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The management of lipstick is one of the banes of my existence. I have a thousand tubes of it, in a dozen different shades, and I almost
always wear Carmex instead.
That would be fine if I were twenty, or even thirty, but I’m not, and here is an honest to god rule for the over-40 female set: do not have your picture taken without lipstick. In fact, don’t go out in the world without lipstick. You will look older than you are, because your lips are leeching color like a balloon left out in the sun.
I was raised by Southern women who would no more appear in public without full dress makeup and pressed blouses than wander naked to the grocery store. My mother can put her lipstick on perfectly without ever looking into a mirror, or even at the shiny end of the tube, and she is never, ever without it. After she eats, she whips out that tube of coral lipstick, swipes it on, blots it with the coral-kissed tissue she always has in her purse, and she’s done. If she’s wandering around the house doing the dishes, she’s wearing lipstick. If you show up at the door and she’s not applied it lately, she’ll excuse herself and go put some on.
I, however, I grew up in the seventies. In Colorado. Makeup was “plastic,” so we didn’t wear any that didn’t keep you looking perfectly natural. You can get away with the natural look at seventeen. Not so much…uh…past 40. And I’m a professional woman. I teach, I travel, I go to book groups and luncheons. I want to look like a grownup when I go, not some refuge from the hippie seventies.
So I started practicing with lipstick. Corals, because that seemed logical. But I have quite olive skin, unlike my Irish mother and grandmother. Coral was not great. I gravitated to pinks, because I read somewhere that soft shiny pinks will make you look dewy.
Not me. Plus they feel sticky.
Berries are supposed to be good for everyone, and I do have several tubes of berry lipsticks, and I like most of them for a day. I keep one in my purse and one in my gym bag because somebody told me once that if you get stuck anywhere, you need at least a lipstick.
What I really love are red lipsticks. Bold reds, not the orangy shades, but the clear, honest crimsons. They look good on me, too, bringing out the blue of my eyes and giving my complexion a nice warmth. I learned to wear red lipstick in Paris with my friend Sonia, and it looks just right there. But red seems awfully blowsy for an outdoorsy town where most people wear performance gear even to the office.
Which brings me back to Carmex. It’s shiny. It’s cheap. I have discovered I can stain my lips with the red, then cover them with Carmex and I look healthy but outdoorsy. It’s not perfect, but it’s what I’ve got.
How about you? Are you adept with lipstick? How did you discover your best shades? Have any tips for me?
I don’t wear lipstick. I wear moisturising lip glosses. Some have a faint tinge of pink/red colour, but most are clear. I am happy with these.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 3:48 am.
You probably have better lipcolor than I do, Mary.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:42 am.
Since I don’t wear cosmetics due to allergies, I don’t usually wear lipstick since it would look out of place. My lip wear of choice is Carmex or Neosporin LT Lip Treatment.
As for color, you might try Tangee lipstick, available through the Vermont Country Store. It comes out of the tube a bright orange, of all things, but goes on your lips in the shade appropriate for your coloring (in my case, a pretty rose). I was pretty impressed by it.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 4:03 am.
Tangee is ringing a bell….
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:42 am.
I don’t go by skin colour (which is a very pale olive complexion), I tend to go by what colour I have dyed my hair. I have a few pinks and plums but more reds and browns because I love how my lips look in a good red lippy and even better it makes my teeth look whiter too. I use the brown lippy when I want to make a bigger deal of my eyes since Cosmopolitin recommends that you only make an impact of one of your features so I usually do either my eyes or my lips as you can see in my avatar I was doing my eyes in that photo and my hair was that lovely bold red colour (now it is a lovely shade of golden brown all ready for late summer/early autumn).
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 4:36 am.
That red is very pretty, and I love that you change the color for the season. Mine is always the same–greater and lesser degrees of blond.
I’ve read that, too–eyes or lips, not both.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:43 am.
I’m sorry but I can’t help you with your dilemma here. I grew up with a house full and neighborhood full of boys. Make up of really any sort was no where to be found. Even today I do mascara and that’s about it. However, I do work outside, and always have a tube of Blistex on me at all times! I think people would fall over if I actually wore make up!
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 6:53 am.
