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Redlipstickhas always made feel extremely self-conscious, like a life-size caricature.
Cristina Cianci
Its also daunting to apply and exhausting to touch up throughout the day, so I avoided wearing it.
Who are these bold creatures and why couldnt I be one of them?
Ahead, read about all the practical and personal things I learned along the way.
Buy it:Avene’s Cold Cream Lip Butter, $16, andCYO’s Two Clever By Half Lipstick & Liner, $6.
I enjoyed playing around withnew formulas and textures, including my new favorite, a liquid powder.
Have you ever noticed your lipstick bleeding around the contours of your lips?
To avoid this, Giglio recommends a lip-prep product thats not super emollient.
Buy it:Undone Beauty Moisturizing Sheer Balm Tint in Clear, $5, andOrigins Blooming Bold Lipstick in Poppy Pout, $20.
She likes theFresh Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy, $36, because its hydrating without a heavy texture.
I only used a lip scrub once this week.
I scrubbed my lips with the Kopari scrub in the morning and applied the balm quickly after.
Buy it:Fresh’s Zodiac Sugar Lip Treatments, $26, andChanel Rouge Allure Liquid Powder in Radical, $30.
I love the smell, its like coconut slivers dipped in fresh caramel.
Is it bad I wanted to lick it off?
To create a defined lip line, Giglio suggests going around the outside of your lips withfoundation.
Buy it:Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm Peppermint, $3,SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Lip Brush #85, $16, andDecorté The Rouge High-Gloss Lipstickin RD453, $35.
She recommends theStila Perfectly Poreless Putty Perfector, $39.
I wasnt immune to it.
The first few days, I couldnt have been happier to go home and wipe everything off.
Buy it:Kopari’s Coconut Lip Glossy, $12, andDior’s Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge Lipstick, $37.
A pointed cotton swab was key for touching up any smudges or lipstick bleeding.
I really like cotton swabs because theyre so easy to throw in your (makeup) bag.
Its such a simple little trick that really helped me nail coloring within the lines.
Can I just put it out there that total strangers are so much nicer when you wear red lipstick?
I forgot my subway card at home and a stranger gave me his round-trip fare.
Or did he have secret powers that sensed I was writing a story and needed some good material?
Whatever it is, Ill take it!
I mostly kept my hair down, but sometimes would tie it in a low bun.
One thing I was constantly paying attention to is what my lips were touching.
And unless your significant other doesnt mind red-stained lips, save the kissing for later.
I had this subtle sense that something had changed.
Oh, and weeks later, Im still wearing it.
