girl.  She had on an ensemble very similar to mine.  Something modest and ordinary, except for her bright red lipstick.  I was a little taken aback by how much it made her stand out from the rest of us zombie like shoppers.  All from a simple application of make up.

This girl really got me thinking.  This has got to be the the easiest way to “dress up”.  You can be in the most basic outfit let’s say tee shirt, skinny jeans and flats.  Smear on some red lips and suddenly ....you’re interesting....seductive even.  That bright red pout adds this incredible element of drama.  Now you’re unique, quirky and edgy.  You stand out a bit and it’s just plain fun.  

It’s a bold but simple accessory that most people don’t take advantage of.  I can understand why.  It’s easy enough to apply but you literally have to maintain it all day/night.  Like any lipstick it wears off however, with red is that it’s way more noticeable when it does.  After a few hours you can end up looking like you applied liner but forgot to fill in the rest.  This is not a cute look.  Ever.  It’s just as bad as dark lip liner with light lipstick.  You all know what I’m talking about.   

As much of a pain in the ass as it may be I still love this look.  It never goes out of style.  It looks good on everyone.  It can be worn with just about any outfit for any occasion.  I think I need to start sporting the red lips more often.   Here are a couple quick tips I’ve learned along the way:  

1. Exfoliate first.  It takes like 2 seconds.  Get a wash cloth, run it under warm water and      gently scrub your lips.  Chapped or dry lips are gross and it makes your make up look like shit.  

2. Use lip liner.  The catch is you need to apply it to your entire lip.  It helps avoid “bleeding” and will make it last longer

3. To avoid red teeth:  After you’ve applied and blotted put your finger in your mouth.  Put your lips around it and pull your finger out.  I know how pornographic this sounds and it looks just as bad when you’re doing it.  It totally works though 

4. Gloss is great but I find it makes the lipstick wear off faster so I tend to avoid it. I just stick with a moisturizing lipstick.

5. Find a color that works with your skin tone.  Play around with a few different shades till you find something you like.  Sometimes you can end up looking like you’re wearing orange lipstick.  

6. Take it easy on the eye make up when going with red lips.  Otherwise you could end up looking like a hooker.

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