If you work outside, that makes sense, even if you didn’t grow up with boys. Whenever I’m in the mountains or hanging out anywhere outside for any length of time, I lose the make-up instantly.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:44 am.
My mom and I actually went to a make up artist last year before my cousin got married. Neither of us had ever purchased make up before… Most days I don’t wear anything, but if I need a pick me up, I’ll put on some eye liner. My lips are fairly pink so even with lipstick the color doesn’t change. Maybe that will change in a decade when I’m turning 40.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:57 am.
Or not…maybe you’ll be one of the lucky ones that keeps a lot of lip color. It does happen.
Maybe it would be helpful to go to a make-up counter!
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:45 am.
That is a really good question Barbara! I honestly don’t like lipstick. I’ve tried every shade known to man over the years but it all feels cakey and sticky to me. I prefer a light gloss instead or a lipliner with clear something or another over it. I don’t wear color much, only when I’m going somewhere important. Work, school or to the store, they are lucky if I’ve used blistex
. I do have glosses in a few colors. I have clear, a deep red berry one and also a lighter berry colored one. They suffice for most things especially when I mix them with a lipliner.
On a side note, I do wear makeup pretty much every day. I don’t like the tone of my skin so I need something. I use that natural powdery foundation stuff (Neutragena’s version of bare minerals), eyeliner and mascara, and blush. Sometimes I use eyeshadow but not always. During the summer, it is definitely less due to how much we’re out at the beach or pool (NE Florida)
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:04 am.
That’s part of my problem, Jen. I don’t like the feeling of lipstick, and it also feels like it dries my lips out even worse than they are already.
I wear makeup if I leave the house…basics, just light foundation, blush, mascara-but I feel self conscious about my skin, too.
The clear, deep berry sounds good.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:47 am.
Of all my make up, I miss lipstick the most!
.
I used to wear makeup and have my hair done perfectly when I worked as a hairstylist in my 20s. now, after 20+ yrs of childcare, my hair is long for easy ponytails and makeup is a thing of the past. Since I’m not working at all right now, I have no use for it other than a quick rub of 15spf sunblock when I go outside-even in winter people, the sun can damage your skin!
In my 20s, I went clubbing. A LOT
and my fav lipstick was a deep red by Shiseido. It cost a ridiculous amount even then but it was worth it. it felt like nothing on, had staying power and I looked fabulous!
For my fair skin now, I wear Dr Pepper Lipsmacker. It’s the perfect tint and keeps my lips moist. I’m not crazy about smelling or tasting it all the time but until I find a scent free version, I’ll use it.
The last time I wore a full-on face of makeup, it was July at my nephew’s wedding. It had been so long between ‘faces’, I had to go out and buy makeup. I couldn’t believe how expensive it all is for a gal on a strict budget. Luckily one of my sis’s works at a drugstore makeup counter..and she also works at a jewelry store- so CA-ching! discounts for sisters!
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:06 am.
Lipsmackers!! I used to have one with me all the time. I didn’t know they still made them. Are they still in the big fat tube?
Make up really is hideously expensive. Mascara pains me the most because it doesn’t last very long.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:48 am.
They still make lipsmackers. My 7 yr old must have 100 of them floating around the house. The tubes are now the same size as a regular chapstick.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:02 pm.
I only wear lipstick when I have on make up, which isn’t often. I rarely go anywhere. I don’t put make up on to hit the grocery store, bank, post office, though I probably should.
I found the best shades by trial and error. I have a drawer full of no-goes. I did find one great shade by going to the make up counter and letting them “do” my make up one day.
My favorite thing to wear on my lips though is Avon chapstick. Like Carmex, it’s shiny.
I can put on lipstick without looking in a mirror, but my mother informs me this won’t last. According to her, lips shrink with age and soon I’ll have lipstick on my chin and nose if I keep that up.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:14 am.
I really should try the makeup counter idea. Maybe that would be the way to find the right shade for conferences & such things.
But I will admit I am intimidated by department store makeup counter women! They always look so polished and perfect and beautiful!
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:50 am.
And a little plastic . . .
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:20 pm.
Well….yes. That.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:24 pm.
