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
December 23rd, 2011 at 9:20 amYou 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
December 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 amThis is in my shopping cart! Yay!
Melissa says
December 23rd, 2011 at 10:31 amWhoa! 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
December 23rd, 2011 at 10:44 amAny 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!
Vonvon recently posted … Photo-less Post: Pining For MAC – The Computer & The Makeup; Shopping @ Selfridges – SUQQU & Tom Ford
Sexy Sadie says
December 23rd, 2011 at 12:29 pmLove this one on you.
Diana says
December 23rd, 2011 at 1:39 pmI love your collection of red lipstick! And I want this shade, the most.
Merry Christmas in advance, Karen. Have a blissful day.
Jen says
December 23rd, 2011 at 6:42 pmThis 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
December 23rd, 2011 at 7:33 pmI 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
December 23rd, 2011 at 8:20 pmYou’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.
Swatch And Learn recently posted … Nail Art Tutorial: Reindeer Nails (Rudolph Nails)
DLAOKC says
December 24th, 2011 at 4:25 amDefinitely 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
December 24th, 2011 at 10:57 amThis 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
May 18th, 2012 at 9:47 pmGot this today … It’s awesome .. How did I live without it all these years?