A few weeks ago, my eye started doing this weird twitchy thing, and at first, I thought it was my MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation, so I stopped wearing it and it went away. At the same time, I also stopped wearing eyeshadow, but after wearing eyeshadow last week, I realized I was also having the same reaction to the eyeshadow as I did with the foundation. As you can imagine, as a self-proclaimed eyeshadow addict, I was pretty annoyed. Instead of complaining about it, I decided to put a positive spin on the situation, so I dubbed this summer The Summer of Lipstick.
Since I’ve always been one to jump in head first with challenges, I kicked off the Summer of Lipstick with NYX Cosmetic’s Pure Red with a clear gloss by Rimmel over it. I have to admit that I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve worn very red lipstick. It takes a lot of courage, as I learned, to wear red lipstick in public.
People’s heads turn, and for whatever reason, there’s a very strong reaction to red lipstick. David and I walked into a bar to put our name in for a table, and immediately I could tell the two hostesses were laughing at me and making fun of my lipstick. After that we went outside, I commented to David about what had happened and said, “I think this is how Dita Von Teese [one of my style icons] must feel everyday.” Honestly, that made me feel more empowered from getting laughed at by two women I didn’t even know.
It takes a lot of confidence to carry red lipstick, for sure. It’s a bold choice, kind of scary, and one that will make you immediately stand out in a crowd. And, you know what? Sometimes that’s exactly what you should do.
The second photo was taken with Instagram. You can follow me on Instagram @courtneymirenzi. Looking for Ryann’s recommendations for Lush? That’ll be featured on Friday instead of today, so don’t forget to check back!
You can totally pull off that red lipstick. I’ve been wanting to purchase a bright red lipstick, but I’m still a bit nervous about wearing it out – after reading this I think I might just go pick some up!
You should! NYX is a good place to start if you don’t want to spend much money. I also like Rimmel lipsticks. I would recommend staying away from Wet ‘n’ Wild for lipsticks, but they are only 99 cents in most cases, so you only have a buck to lose!
I’m comfortable in red lipstick as long as the rest of my face is “flawless”, ie, I have a good base to begin with. As for the eyeshadow thing, try all-natural eyeshadows. I have sensitive skin & develop allergies to chemicals in makeup all the time, and I think what people forget is that you can use the same product for years, and then suddenly develop an allergy to it. But all natural makeup should be gentler on your eyes.
I think that’s a good route to go! Or at least red lips with a neutral eye. It sucks to develop an allergy–especially to something you really love!
While putting red lipstick on a (male) friend for a drag party last weekend I explained to him that I only wear red lipstick when performing the Vagina Monologues. Since I did a lot of theatre growing up, bright lip color got stigmatized as too theatrical for every day wear. I applaud anyone who wears it on the regular!
I want to become someone who wears it on the regular! Maybe one day.
I like bright red, coral and fuchsia lippies for summer. That shade looks good on you. I see jealousy written all over the faces of those women who laughed, you rocked it!
Kath recently talked about 4th of July Giveaway | $300 Visa Gift Card (2 Winners, Open International)
Who knows why women do what they do! I didn’t bother to ask! I think they may have been jealous, but the may have genuinely thought it looked bad. Either way, no skin off my nose!
I agree, the first time I wore red lipstick in public, I was so nervous- heart pounding and everything! Now it’s not so bad at all, but you’re right, people do certainly take notice and stare!
It is kind of scary! For such a classic color, it’s shocking how few people wear it.
Love that red lipstick on you! I find that I wear a lot more bright colored lipstick during the summer not so much because of the heat but I tend to get kinda lazy during this season with my makeup.
MJ recently talked about Fierce OOTD: Summer Whites Give Me Wings
Thanks MJ!
I try not to wear too much eyeshadow in the summer because it’s too hot and I rub my eyes more.
That lipstick is so glam! Very retro looking. I’ve always thought red lipstick with minimal eye makeup is a very feminine look -can’t go wrong.
Laura Connell recently talked about How times have changed: body image and media
I totally agree–it’s hard to mess it up!
Thank you