I love lipstick, but like everyone else, make up is kind of a non-thing for me. However, I was able to go to a real make up counter in a real department store a little over a year ago, and the gal there showed me how to take lip liner, tint my overall lips, and let it sit. This stuff doesn’t go anywhere for about eight hours. Then, she pulled out a nice gloss with a little glitter in it and put it over the color, giving it depth. The best part is that to set the liner you can’t eat, drink or lick your lips for about 5 minutes. After it is set, there is no taste. Then, the gloss was like a lip balm with glitter. Both were light pinks and went well with my skin.
I’ve got a very light skin tone with dark hair and eyes, so, real reds are out for me. I look like a clown, even though I really, really want to wear red.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:19 am.
So maybe I should stop apologizing for my love of red lipstick and just go for it!
That sounds like a great, great trick, Amanda, and I’m going to try it. Thank you.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:51 am.
I dont wear make up but hardly. apprently the way my skin looks, it looks like I am already wearing really light eye shadow and foundation (this I was told by the make up people at the department store) I am not big on lip stick but if it is colored lip gloss I am all for it, and if it is around naturals it is a go. reds look horrible on me…I have golden olive skin and red just makes me look well trampy..lol…and I wouldnt be caught dead in any kind of corral or bright pink.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:24 am.
Judging by your photo, you don’t need makeup to look stunning! And natural is so much easier and better if you can get away with it.
The corals are really great when they’re great, but AWFUL when they’re bad.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:52 am.
aww thank you…that is one of my no make up photos…lol…my sister can wear corrals I just cant, I look like an italian barbie…lol
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:59 am.
Worse things than an Italian Barbie…LOL
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:24 pm.
I can’t remember the last time I wore make-up. Every once in a while I remember to put on lipstick. I have a handful of tubes in various shades…mauves and browns. When I worked I never wore make-up to the office.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:25 am.
I envy you, Sandi. I think people who look good without makeup have much better skin than I do.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:53 am.
I am the worst at picking out lipstick, so I would be no help at all on what shades look good. If I find one that looks good I usually stick with it, and hope it doesn’t get discontinued.
For my skin tone, I stick with either berries or lighter browns. Right now I am using a fawn colour (I think it’s L’oreal), but I top it off with a berry gloss and then blot. I like the mixture of the 2. Also, the gloss keeps my lips moist becasue the lipstick I am using is the everlasting kind which tends to be dry.
I probably only use lipstick 2-3 times a week. For the rest of the time I just use Softlips in cherry flavour. I don’t wear makeup as much as I used to. Being a stay at home mom, I don’t see the point sometimes.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:25 am.
That’s a good idea, to mix them. My friend Christie Ridgway is really good at mixing two colors, and she always looks very polished.
PS I love your avatar. I notice it every day and keep meaning to tell you. It’s so darling!
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:54 am.
Thank goodness other women have this problem! I have many shades and only one or two that I like. Goodness only knows if they look good. I am fairly adept at my eye makeup but a total dolt on lipstick. Let’s all skip out of work today and go to a makeup counter!
Any tips? God no! Hopefully reading the post today will help me too. Then we can all look like Goddesses
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:09 am.
Kez, I vote on all of us visiting the makeup counter today!! I’m better at eyes, too, though I desperately wish for better eyelashes.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:55 am.
I have two tubes of lipstick and at the moment, I don’t know where of them is. I just don’t wear it. I’m sure I need to, but I’m more of a chapstick sort of gal. I’ve always heard you should either emphasize your eyes or your mouth, but not both, so I emphasize my eyes. It just seems like a lot of effort to keep putting on lipstick, although they have those stains that supposedly last forever.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:10 am.
Yeah, that’s what I think, too….it’s a headache to keep lipstick looking good. Plus if I use the everlasting kind, they chap my lips terribly.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:56 am.
Totally OT but love the new winter website header. So cute!!!!
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:12 am.
I mostly wear a very neutral brown color. It is my everyday look. I use a med brown ip liner, blend it, and then wear the very pale brown (without any orange pigment) loreal lip gloss. It goes with everything. Once in a while I wear a red or a deep plum, but my brownish mauve is my everyday color. You might like it too.
I live in NY, and must wear something on my lips at all times or else be cursed with chapped lips.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:17 am.
Several of you have talked about lip liner, which I have not used very much. It helps prevent creep, doesn’t it? And you match the color to you lips or the lipstick, nothing too garish.
