Asking a recently MBA graduate friend what was here biggest take away from her degree, she replied:
“You have to be able to keep reinventing yourself.”
Huh.
I felt like not only had I saved myself from 3 years of intense studies but more importantly a shitload of post graduate business management school fees.
There’s one make up accessory that has terrified me for years: Red lipstick.
Thinking that it’s only for beautiful, porcelain skin, I had convinced myself, there wasn’t a shade out there that would match this blah cocoa brown skin.
Instead, I stuck to the corporate, conservative nude colours while there was always a deep admiration for women who could pull it off.
I always marveled how my late beloved cousin, Rytha always wore it with such chic and a massive, electrifying smile. She had an air of confidence that only such vibrant lips could match that vivacious personality. Anything less would do her warm, playful disposition an injustice.
How I miss that smile.
Currently heavily into this Mad Men addiction, gushing over the elegantly tailored frocks, hats and gloves of the glamorous early ’60’s, there is absolutely no avoiding quintessential velvet lips.
Feminism may have been non-existent but dang, those women knew their power of seduction in scarlet red.
As this motherhood gig presents itself with constant changes and figuring out ways to survive them, regressing to what’s most convenient and familiar becomes habitual.
Trying something new is too risky; too much of a laborious task.
Stuck in an unbreakable rut of predictable shades of brown and brown, I only had myself to blame.
A big thank you to the glamorous ladies at Champagne Cartel and their how to wear lipstick guide. (Wear it when you’re vacuuming!!! You won’t regret it!)
The post was a quiet yet persistent voice whispering, “Do it, do it. DO IT!”
After much market research (also known as Priceline shopping), my Revlon Bold Matt (No.6) made its debut on the weekend.
The lady at the local café noticed. Along with endless compliments from Mr Surfer, even my little boy took an interest (“Mama, you got red lips. You bewdiful”).
Maybe make up is shallow, blindly expecting it to single handedly end the means of mundaneness.
But it was the weekend I picked up my confidence where I last left it; reminded of the undeniably sweet rewards from taking risks, no matter how small.
It’s time to take on the power of reinvention…starting with the lips.
What’s your shade of lipstick? Do you change your lipstick often? What would you like to reinvent?
Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT
Carolyn @ Champagne Cartel says
You are rocking that red lip, girlfriend! I’m a late convert to the power of make-up and especially red lipstick (I always thought it was the domain of raven-haired, olive-skinned beauties such as yourself, not pale pasties like me! But there really is a shade for everyone, and it’s such a beautiful thing to feel confident and groomed and, well, pretty. Especially when you’ve been spending a lot of your time with your hair in a pony tail while you clean other people’s bottoms, a little bit of glamour can be transformative – and we’ve earned it! xxx
Carolyn @ Champagne Cartel recently posted..Indulge yourself and save some cash with a face-saving facial
Ai Sakura says
Bold and beautiful! Red lipstick suits you well my dear. I’ve never tried red myself either.. always sticking to the “demure” colours haha.. I should try to spice things up a little and maybe give red a go too 😛
Ai Sakura recently posted..The Days Are Long, But the Years Are Short
Stephanie says
You have such sweet boys! Lovely shade of red on you. I tend to go for rich plum colours. Going back to uni I see all the kids all dolled up., so have been making more effort with the stage paint. Dont want to be left out!
Stephanie recently posted..Moroccan Spiced Pork with Paw Paw Cous Cous
Mumabulous says
You look gorgeous – I dont think you need red lipstick to look gorgeous as you have fantastic skin. But you are wearing it well – go you. Meanwhile I’ve taken to wearing leopard skin print. The cougar has arrived. Rioooooooooooow. (No need to lock up your husbands)
Mumabulous recently posted..Singleabulous Meets Red Brother
Alexa McAllister says
I loved your comment….I picked up my confidence where last I left it. It’s good isn’t it when such a little act can make one feel a million miles tall. Go you!
