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

Coral me happy

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend 20 minutes, sans kids, at the Laura Mercier counter. I was just passing by when the lip color of one of the make-up artists working at the counter caught my eye and literally made me stop and turn back. It was this wonderful bright spring time shade and I HAD TO HAVE IT.

Of course, I'm good with just walking away with one item... especially since it's SPRING and time for color and sun and little change up to the old make-up routine. I have to say that make-up wise, I'm normally nutural girl. Raised in a time where blue eyeshadow was reserved for the likes of Donna Mills, it was ponded into my head that bright color was tacky and its best to stick with muted shades. And while I'm a product WHORE, I don't really stray too far from browns, bronzes and pinks. But this coral color really grabbed me. And when she paired it with a coral blush, all I could think was that I look like my grandma's make-up drawer... but I didn't... I looked.. fresh! And when she paired it with a turquoise/black eyeliner, I felt so spring time chic!

I've been wearing these colors now for a few weeks, and while I CAN NOT find the lipgloss "BonBon" the woman encouraged me to pair with the lipstick in stock apparently anywhere in Southern CA., I've been pairing it with a basic golden lipgloss. It takes the SHOCK of color out of it - leaving it more glistening.

If you are looking for an update to your look for the spring/summer, I highly recommend hitting up the Laura Mercier counter. 

Pucker Up, Buttercup

Did you know that lipstick is actually a pretty accurate economic indicator? I find this tid-bit fascinating, but so true. In times or war, depression or uncertainty, when budgets are low and women need to lift their spirits, they turn to lipstick. An indulgence that gives you a new look, makes you feel good about yourself, but that you can justify a helluva' lot easier than a $700 pair of Christian Louboutin platforms. Which, if you have discovered a justification for a work at home mom who's main activities include Target and shuttling to karate classes to purchase Louboutin's, please please let me know. I beg you. 

So while I've been obsessing casually thinking about the Chanel clogs and flipping through magazines to help me find a decent alternate, another Chanel product has been enticing my must-have-now senses, The new Channel Coco Rouge lipstick collection.

These ads, featuring the stunning Vanessa Paradis, have been in every magazine this month promoting these HOT new lipsticks. Originally scheduled for a March release, Chanel actually upped the release date to just last week and, at least according to the sales lady at my Ghetto Mall Macy's, they have been flying off the shelves. (*please note, the Macy's and the Gap at the Ghetto Mall are 2 of the best of those chains in the county, the mall itself and the stores surrounding the Gap and Macy's are what is quite, well, ghetto. But I say that in the most loving way possible).

Walking into Macy's and being the super informed shopper I am, I told the lady "I want the color in the ad" - and she whipped out one of the last of her two in-stock Mademoiselle colored tubes.

Here is the thing.. when was the last time you bought a LIPSTICK? We are of the "lipgloss generation" starting in our teens with our tubes of sticky, sparkly vials of Wet 'n Wild we would smother our lips in, to the popular "Juicy Tubes", lipglosses have been a staple in make-ups bags of women around the country for years and years.. lipsticks, well.. there was the year in the '90's that everyone I knew wore MAC's Twig with the Spice liner.. (now actually being displayed in a show about the "VINTAGE 1990's." Sigh. DEPRESSING.) but for the most part it's been all gloss all the time. *Scary side note, I still have the Stella Jane color lipstick I wore (under gloss, lol) on my WEDDING DAY 10 almost years ago in my bathroom drawer. I can't bring myself to toss it.. may have to put it in a shadow box or something.

Chanel is trying to change that. They are looking to "reinvent" the lipstick with this new formula. 

This lipstick is expected to attract young ladies as well as women, who enjoy using lip-gloss. Chanel Coco Rouge is forecasted to become a real revolutionary lipstick. First of all, this product has a nourishing formula with effective moisturizing components and phyto-ceramides. Second of all, the lipstick has uniquely smooth and volumizing texture, which was previously achievable only with lip-gloss formulas. 

Of COURSE, I bought it... tho slightly jealous that I didn't get it gifted in a gorge tote bag - {what Chanel PR peeps? You've never heard of HipMamaB?! ;-) } .. and it is beautiful. It's soft and this color is really a perfect combo of neutral and put together. At $30 it still is a bit of a splurge, but WAY more justifiable than the clogs or platforms... and add in the cost per wear? It's practically free!