Must try some.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:58 am.
I am so not adept at lipstick color. I wear natural and it doesn’t seem to serve any purpose. So I try and choose a color and I end up picking the same colors I wear on my toes. It’s like I am incapable of choosing anything but dark plummy colors.
As for women over 40 going out into the world? I would also add eyebrow pencil. That’s the next thing to disappear from your face
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:25 am.
Another thing I don’t really know how to use. Although I have pretty aggressive eyebrows. I have had them done for photos and it makes a difference.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:59 am.
I’m 41 and still have good color in my lips…thank god :p That said I do have lipstick and wear it for certain things. Generally I forget to wear it because when I first got into makeup I loathed the taste of it. Because even though it’s on your lips you still taste it. I also hate that high glossy look because that’s just not me and like you said, feels sticky. I found good colors for me as an adult by going to the Chanel makeup counter at Nordstroms and let them make me over. It worked.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:29 am.
I can’t believe you guys! Am I the only one who wears make-up (and lipstick) every day? Because I do. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: My wearing make-up is my public service to the community.
Lipsticks: Revlon Colorstay. Fabulous stuff. You can get it at any drug store, costs less than $10 a tube, stays on for about 5 hours, and is NOT sticky. You honestly don’t know you’re wearing it.
I have lipstick in my bathroom for my morning “putting on my face” ritual, in my purse, in my kitchen, in my powder room, and in my office. I even put on clear gloss before I go to bed—moisturizing, doncha know.
My lipstick colors: anything but red or pink. I can do dark coral, mocha pink, terracotta, coffee berry. My skin color: medium golden. My eye color: golden brown. Lip color—must stay in this color family. Or that’s been my working theory for most of my life.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:36 am.
Claudia, you’re a goddess of the highest measure! I do wear makeup most of the time. It’s just lipstick that flummoxes me.
So the Colorstay doesn’t try out your lips?
Thanks for the tips.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:01 pm.
Colorstay is wonderful. It doesn’t dry out your lips. It doesn’t flake off. I will wipe off, so when you use a napkin, off it comes, but it will stay on through drinking and eating. Great lipstick and TONS of colors.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 5:12 pm.
I love Carmex and am a huge chapstick fan. If I wear make-up, I do put on the lipstick. I’ve learned to always wear shades of plum or terracottas. Usually I wear a colored lip gloss.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:42 am.
You always look great at conferences, Rachel.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:41 pm.
Not to be vain but I’m lucky to be an attractive woman. I’ve always looked younger than I am and so far have been aging well but I take good care of myself. Or try to. I had worn makeup for many years and I look really different when I do and people would just make the biggest deal about it. It made me really uncomfortable and I used to love playing with different colors and looks. With lipsticks though I love Revlon Colorstay too. It doesn’t go anywhere and it’s not sticky.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:45 am.
That’s not vain, that’s reality. My theory is that every woman on the planet knows exactly where she stands on the attractiveness scale, so kudos to you for being real with it.
Must try the Colorstay.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:43 pm.
here’s a tip to find out your colour.
Apply the tester shade to your hand. outside of palm, near the base of your thumb and the beginning of your wrist.
That section rarely tans, so it’s the same shade as your face, and you can easily wipe it off.
I never use the tester on my lips as young girls tend to and you don’t want to share those germs!
Plus what looks good in the tube, looks different next to skin tone.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:59 am.
I may not wear make-up often, but know the secrets! lol
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:00 am.
Kathy, thanks for the tip! I have seen people do that, but never knew why. (And I’m shuddering at the idea of using the lipsticks from the counter on my mouth! )
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:02 pm.
OK, Mz Fresh hooked me up with this stuff: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. It is TINTED!! and nourishing!! So you get a light tint to your lips (they have various shades of the tint) and it helps with the dryness of CO. It’s a beautiful thing.
When I am not adorning my lips with my plum Fresh sugar, I have shades that are more toward plums with some brownish. I LOVE reds, but I am horrible about reapplying color and with red, you have to. I also have a hard time finding those gorgeous crimsons (ok, I don’t look very hard.. but still) I did notice that the rigth shade of red almost compliments me enough to where I don’t need other makeup.
