Once a year I get an overwhelming urge to buy some new makeup.
It never goes well.
A few weeks ago I broke down and bought a bunch of makeup that happened to be on sale. I may have been motivated by another blogger raving about a new lipstick she recently purchased, I’m looking at you Vix! She was delighted with her Maybelline all day lipstick. Vix and I are the same age and I figured if it was good enough for her I should give it a try. Needless to say once in the drugstore I was overwhelmed by the selection and immediately felt the desire to replace most of my five year old makeup with some fresher versions. I was convinced that the new and improved products would look better on me and last longer.
Popping into the store for a quick lippy and coming out with a bag full of fresh makeup wasn’t the plan.
I’d just succumbed to every marketing trick in the book. I’d allowed companies to convince me I wasn’t good enough and desperately needed the improvement their products offered. The negative impact on the environment didn’t factor into my decision at all and I immediately began to feel guilty about the whole experience.
Once I got home, disgusted with myself for the lack of self control, I dumped the makeup into a heap on my bed and contemplated my unnecessary indulgence. I realized the make up could never deliver on its promises. My head had been filled with false hopes. I had been vulnerable and weak. Makeup is, after all, only makeup. It’s not going to make me healthier, younger, happier or a better person. I didn’t need it. Most days I don’t wear makeup but I almost always manage to smear on some lipstick prior to leaving the house and I decided to keep the three lipsticks. I piled everything else into the bag and returned the rest the following day. I knew I’d made the right choice when I felt a wave of relief rush over me upon returning the items.
I wish now that I’d remembered that Maybelline isn’t cruelty free. I don’t like supporting companies that harm animals. For next year’s annual makeup crisis I will be more prepared.
Is Dark Lipstick Aging?
I experimented first with the deep shade of raspberry/plum I’d purchased. It was substantially darker than all of my current lipsticks. When I put it on though I felt serious and powerful. Like I’d just put on my super hero cape and was ready to kick some ass.
I’m sure you’ve all read that dark lipstick can be aging. When it comes to makeup application as we age there are loads of rules, most of which I break.
Mature Makeup Rules I Like To Break
- Prime your skin. – Whoops, I only use a very sheer, light beauty balm, anything extra sits in my pores and magnifies them.
- Don’t do dark eyes and bold lips. – So I can either have disappearing eyes or invisible lips? No thanks.
- No vibrant lip colours. I can’t give this up just yet.
- Use a lip liner. I have no patience for makeup that takes longer than ten minutes. Lip liner is one step too many.
- Are fake lashes a no-no over 50? Ah well. The fake lashes are the most dramatic part of my makeup and I love them, even if they can sometimes trash my ten minute makeup goal.
Is my new lipstick aging me?
I’ve been planning a travel wardrobe for my trip to BC that involves wearing this bespoke latex raincoat with each outfit. Remember my inspiration for this coat?
I wore this lipstick shade for a few days thinking it looked amazing on me in the mirror. Even the husband mentioned he liked it. Then I took photos wearing the lippy and I started to dislike it. I felt like it aged me beyond my years.
Was it just me having difficulty seeing a darker colour on myself?
Let’s take a look…
So what do you think of the lipstick?
Too dark?
It does work with the goth/punk vibe of the boots.
Below is my regular shade for reference.
I’ve decided I’ll be taking this dark lippy to Vancouver to see if any of my girlfriends can make use of it. I’m delighted with the other two shades I purchased which are lighter and closer to my regular shade.
What about you? Do you find dark lipstick aging?
And maybe more importantly , do you care?
I won’t be posting again until later next week as I’ll be too busy having fun visiting family and friends. I’ll catch up with you then. If you want to see what Patti, Melanie, Sue, Sherry and myself get up to you can follow me on Instagram here.
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
I don’t find dark lipsticks aging, I think it all depends of the tone. If a lipstick matches our skin tone, it shouldn’t be aging at all. I love darker shades but those that aren’t far way from my own natural colour. I also like bright red. I think I only own three lipsticks and I don’t think I need more. Women in general tend to hoard make up too much.
That dress looks beautiful on you and I really like the boots as well.
It doesn’t age you at all! I really like it. I have always said that I am vain but lazy, which why I have short hair and have pared my makeup down. I use ColourPop lippies because they have the most staying power and I believe they are cruelty free (I will go check on that)—and they aren’t that expensive at $10 for a tube that will last me at least a year or more.
I struggled for a bit with nudes, as I really like them in the mirror but then feel like they wash my face out since I do my brows and mascara and that’s it for the whole regimen. My only complaint is that yeah, my eyes disappear a little more (in photos) now that I’ve scaled back, and I am really considering going back to Rodan + Fields lash treatment because it worked and I had crazy lashes. It’s just a bit of an investment at $145 a tube (but first one lasted me over a year, so….).
