A day late, but not a lipstick short

Good morning, Tuesday. I know I'm late to the party with this lipstick post (yesterday was a national lipstick holiday), but no matter. I wanted to write about some boy stuff yesterday. So here's one for my girls. That pic is by Marilyn Minter above, and don't you just? So stunning.

But great photography aside, lIpstick is like another world to me. I have a love/hate relationship with it. At times I think it looks vulgar- not on anyone else, mind you- just me. At other times I feel like it's too "makeup" and not really my style, even though I'm prone to dramatic eyes for daytime. Something about lipstick can just feel so artificial, and for me, the challenge is finding one that is like my lip color, but a little bit better. I tend to stick to rosy hues- I've talked a million times about my love for Dolce Vita from Nars- it's still one of the best neutrals out there. Soft and pretty and barely there. I also love the neutrals from Charlotte Tillbury- for a redhead (and right now I am Run Lola red and loving it)  she really gets the lip color thing- I'm digging on Stoned Rose big time right now.  The name alone...

But I digress. Because I like a bargain as much as the next girl and cheap lipstick is often just that. But I've found two formulas of the same genre that I like, and both are under 20 bucks. Read on.

Let me start by saying that the word "matte" terrifies me.  I have always been someone that preferred a dewy visage to a matte one. And when it comes to lipstick, I've always gone more gloss or sheer than not. Matte lipstick says high pigment to me, which is something I'm not that interested in. But on Prime Day (again late to the party) last week or so, I saw AOC's red lipstick was on sale so I went to check it out, hoping for a color that would keep me from looking like I'm in drag.

I did find a nice, nude neutral and man is this a MATTE look. But damn if this lipstick doesn't stay on a long time. I like this idea- because another thing I hate about lipstick is reapplying it. And at 16 bucks, it turns out it was a good investment, even though its back to its regular price of 22 dollars now. But the winner in the long-wearing lipstick game is none other than Sephora's own brand. I am crazy about this lipstick, and it's only 14 dollars.  I put this lipstick on in the am, and I swear it's still there when I get home at night, and even after I smother my dog with kisses. 

My favorite colors are Marvelous Mauve and my favorite, favorite Rose Redux. If you love a dusty rose vibe, omg. So gorgeous for real. 

Oh and in case you too have mattephobia, I'll tell you my secret. Make sure your lips are far from dry. And the best way to do that is to go for the Laneige lip mask at night. Dry lips will never happen when you use this product, even in the dead of winter. Y'all know this is an iconic maven pick. I've been using it regularly for a few years now.

So that's my little lipstick homage for the moment. And until next year most likely. 

Cause that's what's up this lip service of a Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in kisses and kisses. XO