I also have a big collection of lip liners that I use as a matte lipstick most of the time rather than just a liner. The matte lipsticks tend to stay on longer, though are not glossy.
and gloss just feels gooey to me.. so not my thing.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:43 am.
Okay, I’ll look for the Fresh Sugar stuff. And I can see that red would work for you, too. It seems as if it shouldn’t for me, but it really does, and I find the same thing is true…if I wear red lipstick, I don’t even need mascara. I wore it last year to present a RITA and it was the first time I didn’t practically barf over the photos later.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:04 pm.
Sephora has it (and you are getting a standalone store!!!) it is pricey, but lasts forever and my lips actually say “thank you” when I put it on.
no barfing, you are beautiful.. but yeah, I can see a kick butt red looking good on you.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:12 pm.
What??? Sephora? Coming HERE? Oh, be still my heart.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:42 pm.
I saw it, I saw it! Opening April 13!
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:25 pm.
shocker that we have one here in Halifax too!lol
I yet to step in it though.
that and bath and body works in the mall closest to me
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:54 pm.
Uggh, you’ve just depressed me. I am in my mid-30′s and have a strong aversion for lip stick. I find them sticky and am utterly self conscience when I am wearing them. I feel as though everyone is staring at my lips. I know, ridiculous, but I can’t help it. I can appreciate how nice it looks on others or in photos, but just cannot get over my lipstick complex. I find I much prefer moisturizing lipglosses. I love a faint nude by neutragena. I suppose I will have to visit sephora and ask them in assisting me with an appropriate lipstick selection especially since my lips will soon appear bloodless and lifeless
I do agree a lipstick can dress up an appearance, but since I am a stay at home mom of 4 my attire typically is comprised of black yoga pants and a sweatshirt. My lipgloss goes fabulous with this attire 
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:59 am.
Jeanelle, there used to be a television commercial that had a woman complaining about lipstick colors and she said, “I don’t want to feel like I walk in a room and everyone says, ‘Here comes Julie’s lips!’”
That’s how I feel do.
Amen to yoga pants!
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:05 pm.
Kathy,
You should wear make-up! Just because you aren’t going ‘out’ doesn’t mean that you can’t wear make-up. I was like you… ponytail, no make-up, sweats and/or jumpers since I homeschooled for 10+ years. But then I was sitting one day and just wasn’t thrilled with my existence. I looked back on my 20′s and wondered what I loved back then that I don’t do now. Shoes and make-up…. So, everyday I wear make-up and put on a sharp pair of shoes. At first everyone said “What you all made up for?” or “Where you going?” And I told them that I just wanted to spruce up the temple a bit. Now everyone is used to me wearing make-up and don’t comment. I don’t wear heavy 80′s stuff, but a bit of eye shadow in a semi-neutral color, mascara, light foundation and lipstick. Takes me 10 minutes tops now… I’m worth 10 minutes and I have found that everyone and my kids react to me more seriously now. I’m not a wallflower but someone of more importance. I think it is the visual but also I feel essentially better about myself daily.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:06 pm.
Angela, I made that promise to myself a year or two ago–just put on the basics and do a little something to my hair and I feel better whenever I look in the mirror, or if someone comes to the door.
“Sprucing up the temple.” Perfect.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:45 pm.
I like the lip glosses from Bath and Body Works (I have a more olive complexion and I like the Plum Mint–just a berry shaded stain with mint flavor, too). I also LOVE the Sugar and Butter stick from Jane Iredale. It’s not cheap, but it just feels nice. There is a brown sugar end to use to get the dead skin off your lips, then you use the lip color. It’s kind of a soft pinkish brown. It’s really natural looking. They also have a Phoenix Sugar & Butter that is raising money for breast cancer research, which is a GREAT cause, but the color isn’t right for me–it’s too light of a pink. I would look like I was trying to look 12. They have really great products, but they are pretty pricey. I only splurge once in while. I usually stick to more neutral shades in the berry tone, but I do like a good red–I just like the darker reds rather than the brighter ones.
I really don’t wear make up much anymore. When I am actually going somewhere important, then I do. I actually used to work in a Merle Norman Studio when I was first married, so I can get completely made up in less than 10 minutes and just do a quick ‘natural’ look in 3.