Anyway, you, as always, look amazing.
Oh no – I’m sorry for leading you astray!
I think you look absolutely gorgeous, that lipstick looks amazing on you. I love the colour. I’m so inspired I’m off to see what other colours Maybelline do.
I’m hugely relieved to hear that out thoughts on beauty are almost identical.
I’ve never primed my skin – I don’t even know what that means!
Eyes, lips and cheeks – why do just one when you can do all three?
No vibrant lip colours. What’s the alternative , beige? Yuk!
Use a lip liner. Never!
Are fake lashes a no-no over 50? Natural eyelashes are a no-no in my humble opinion. The natural look is for teenagers. I need all the artifice I can get!!
Love your mac and those boots are to die-for.
Have the best fun this week. See you soon! xxx
Oh yeah to that fabulous trench coat for B.C. weather!
I don’t find dark lipstick aging on you AT ALL. I agree, it gives you a powerful, don’t mess with me look. As for make-up rules, I don’t want/need primer. I love dramatic eye with dramatic lip. I do use a colorless lipliner b/c otherwise my lip color goes wandering. Great post. Likewise, cannot wait to see you IRL!!
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
It depends (like so many things). I see some women with dark lipstick and others with really bright red lipstick, and it can look great. It depends on their coloring, what they’re wearing and their attitude. Often, when I see a woman who looks particularly spiffy, she is wearing bold lipstick. I don’t give a thought as to whether she might look a tad younger with a softer lip color. Which winds around to the point–you need to feel good about your choice, and that is what makes you look good.
You have bold hair and wear bold fashions, so why not bold lips? I guess there’s a point where a person can look too painted, but you aren’t there.
I have absolutely no doubt that the Vancouver Vanguard will love you to bits even if you decide to place ALL the drama at your brow line with the “eyebrows of a Bolshevik”!
It’s actually quite nice to know that you’re as vulnerable as the rest of us to excellent marketing strategies. Shit happens. You should invite Vix and commiserate 🙂 Hell! Invite me and I’ll shower you all with praise and affection despite your very human frailties. Maybe you should do a girlie makeup tutorial on each other and post it!!!
I have to admit that I sometimes succumb to these make-up buying frenzied as well. And it’s not that I’m being super adventurous with make-up. Not at all. For me, it’s mostly about mascara and lipstick. I can’t seem to find the right mascara and if I do, it’s been discontinued when I want to buy a replacement. I’m actually loving that darker lipstick on you, and I don’t think it’s making you look older. I guess you’re not used to seeing yourself with this darker shade. And who makes up these rules anyway? I’ve got only one rule, which is, can I apply it all within 5 to 10 minutes, which is all the time I have on a regular weekday morning. Wishing you lots of fun in Vancouver! xxx
Girrrl, that lipstick doesn’t age you! With that coat and those boots and your ‘tude–you’re super sexy and super hero tough all at once!
It will be my goal this weekend to convince you to keep that lipstick. It is awesome on you! Really, truly–it goes with your style, your attitude, and your skin tone! So good.
Can’t wait for Friday!!!!!!
Hugs,
Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
I like the lippy! I just have to be in a mood for it. Love that latex coat so much.
Just wondering if you are looking at new colours because your hair colour is changing?
I struggle with makeup. Whenever I use it I feel unnatural and not me. But objectively my skin looks ” better”! My kids always comment on how pale I look without my broken capillaries showing 😀
Hope you have/had a wonderful girly weekend!
xo Jazzy Jack
Your stories are educational to me: they dispel my naive assumptions that all women automatically know how to apply makeup at birth, they all use it and they all agree on what looks good. Thanks for shattering those false beliefs.
I won’t judge your lipstick. If you like it, I like it. The dark shade reminds me of a local woman who’s very arty and I’ve always admired her presentation.
Have fun on your trip. I miss visiting friends.
I love that lippy shade on you. I like dark shades but save them for evening, or winter. It’s sad that Maybelline isn’t cruelty free where you live. All makeup sold here is cruelty free by EU law, so I do buy that brand here. That trench coat is spectacular! Xx
No, the darker shade of lippy doesn’t age you one bit, suits you beautifully. I always wear a bright lip, usually a red or orange and I do use a lip liner as it makes the lipstick last longer on me. I am not a fan of natural make up for the same reasons as Vix.
Love the rain coat and boots, enjoy your time in Vancouver .
