2.13.2013

the little lipstick dictionary

Nothing says glamour quite like a prettied-up pout. Whether you’re on your way to the supermarket, coming from the gym, or meeting the boy’s parents for the first time, a little lipstick goes a long way {just ask Gwyneth Paltrow}. Be that as it may, the shades that work for the boardroom aren’t always as well-received when attending a party, or navigating the dating world, and vice versa. Enter the little lipstick dictionary. Your makeup drawer will thank me later. Kiss, kiss…

the little lipstick dictionary
meet the family Meeting the family {or, more specifically, the parents} of the boy who is the current star of your happily ever after calls for femininity in the lipstick department. For such introductions, playful peaches a la NARS Barbarella are ideal, providing just enough color for a confidence boost without entering the vixen territory of red shades.

date night {the first} To kiss, or not to kiss, that is the question {asked by all those embarking on a first date}. Boys are notoriously intimidated by red lips - due, in large part, to the mess created if kissing is involved. But, opposite sex aside, red is a color associated with power and seduction, two things that could reel a guy that you may not be into {this is, after all, a first date} in. A rosy shade - think Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour in Mademoiselle - is my go-to. It's romantic and noticeable, yet never over the top.

shopgirl Less-is-more when it comes to lipstick hues for shopping days. Shades in the nude / pink spectrum - like Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Peche - are subtle enough for that barefaced glow, and minimize the risk of lipstick stains or transfer if when you're trying on clothes. Hello...is there even such a thing as a shopping day that doesn't involve dressing rooms?

interview… Red radiates confidence; but it has the potential to reflect over-confidence when worn on a job interview {first impressions, ladies}. Berry shades {I love Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE SPF15 - Pure Colour Satiny Radiance in 4 Rouge Vermillon} are a happy medium. They manage to be both strong and au courant; while avoiding all semblance of cockiness.

out on the town {let’s dance} What is it they say about nights out on the town? Oh yes...Time to drink champagne and dance on the tables. Red is an absolute must; but go sheer and glossy {no mattes allowed}. My pick? L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in True Red. Every girl should have a tube in her makeup bag.

the corporate world There are times in the working world when you feel as if you'll never survive. In other words...meeting and presentation days. You're surrounded by your co-workers, and want to radiate seriousness, sophistication, and sheer know-how. Wine is in order, darling - no, not in a glass...on your lips. Wine lippies are wise, and effuse importance - precisely what you are seeking. Apply a few swipes of Buxom Full Bodied Lipstick in Menace, and call me in the morning. It will see you through all shenanigans of the corporate world variety. Trust me.

party down Allow your pucker to be the guest-of-honor at any party you attend - be it dinner, wedding, or otherwise - with a variety of vibrant pink hues that you and your lips will find yourselves in the throes of a love affair. I'm currently in a long-term relationship with Smashbox's Be Legendary Lipstick in Pink Petal. Pretty does not even begin to describe the perfection of this shade.


xoxox

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39 comments

ellie said...

Love this must have list. Sweet post!

ivy's closet said...

Such great shades. Really great info too.

lucy and sarah said...

Awesome selection. Great to know this.

mazzymay said...

Love this lippy. Love your write up too.

Caitlin and Megan said...

Honestly, I like the shades..that you'd wear for shopping best. Such great products.

ellie's desk said...

Really enjoy seeing this list. I would love to try Smashbox.

Unknown said...

You never fail to have such fun posts that are incredibly applicable to all the occasions of our life! :)

Ashley said...

Oh I'm really liking First Date and Interview!

Imogen said...

This is the sweetest most gorgeous post ever, you are the best!

Hanz, Fashionista Era Design said...

lookin at this im realising i need to pick up a few colors! heeh...wld love it if you would drop by my blog and follow if u like :D
www.fashionistaera.blogspot.com

J. said...

This is a great little guide! (Yes, I do thank you!) I have been out of the lipstick loop for a little while, it's nice to get back to it...(Normally I'm with you on the eyes...)

Unknown said...

i love trying new shades - especially when u can buy - try them for a day - and return if they don't work! HOLLA!

little luxury list said...

I totally need Chanel Mademoiselle - what a sweet color!

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

The Golden Girls said...

Great post! Love all of your picks! Hugs from Cali! xx The Golden Girls

Style with Benefits said...

I love this post - such a great idea! The first date, family and interview shades are my favorites!

xx, becs

Couture Carrie said...

Lovely guide, darling!
I need the interview shade!

xoxox,
CC

Why Girls Are Weird said...

I need to get my hands on the Dance and Party ones hehe.

bridechic said...

you are right about every girl needing true red in her lip wardrobe!

oxoxoxo from San Francisco
Amy
http://bridechic.blogspot.com

Jennifer Fabulous said...

This is so cool, Erika! I love how much THOUGHT went into this post. I swear someone should be paying you for this stuff.

I've been so poor and uninspired lately I've been wearing the same raisin shade of Revlon for the past three years. And I keep saying "I need a change!" but then I forget. It's pathetic, really.

I wish I could have just a little ounce of your fabulousness.

Melanie said...

Ooo I like the firt date shade!!! =)

Ergo - Blog

Shooting Stars Mag said...

This post is great! My sister could use this for the interview shades. :)

Tights Lover said...

What an amazing post. Definitely worth bookmarking and referring back to later!

Sara said...

Oh what an awesome lippy guide! I fear I can not wear lipstick to work though, whole mess I don't want to get into. However, I love the idea for dancing & shopping!

knockingonfashionsdoor said...

I´d never thought about lipsticks in this way. They´re very good advices!!

Josie said...

That NARS color is SO fun for spring!
xo Josie
www.winksmilestyle.com

Unknown said...

Love, love, love this so much :)) This post was such an amazing idea and so helpful as well :)
I just cannot not mention how much I love the party one from Smashbox, looks beyond awesome! I wish I had it :)

www.janetteria.com said...

Yummy, yummy! I love lipsticks, especially the red ones!

Tiffany Kadani said...

This post needs to be in every woman's arsenal. And can you believe I JUST started wearing lipstick this past year. I shunned it before, but never again!

Annie said...

I love all the shades. They're perfect for each occasion!

http://thecoyotethistle.com

Test said...

This is so cute... A lipstick for every occasion!

Emily {Isnt That Charming} said...

Have you ever heard the quote "It'll be fine. Just put a little lipstick on"? This post reminds me of that. No matter what the occasion - it's the perfect addition to any look!
Isn’t That Charming.

elle [wonderfelle world] said...

Ohh I knew I loved you but it's just too perfect that Chanel Mademoiselle is your go-to because it's mine as well :) I'm still working on finding the perfect red...

MOSAMUSE said...

cute post! im feeling the "family"
xo
MOSAMUSE

www.MOSAMUSE.com

Islandia Lane said...

lipstick totally changes the entire mood of anything you are wearing or doing - I love it!

Iris said...

This is a very useful guide. I love all the colours.

Sherin said...

I love how the perfect lipstick shade can finalise a look. I love wearing red to parties, and strong nude colours for day to day.

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

omg- I'm so into lip colors. I LOVE this post. I want them all. Alllll.

Camille said...

This post is so amazingly helpful! I am a lipstick newbie and don't own a single lipstick. I really want a pretty pink lipstick that I can wear everyday.

xoxo
Camille
http://thefunkyfashionista.blogspot.com/

Kathryn said...

I'm still working my way into the lipstick world, and this little guide is really helpful :)

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