The hub is always amazed that I don’t take forever to do my makeup. I used to never go anywhere without mascara and lip gloss, but my allergies have gotten so bad that my eyes itch a lot and my mascara was a mess, so I stopped wearing it all the time.
I really like Herpecin L. The hub gets cold sores, so we always have some around the house. Plus, it really moisturizes your lips and heals the skin during the winter when they crack and peel. You can’t use too much, though. It has a white tint, so you can look washed out if you use too much.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:07 pm.
One tip from my time at Merle Norman, if you buy a tube of red and it looks too bright once you actually put it on, rather than just sticking it in a drawer or throwing it away, you can buy a liner to compliment it. I bought a liner that was like an dark brownish red color, and apply that to my entire upper and lower lip, then put three dabs of the lipstick on my lower lip and two on the upper, and smooth it out with my finger. You can add more of the red according to what looks good on you. That tones down the red and makes it more complimentary, and you don’t feel like you’ve wasted you money. Plus, with the liner as a matte color under the lipstick, it helps the color to stay longer.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:16 pm.
I have timed my routine because I always complain about it…9 minutes from wet hair to finished face. I should never be less than perfectly together for that amount of time. And yet…..
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:26 pm.
Also, there are so many lipstick brands out there that use different formulas. I have found one that is smooth like butter, not weird tasting or cakey feeling like our grandma’s.
I generally use European companies for my lipstick and make-up. European women are very particular about what they put on their face. Italian lipstick is the best! It is soft, lots of emollients, and the colors last. Palladio is a great brand.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:10 pm.
Smooth like butter sounds like my kind of lipstick. What is it, Angela?
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:49 pm.
I don’t leave the house without makeup on my face. My lipstick is from Clinique and is called Think Bronze. It’s just a little darker than my natural lip color, so not red, but not pink either. I live in fear of Clinique discontinuing this color which I have worn for 21 years now. I do recommend visiting a makeup counter at a department store, they are pretty good at getting your colors to enhance your face.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:12 pm.
I like lip color with moisturizer in it. Modern lip stains are pretty terrific. I’ve tried the kind that are supposed to last for 18 hours, but like you, I didn’t enjoy the stickiness aspect. My favorite lipstick is a peachy-pink. Seems to go best with my skin tone.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 12:48 pm.
I have to wear a lipstick that has a mositureizer along with it… I find that I change my colour according to the season.. for spring and summer I go a little bit bolder and in the autumn and winter I go a little bit more muted.. I wear a somthing with a plum/mauve colour for winter,I use Lancome with SPF 12 called Perfect Fig. In the summer I use Lancome Juciy Tubes colour called Tickled Pink. In the winter I also use Loreal’s Infalliable Pumping lipgloss called Pumped Plum, if I am just going somewhere casual.
These days i find that I need a little bit more Plump in my lips…
When I am just running out to the store or the bank or library.. just somewhere casual, I found the perfect somthing that I can use if I dont’ want to wear the full fondation, it is by Clarins and is called Instant Light.. you just put a little bit on your face and smooth into skin. It is a Complexion Perfector. You can also use it with your fondation too. When I use it alone, I just put on a little blush and I am good to go..
When I use it with my fondation, I put a little fondation and mis in a litle of the Face lightner together and wow what a difference.. I found the older I get he more help I need…
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 1:16 pm.
I have the Juicy Tubes too! I got a whole pack at Christmas that they had as a promotion. They taste good too.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 1:57 pm.
I love the plumpers, too. I was skeptical at first, but they really do make the lips look nicer.
For the quick “look better” look, I love mineral powders. I keep some in my gym bag for days when I’m in a hurry but still want to take a shower before I go home.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:53 pm.
Oh another great product is Eyebrow Masscara.. I am not great at doing my eyebrows and after I shape them I use a little bit of this to blend in.. It’s great and made by Lancome’
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 1:18 pm.
I was just wondering the other day if they had such a product, Kathleen. I’m going to look for it. Eyebrows, like lush lips, make a face look sensual to me.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:55 pm.
I hate wearing traditional lipstick mostly because I cringe when it leaves marks on cups and napkins. I’ve tried the “stay on all day” kind but it dried out my lips tremendously.
