Graduation Day: To Gloss or To Stick
Hi Ladies,
So, tell me, do you gloss or stick? Every day? In the evenings when you’re headed out on a date with your sweetie? To a PTA meeting or an after-work mixer?
Exactly!
Now that I’ve hit my thirties, I’m ready – not to mention it’s time – to occasionally abandon my fascination with (and extremely dedicated resolve to previously wear only) the slippery, even gooey, ultra-glittery textures of Bonnie Belle-type lip glosses. Refined women, like us, should punctuate our look with seductive, creamy, smooth lip color instead. Right? But how does a woman graduate from lip gloss to lipstick?
I’ve pondered this conundrum for a while…several years actually. As a twenty-something-year-old in the beauty industry with a room full of seemingly wiser, more experienced, more sophisticated, more fashionable and well, more…or shall I say, “better lip-sticked” women, I always felt my glitter-flecked, strawberry-toned gloss was out of place. It made me feel like an awkwardly and accidentally placed kid soooo completely out of her league.
But truth be told: On weekends, when you’re rushing from Lowe's to Whole Foods to your son or daughter’s soccer match, a sheer lip gloss with a tinge of color like the infamous Lancome Juicy Tubes, $18, (I loooove Miracle) will fit the bill.
Still, Monday through Thursday, you need some color, better yet a texture and application that speaks sophistication rather than sweet sixteen. Ladies, a natural progression is an order.
Just in time for spring: I’ve discovered and “moved-on-up” (at least a few days a week) to lip colors that offer youthful application PLUS the rich and creamy textures of an all grown-up, chic lipstick. Bingo!!!
Check out a few of my favorites, and let me know what your lip color favorites are, too!
Tai
Josie Maran, $18, josiemaran.com
I was pleasantly surprised when the caramel-smelling (not usually my thing) sheer color went on as luxuriously as a silk Philip Lim blouse. Radiance (a soft pink) and Confession (a coppery gold) are perfect for spring and extremely wearable on all complexions.
Bonus: These babies are close to being all natural!
Stila, $22, stilacosmetics.com
For those of you who thought you couldn’t wear red, Stila’s SPF 20 Lip Color in
Lancome, $23, department stores
Lancome’s new Color Fever Gloss offers high impact color with a delicate sheen. I love the rich and moisturizing texture. What it feels like? Imagine swiping on a coat of a hydrating, petroleum-rich balm that’s colorful and goes the distance.
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I guess I should graduate to grown-up girl lip color but I am and will always be a dedicated lip gloss wearer.
i luv lip gloss. i have never like lip stick! i am a lip gloss wearer for life!!!!
Exactly. Grown women wear lipstick. I feel you Ms. T.
I luv, luv, luv Stila!!! Very timely info as I gradually shift to the world stick, was looking for a new spring/summer color so I think I'll be daring in Red! Thx!!
Since 30 is the new 20, I will take my time moving into the lipstick world. I still need to pass for 23! lol But seriously, I will try the Stila brand. In the past, I had a hard time finding lipstick that I liked, so I avoided wasting my money. Thanks for the insight!
As a grown up girl if I am just around town I use the Mentha Lip Shine by Bigelow. It is a mini-infused lip gloss with this amazing mintiness which makes it great to lick your lips and keeps your breath fresh. When I am going out I use my favorite MAC lipstick and put the minti gloss on top for great shine and freshness. The best of both worlds!
Lip gloss was (is) such a God-send for me because of its easy application. I am a lip stick eater. Sounds crazy, but when I wear lip stick it never stays on my lips past my mid morning snack. I tried the long lasting options, but haven't found one that doesn't dry out my lips. Does anyone have any tips and/or product suggestion?
Whether I stick or gloss largely depends upon the occasion and the proximity of the closest mirror. I prefer sticks, especially a dark, dramatic shade when I know I can reapply (say, post-dinner). But I know I am going to have to find my lips without a mirror it is gloss all the way.
To the anonymous post and everyone who loves their lips to look great on the go and on the town, I highly recommend Chanel's glossimiers (spelling). It moisturizes and leaves your lips looking great. The best thing is after having on for hours you don't get that white film in the inside of your lip that some expensive brands may leave, which can be an embarrassing moment. Especially if you are in the office and don't have time to reapply before a face to face with someone or that really cute guy passes you ;).
Dear Tai,
As a 21 year old, can I stay with my lip glosses a little longer?---I usually do the nude colors with just a hint of pink and not too much gloss (or the sweetie won't let me kiss him hahaha).
LOVE your blog! Being a busy 30 something (yeah,yeah I've been a 30-something for a while now) with one kiddie here and another on the way, the last thing I have time to do is the thing I need to do the most - STAY FABULOUS! Thank you for your insights and I love the fact that I can click on the recommended product website link and buy.
Thank You, Miss Tai.
I am still a lip gloss girl even at age 32! However, I still prefer lip gloss with some color in it. With dark skin it can be hard to find a tinted lip gloss that actually shows on my skin. I do like the following: SEPHORA ultra shine lip gloss #08; COVERGIRL wetslicks fruit spritzers #555; SMASHBOX lip enhanciing gloss in Spark; Dior Kiss in Red Currant #778. As far as lipsticks, the only brand I am currently using are Mac lipsticks but they are so old I can't read the names anymore!
If you're tired of your hair getting stuck to your lip gloss at inappropriate times....it's time to switch to lip stick.
As a forty-something, I still gloss and will continue to gloss as long as gloss is around! Various Bobbi Brown shimmer shades are my faves. I stick it for nights on the town and special occassions only. Gloss is just so easy and part of my "natural"/doesn't-wear-any-makeup look. So can we agree to disagree? Still luv ya!