Aging? No way. A darker lip shade is definitely more dramatic though, which is a good thing IMO. My thought is why bother wearing lipstick unless it is noticeable? That shiny raincoat and mini are fab, btw.
Can’t wait to see pix of your BC trip.
I know I’m biased but I Love bright lipsticks….I feel like if you’re going to wear it, it should show up!! And I think it looks amazing on you. However when we try something new, it does take some time to get used to it, I think!! Just like when I tried a lighter lipstick for a change….I felt like it aged me because my lips disappeared. Funny how our perspective changes!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes, I’m sorry, I think it’s aging. I’ve tried it myself a few times but it makes my face look very angry. What a dreadful experience you had with the makeup. I bought new make up two weeks ago and I hoped that a certain visagist was there. And he was! And he took the time for me and I was so happy. I now use some different colors for my eyes and I like it a lot! Perhaps there is a store with a visagist nearby you!
For me, I have found that darker colours make me look older and more severe, however, that doesn’t mean I won’t wear it on occasion. This shade is ok on you, but I do prefer the brighter colour you usually wear.
Twice a year I go to Sephora and buy a few new items of makeup, mostly for fun. I have a lot of lipsticks but I wear it every day and I like to have a variety to choose from, depending on what outfit I’m wearing.
Like you and Vix, I don’t do any major prep on my face, just a bit of light hydrating concealer, and never go out without my brows and lips on!
Get me into a MAC or Sephora and I lose all self-control. Or yeah, even the drug store. I usually don’t buy but when I do… Watch out!!!
No, that lipstick is awesome on you. So says Mel. Heh. I love dark colours and lip liner. I find that the lipstick makes me look severe if I go inside my nature lip line. If I make them Joan Crawford, I’m okay. I don’t know if other people are, but I am.
The photo of you with the water brought back memories.
And that coat is awesome!! I do remember it. It’s what inspired me to wear those non-prescription glasses from Nordies and watch the movie on the plane. I’m all about Atomic Grey. Can’t wait. I hope the freight plane carrying your luggage arrives here on time. Hahaha.
I really do not think anything ages YOU!! I love the lippie & do not care what others think if I wear it in the daytime.
I don’t think this darker shade is aging on you. The images are, however, showing you at a distance…sometimes people have some challenges with darker lipstick shades accentuating facial lines. I think you can wear bold, dramatic shades beautifully.
Are you aware that most red shades of lipstick are not vegetarian? I know you are vegetarian but that may not extend to wearing makeup though. S’all good, whichever you choose.
you dont look older!
i think its – most of all – the dark colors of coat and dress that put some shadows in your lovely face. and then the dark lippy is one to much. just thinking….
but this aside – the trench/boots look is gorgeous – and the lippi itself has a lovely color.
moi? have thin lips – so really dark lipstick is a nono for me anyway – but if i do wear black/navy etc. near the face i chose a much lighter/brighter lipcolor as usual.
chapeau for giving the makeup back!! one can have a weak moment – but thinking about and then doing the right thing and trying to be prepared for the future is true greatness.
xxxx
I LOVE your new hair color and dark lipstick. You have a natural beauty and vibrant energy that glows through anything you put on. Some of us have to work harder on our vibrancy, but yours is internal and eternal. Wear whatever you want, I say. I’m envious of your latex coat. I wish I had one! I live in Vancouver so I’ll be watching for you guys! I’m sure I’ll notice the raised vibration around here even if I don’t. Have fun! And thank you for the ongoing inspiration. XO
Ah that perfect raincoat. I would buy it immediately if I could try it on in a shop first. But I know you ordered it (from Russia?).
I do not think the darker lipstick ages you at all. And I don’t think darker lipstick will age anyone. Just a matter of preference.
Say high to the girls for me and have lots and lots of fun. Missing you lot.
Greetje
Off topic, but OMG, LOOK AT THAT ADORABLE FOX PRINTED ON YOUR DRESS!!!
And the fox IN the dress. 😉
Sorry. I don’t wear makeup, I really never learned how. I’ve always been a late bloomer. At 29 I learned to walk in heels, at 39 I finally learned how to put an outfit together, maybe at 49 I’ll have an epiphany for make up. If not, well I guess there’s always 59.
Where to start? First of all I am in love with that blue coat. The embroidered dress also is also making me smile.
I have a dark lipstick that my daughter got for me. I wear it from time to time, but add a peach gloss and I like the combination.
Don’t be down on yourself for occasionally indulging. We are human beings. We make mistakes.
Instead, take solace in in the fact that you are so conscientious!
I don’t like foundation at my age. But I do love a good BB cream , and or a tinted moisturizer with SPF.
And I also love false eyelashes. !!!
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/