A few things I learned (and in some cases relearned) in 2011:
- It’s easy to fall back into old habits, one of which for me was comparing myself to others, but it’s a recipe for misery cake and serves no useful purpose.
- Tim Gunn is my Obi-Wan! Whenever I find myself in a pickle, I close my eyes and ask, “What would Tim Gunn do?” And then (I like to imagine) he materializes — a life coach/style Jedi — to dispense golden nuggets of advice.
- Red lipstick could be the most powerful force in the Universe (even stronger than gravity). 🙂
So maybe that third one’s a slight exaggeration, but I will say that red lipsticks always make me feel better — especially bright, cheerful reds like NARS Heat Wave ($24).
It makes even mundane tasks, like trips to Trader Joe’s, a million times more fun. I wore it there a few days ago and made a new makeup-loving friend on the staff.
A bright reddish orange, Heat Wave breathes life into faces! I used to think it was too much like MAC Lady Danger, but then I looked at the two of them together and figured out the differences.
I see more red and less coral in Heat Wave than I see in Lady Danger, and I think the extra red tempers the former, toning it down a touch. I adore both shades equally but would wear them at different times — like larger-than-life Lady Danger to a cabaret and Heat Wave to the symphony.
As a NARS Semi Matte Lipstick, Heat Wave is also long-lasting, so it won’t leave you in the lurch, but at least for me, it can be drying, especially when it’s cold out, like it is now. To help with that, I try to always remember to prep my lips first with a layer of moisturizing lip balm.
If bright reddish orange lipsticks make you weak in the knees, check out NARS Heat Wave one of these days. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S.
The NARS Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorite products from the NARS permanent collection
- NARS Unsung Heroes: Heat Wave Lipstick
- NARS Unsung Heroes: Afghan Red Lipstick
- NARS Unsung Heroes: Mata Hari Blush
- NARS Unsung Heroes: Luster Blush
- NARS Unsung Heroes: Lovejoy Blush
- NARS Unsung Heroes: Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
- NARS Unsung Heroes: Amour Blush
- NARS Unsung Heroes: Gothika Lipgloss
Inday says
You have the most amazing collection of red lipsticks Karen and you werk! all of them 😉
I wanted to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and blessed Christmas and a light-filled, beautiful, safe New Year’s!
Chris25 says
This is in my shopping cart! Yay!
Melissa says
Whoa! That color is so striking in the tube. Would definitely not work with my super fair, cool-tone skin. Looks amazing on you though, Karen! I second Inday, your red collection must be amazing.
Have a great holiday, everyone!
Vonvon says
Any red lipstick…. I am in! I have realized the ‘power’ of red lipstick!
Even on my busy and sometimes down days with minimal makeup, as in only BBCream on the face, a red lipstick or sometimes berry toned one would make me feel like a billion dollars!
Sexy Sadie says
Love this one on you.
Diana says
I love your collection of red lipstick! And I want this shade, the most.
Merry Christmas in advance, Karen. Have a blissful day.
Jen says
This is the red I’m thinking of trying first (I’m a red lipstick-phobe). Being a NC20, I hope it works well with my fair complexion!
Paris B says
I love the look of this red! We don’t get NARS here but I’ll have it on my shopping list… just in case 🙂 I also have to agree with your #1 things learnt. Its easy to get bummed when looking at others, but you know what? There are people who look at YOU and feel the same way 🙂 Merry Christmas Karen!
Swatch And Learn says
You’re rocking that red. Seriously, the more I see you with red lipstick, the more I’m itching to stop being a chicken and try a BOLD RED.
DLAOKC says
Definitely agreeing with #3! I’ve been a red-lipstick girl for oh-so-many years – love every form – gloss, matte… Thank you for all the NEW reds you have introduced to me! Merry Christmas! (another excuse to wear red!)
Lauren says
This is my new signature red…love it! I get so many compliments when I wear it and it actually lasts through eating and drinking.
Neha says
Got this today … It’s awesome .. How did I live without it all these years?