Power-Red Lipstick

I'm not really a makeup person. I currently own two lipsticks, one blush, and one concealer and that's it. I have really sensitive skin (the curse of being a redhead) so I find most makeup irritating, and break out when I wear it so I tend to be apply it very minimally if at all. But when I find something I like, that's it. I own it and it's mine everyday, no matter if it matches what I'm wearing or not. Like about two weeks ago I was visiting London with my in-laws. While there I bought a cool green t-shirt with sparkles on it. I've worn it 8 out of the last 13 days. (And don't be thinking I wore it dirty either--I wash it nearly every night). I like what I like, and keep it near me.

So, when I discovered red lipstick the summer after graduating from high-school I wore it everyday. Now, I really do have pale, pale skin, and while I do freckle in the sun, it's not as much as your average redhead, so the lipstick looked kind of bright, to put it kindly. I proudly wore the same brand and color for two years. I felt a certain confidence in the lipstick--like people wouldn't notice that I was shy, not always articulate, had gained the dreaded freshman fifteen, and was sort of a lost soul. My power-red lipstick was my friend.

Loralee was (and is) my friend too. And she was with me when I learned to my shock and horror that my power-red lipstick, my defining accessory, was in truth HOT PINK. I don't know how I deluded myself for so many years. I felt betrayed, by my eyesight, by thinking it looked good on me. Suddenly I realized that all my confidence had been for naught. I was just a tacky girl with too much, and unflattering lip embellishment.

Looking back, the moment of revelation was funny, both for me and those present. But still, I miss the naive days of proudly wearing my lipstick. I still wear red lipstick, and in truth, pink as well. But it doesn't do the same thing for me as it did back then. I guess I've gained confidence and don't need it to be my shield. Instead I look at my life and think it's pretty good as it is.