I am a lip gloss girl. Always have been. Remember the kind that you used to roll on? I had tons of those. My favorite right now is Juiced Berry Beauty Rush by Victoria’s Secret. I love love love it! And it adds a bit of shimmer too.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 1:55 pm.
That trail of lipstick marks makes me think of my mom and grandmother.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:56 pm.
OH!
on another blog topic of yours, Did you see the Big Bang Theory boys playing Settlers of Catan last night?? hilarious double entrendres
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 1:58 pm.
NO! I didn’t see that….too bad! I’ll have to go find it online or something. My beloved adores that show. Surprised he didn’t catch it.
(Oh, I know why…I took over the TV to watch back to back episodes of DVR’d Downton Abbys)
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:51 pm.
I often forget to put it on. I guess once I pass my 40th birthday I better start remembering
I do not like red on me, but only because it looks so THERE. I am better off with soft mauves and light berries. I have a lot of lipstick for someone who forgets to wear it most days.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:06 pm.
I had to go look at my lipstick, but I couldn’t remember what brand it was! Cover Girl. I like this one because it stays, is matte (which is ESSENTIAL) and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. I always put Chapstick on first, then apply the lipstick. I find it moisturizes my lips better and the lipstick goes on smoother. I never wear lip-liner, makes me feel like Selena. I tend to sort of rub my lips around so the color looks pretty natural. I’m so lucky to have been blessed with the plump lips from my dad’s side. My mom despairs of her thin lips.
Since I have dark brown hair and eyes and fairly pale skin, I tend to stick to roses/neutrals. I can wear dark red, but I don’t because it makes me feel like a hooker. I CANNOT ever wear frosts, orange-toned or plum tones. And no pink. It makes my skin look sallow.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:17 pm.
Dana, plump lips are a genuine blessing. The frosts are bad for me, too, and I totally hear you on pink making you sallow. I can’t wear any shade of yellow for the same reason.
Er, not yellow lipstick, of course….:)
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:54 pm.
My favorite shade of lipstick-Revlon’s Fire & Ice is in the reddish blue family. Most of my lipsticks are red because nothing else really looks right on me.
My Mom even though she is in the hospital again, with a cancerous tumor in between her heart and lung, every morning wants to put lipstick on. Every time her doctor stops for a visit and sees her lipstick on he says: “Oh boy, now you’re really going to flirt with me. You’re lucky, this week my wife is mad at me.” She is doing ok with the chemo that she is going through and has a great attitude. She’s very spunky.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 2:27 pm.
Good for your mama for putting her lipstick on! Good luck to her through her treatment.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 6:20 pm.
That’s so touching, Elsie. And I love her doctor. THAT is a bedside manner.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:27 pm.
Try being a woman without color (except in the hair) aka a redhead. It’s hard to find good cosmetics that don’t look awful. I tend to favor lipgloss over lipstick because lipgloss colors are softer. Even then, there’s a limited range of it being too pink or orange. Occasionally, I’ll throw on some red lipstick because it’s smoking hot, but it’s definitely a going out color. Not I’m volunteering at school color, lol.
I never leave the house without at least mascara, concealer (bad allergies, even with meds), blush, and lipgloss because when you have very little color, you don’t look good without make up. People ask if you’re sick. Nope, just super pale without any make up.
I always have chapstick with sunscreen, too. I’ll mix it with lipgloss if it’s not tinted.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 3:39 pm.
Redheaded coloring is definitely a challenge for makeup. My mom and sister both have that coloring, but it’s SO BEAUTIFUL! I’ve always been jealous.
I get the “are you sick” if I go out without under-eye concealer. Just the structure of my face. Also, something about the air of hotels makes my eyes go very, very red so I constantly look like I’m smoking weed or something.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:29 pm.
wearing lipstick is kinda like looking good in a great hat… It’s not for everyone… I wear gloss w/SPF…
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 4:42 pm.
Good point. Although I suspect it just takes the right hat.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:30 pm.
I an very fair complected (sp?) so I usually don’t wear lipstick. I just can’t seem to find a color that looks good to me. It’s usually just Burts Bees on the lips.
I won’t go out without eye makeup on though. If I don’t use at least mascara, I don’t have any eyes !
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 5:49 pm.
