The Red Lipstick Experiment, Can A New Lipstick Make You Happy?

So, I've been working on this thing called HAPPINESS. 

This doesn't mean that I'm unhappy, or that I'm sad per-se, it means that I'm working towards a positive mental and physical state for my life. I, my friends, was in a funk -  and needed to do SOMETHING. So over the past month, I've made a few changes to help ME be a better ME.

Mental and physical go hand in hand, so some of what I'm doing is for body, while some things may just be simple, everyday things. What I'm looking to find is that key combination... that elusive word "balance". Not just in my life, but in my body and soul. 

I'm calling these "Happiness Experiments;" Something I try out to see what, if any, affect it has. After attending a "Happiness Bootcamp" last month, I realized the main reason that habits don't change and resolutions don't stick for me is because I throw them all out there at once. I'm also keen to declare FAILURE when the outcome isn't what I envisioned it looking like. With "experiments" there are no passes, no fails. You are trying something out. Taking it out for test drive. Trying it on for size. Some things may stick, while others don't. 

Which brings me to Lipstick. 

{Yes, you were wondering how I was going to get back around to make-up, huh?} 

It is a proven fact that new lipstick makes you happy. This has been a phenomenon tracked in women since World War 2. Lipstick is an inexpensive, non-permanent change that can spice things up. 

This particular experiment was inspired (and enabled) by my good friend, Romy of RomyRaves. Romy is the queen of fun accessories and make-up, and she's lucky enough that she's channeled this into an amazing online presence and working relationship with top beauty brands. A few weeks ago when she came down and spent the weekend with me, not only was she sporting this super hot new lipstick, she brought some for the rest of us to try. I mentioned my current love affair with Avon's Totally Kissable line a few weeks ago - but the shade I was loving over was a very pretty, but very neutral pink color: totally right in my comfort zone. 

But there was Romy - rocking this red hot lip (in Avon's Make-Out Red) that made people stop and stare. And honestly, I was in awe by her bravery and ability to work that shade. Over the next week or so I kept trying on the same color that Romy wore, only to wipe it off a few seconds later. It wasn't doing it for me - it wasn't right. Digging into my bag of Avon goodies that Romy brought for me (she knows a way to my heart is through my make-up bag!) I finally got up the nerve to try another color - Red Embrace. 

WAY better for my coloring, this red is more of a coral-red, rather than the pink-red Romy was wearing. While bright and eye-catching, with minimal other make-up I actually wore it in the daytime... and loved it. It gave my casual jeans and shirt look a kick, but it wasn't too much. It was way different than what I normally wear, but every time I caught my reflection I kept thinking how much I liked it. 

This experiment was deemed a success! I'm throwing this lipstick into heavy rotation and going to wear it with a smile.  

Make-Up Monday: I'm Lovin' Avon's New Totally Kissable Lipstick

This weekend I had an amazing girls weekend with some of my favorite bloggers. Spa time, eating, too much champagne and endless talk of make-up filled the weekend. Being the mama in the know, and an Avon ambassador, Romy of Romy Raves brought us all little gift bags from Avon with items from their new collection - including the amazing new "Totally Kissable" lipstick.

This is the smoothest lipstick I've ever tried. It's butter soft and goes on amazingly. I'm currently obsessed with Lovey Dovey Pink, but also loving the Make-Out Red and Red Embrace. What color would you want to try for Spring 2013? 

*HUGE thanks to Romy and Avon for the goodies! XO

{Somewhat} Wordless Wednesday: I Love Make-Up

Images taken with my Olympus PEN E-PL3

One of the best parts of the post BlogHer experience is anxiously awaiting all the fun gifts that are coming in the mail from various brands I met with while in New York. I'm currently waiting on pins and needles a box of goodies from Avon and I can't wait to PLAY with some of the cool products I was introduced to at Romy's Pop-Up Beauty Party. 

I've been using the mark. "Juice Gems" lip gloss for weeks now, and it's FAB.U.LOUS. 

Sigh. I love make-up. 

Make-Up Bag MUSTS: May 2012

Summer is almost here and it's time to change up your beauty products for the warmer months. Here are three new (at least to me!) products I've recently discovered that are currently rocking my world.

#1: Redken Powder Grip: The lovely stylist at Detour Salon used this on my hair recently and I fell head over heels in LOVE. We all know that hair looks and styles better with a little grime in it.. but if you have fine, blonde hair, day old hair looks... well.. day old gross. This power gives a little volume and grip to the hair with a matte powder - so it can't look greasy even if it tried. I use it right on the top of my head for a little volume and oomph. 

#2: YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis a Levres Glossy/Stain: This is literally a lip gloss/stain hybrid. Its super long lasting and even after the gloss is gone, my lips stay a subtle reddish/pinkish hue. I got color #10, but I recommend hitting Sephora to try them on.

#3: Jillian Dempsey Avon Eye Shadow: This product is pure genius. I'm pretty good with make-up, but putting the shadows in a case that shows you exactly where to apply is pretty fool-proof. Plus? I love having the colors that I know all go together to make a perfect eye. And it's nice that they all come together - so you are not buying a whole pot of eye-shadow for one little spot on your eye. This shadow set is currently on sale for $5, so I say buy it NOW.

Happy Shopping!

*disclosure: Avon sent me a complimentary sampling of some of their products, including the Jillian Dempsey eye shadow. Opinions are my own. Other products were purchased.