Visiting from #IBOT
Alexa from Sydney, Australia
https://www.Alexa-asimplelife.com
Alexa McAllister recently posted..#fashion industry…my first job
Denise says
You look gorgeous Grace! I never wear lipstick but after reading Carolyn’s post I went and bought some – not quite red but still, it’s a start. Maybe it’s time I tried something new too 🙂
Denise recently posted..One for the Analytics Addicts: You’re More than Just a Number
Kathy says
Loving those lips Grace. I bought myself a matt red on the weekend actually (and I seldom buy make-up). I have worn red before and found it gives me a confidence boost at work somehow. I wish I could care enough about make-up to be all confident with it, but I don’t most of the time. Having said that, I’m all for reinvention.
Kathy recently posted..Open your heart
Mystery Case says
I can’t do red lipstick at all. I change my lipstick all the time. Always have four or five in my handbag ( no real idea why) but just when I think I’ve found the perfect shade you can guarantee it ends up discontinued.
As you know I’m trying to reinvent myself at the moment or more my wardrobe and the style rut I’ve been in. If I’m honest the daily photos are making me miserable. Just don’t like the way I look or feel at the moment after a year or more of no real decent exercise due to health issues. Time to do something about that.
Mystery Case recently posted..A Mystery Case Confession | Hopelessly Devoted to……
Cybele says
Awesome. I’m too much of a grub, I’m just left marvelling at how I have lipstick marks on my chin, t-shirt and teeth with none left on my lips. Go you good thing x
Cybele recently posted..How to cope with failure
Lisa says
Looking Beautiful Grace, I have pale skin and have 3 red lipsticks I have never worn outside the house because I feel “overdressed” how sad is that!
Lisa recently posted..Taking Stock….June 2014
Neets says
Absolutely stunning Grace. I’m like you, safely wearing my browns. Too afraid to venture out into a playful shade of red. One day xxx
Lee-Anne says
You look lovely! I’m a big fan of red lipstick – it gives the illusion of whiter teeth and clearer skin! 🙂
Lee-Anne recently posted..A little tableau of trivial importance.
Emma Fahy Davis says
Oh my, you look stunning! Red is a great colour for you! I used to wear bright lipstick virtually every day when I was working, these days I’m lucky if I get a chance to brush my teeth let alone wear makeup!
Emma Fahy Davis recently posted..Full House
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama says
Looking good Grace! I’m not really one for bright or red lipsticks either, but like you and your surfer dude, my hubster really likes them on me!!!! I’m not sure why!
Visiting today from #teamIBOT xxx
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama recently posted..Changing your Blog Name (for the Non-Techies among us!)
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
Oh shit I rarely wear lippie but I might have to start doing this as I do feel great when I dress up a bit. And you DO rock that colour girl! See you in 10 weeks 🙂 xx
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..Why I’ll never be a pushy parent!
EssentiallyJess says
Go Grace!
I don’t feel I can wear red lipstick. At least not on a daily basis. I just feel like I can’t pull it off.
I’m liking this look on you though. You are rocking that red.
EssentiallyJess recently posted..How To Be a Fashion Blogger
Dating Mumma says
Hawt Mumma Grace!
Love me some red lipstick but I still need to give myself a good kick to wear it. I don’t know why we’re so afraid to?
The older I get, the more I love lipstick. I used to be a lip balm girl but now I wear a shade of lippy called “Pout on pink” Every. Single. Day.
Dating Mumma recently posted..TFP’s last dance?
Pinky Poinker says
It looks fab on you Grace! I’ve always worn red lipstick but now I’m getting older I think I need to tone it down. Trouble is I look so washed out without it. Sigh. I’d better have a look at that site you recommended.
Pinky Poinker recently posted..Why I Write
Alicia says
I am usually a lip gloss kinda girl. I think I need to use those lippies in my make up case, even if I am just hanging around the house! You have inspired me.
Alicia recently posted..Orange, coconut and cardamon biscuits
Julie @ Off to the park says
Love that colour on you Grace, looks fab! I can’t remember the last time I bought myself a lipstick…I’m sure the ones I own are out of date 🙂 I usually wear a pinky plum colour (I’m sure there’ s a name for it), red lipstick doesn’t suit me. If I could reinvent something it would be my wardrobe from my daggy Mum clothes (usually jeans or trackies) to something a little bit more stylish to wear at the school drop-off 🙂 x
Julie @ Off to the park recently posted..Six facts {for the naive person} on becoming a new parent
Francesca says
Very nice! I feel so self-conscious wearing bright lippy. Might have to give it a go!
Francesca recently posted..Frame It!