A friend of mine is so pale she dyes her eyelashes. I’ve considered it…but it seems a little scary.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:30 pm.
I’ve done it myself with food colouring paste mixed with sterile(boiled for 20 mins and cooled) water. my lashes are long, but tipped blonde so they look less than there. it only lasts a week.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:57 pm.
Yep, I rock the lipstick…although I do love the idea of lipstain with carmex…I might have to steal that one. I am actually a big fan of Clinique’s Buttershine lipsticks. They are a mix of lipstick and a gloss so they usually look amazing. I get them to “stick” by pressing a little of the same cream shadow I use on my eyes, and covering it with a swipe of the lipstick.
So yes, lipstick….BIG fan. Also a big fan of mascara. I could write hosanas to mascara….but that could be fodder for another post.
BTW–WAY jealous you can wear red. I am so fair skinned, I’ve not been able to find a red that doesn’t make me look like a vampire.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 6:06 pm.
Now Buttershine is a word that has promise. Never heard the trick of using cream eyeshadow under the lipstick!
And hey…vampires are in, baby. Haven’t you heard?
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:32 pm.
I have a chapstick addiction. Lipstick always seems to look just wrong on me, probably because I have never worn it. (And I’m over 50). Chapstick with color seems to be the best I can do.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 6:41 pm.
I am so with you in regard to lipstick. I tend to chew it off so it’s got to be a moisturized brand that the taste won’t make me gag.
Currently I have two regimes, lip stain and Hard Candy tinted lip balm combo and Burts Bee Balm Tinted Lip Gloss. Both give me moisturizer and color. Gotta love it.
Picking shades. I watch tv, see people with my coloring, look at their makeup shades and see if I can find them. I figure they have professionals making them up and if they don’t look like a clown, I’ll probably be good to go.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:09 pm.
You know, I never thought of that. Great idea.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:34 pm.
I’m still a lipstick experimenter, though I have discovered that oranges, anything with yellow, need to be avoided. I like the bold colors, but I always think I must look like a clown. Sigh. *g*
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:22 pm.
I’ve noticed your lipstick in the past, Suz, and in a good way. Like, “I love the way she looks in that color.”
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:33 pm.
I rarely wear any makeup, but I’ve been told that using a lipliner helps
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:48 pm.
I could never keep lipstick on, but discovered mood lipstick about 20 years ago. Yep, mood lipstick, and it stays on for most of the day. I usually buy green or blue and they turn to pretty pink shades (light and medium) when I put them on. You can buy it at Sally’s Beauty Supply stores.
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:32 pm.
I can SO relate to this, since I too was wild and free in the Seventies. I didn’t wear lipstick AT ALL until I got older. Just lip gloss. Once in a while. But I look better with lipstick now, except it has to be the right color. I think I’ve got the color down now (I hope), but it’s SO hard.
I have a collection of Colorstay lipsticks. I like them because, well, they STAY. *G* I will buy that kind of lipstick until I die or they stop making it!
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:06 pm.
If you are still checking this post…
You really should go to a Sephora or Clinique counter and try their product called Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. It’s got a cult following and has for over 20 years, and for good reason. It’s light, not sticky, and for some reason almost everyone looks amazing in that color. They have several other colors in the brand, but start with black honey.
Yes, my daughter tells me if women would just do their brows, they could loose half their makeup.
That said, you should embrace the red, too. I think it looks beautiful.
Posted on January 22, 2012 at 10:56 am.
I LOVE LIPSTICK! But it never stays on me
I can put it on in bathroom as I walk out door its gone
I do like those new lipstains…
i live in my Meleluca lip shades like u do carmax!
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 6:40 am.
I love this lipstick post, ty! I just turned 36 and while I’ve tried to love lip gloss, it just feels and looks too girlish. Lipstick is the woman’s rite of passage, it’s the ultimate, even more so than skirts, eyeliner and nail polish–the latter 3 which men have been known to wear. I’ve recently fallen in love with Revlon’s Moon Drops, No. 700-Crystal Cut Coral. It’s a gorgeous pink-coral color that has slight shimmer and mega-staying power. It looks great with a tan or pale skin! Love it so much, believe this will be the one I use till the tube’s empty
Posted on May 28, 2012 at 7:54 pm.