Do you ever glance at yourself in the rear view mirror between dropping the kids off at karate and running to the grocery store and think, “Ugh, I look like death?” The make-up you had less than five minutes to put on that morning is long gone and what’s left is a version of yourself that resembles nothing of the make-up-less person you were at 22.
It wouldn’t take much to brighten up your face, just a little lipstick would be a huge improvement. But what’s the point? It would just wear off too quickly anyway.
Embrace tinted lip balm or lip stain
Whichever you choose, it will be your new best friend. Let’s discuss the simpler one first. Most of us apply lip balm all day long. So often in fact, that we don’t even realize we’re doing it. Well, what if that lip balm had a faint hue to it? Then you would not only be moisturizing your pucker but also, adding some color to an otherwise pale face. Even subtle color makes a huge difference. There are tons of tinted lip balms out there from Burt’s Bees to L’Oreal (I really like these) to my favorite splurge, Fresh. If you’re a lip balm addict then this is DEFINITELY the way to go. Next time you’re at Target, Bed Bath and Beyond (use your coupon on it!) or a drug store pick one up. You won’t regret it!
The glory of lip stain
Lip stain can be a face-saver and it is definitely worth taking a little time to find a brand you like. Our lips are all different so what works for me may not be right for you. My current favorite though is L’Oreal’s Infallible (in Mesmerizing Merlot). I only have to put it on once or twice during a day and it’s there for the long haul. If you find one that works for you, don’t be afraid to buy it in a few different shades or even pay a little bit more because it will last a long time and will be well worth it in the end.
Return what you don’t like
The best stores from which to buy beauty products are the ones that let you return them after they’ve been opened. No, this is not some way to scam big business. It’s a perfectly acceptable way to be able to try something for a bit to make sure you like it. And nowhere is that more helpful than with cosmetics. These stores understand the importance of seeing an an item in different lighting situations, and trying it out to make sure it works for you. Nordstrom not only allows opened returns on cosmetics but also, offers free shipping BOTH ways for online purchases so you don’t even have to leave the house! Sephora, CVS and Bed Bath and Beyond will also gladly accept returns on opened cosmetics. You can even tell them it just didn’t look good on you. There’s no need to make up some elaborate lie. Many other department stores do as well but be sure to check before you purchase.
How to apply it
One last bit about lip stain. Once you have your brand and color the only thing you have to take time with is the application. And by time I mean about 30 seconds. But you have to do it carefully. Lip stain is made to dry quickly and stay put so if you get some outside your lip line wipe it off right away. Also, if you miss a part of your lip and notice after it has started to dry don’t try to fill it in. It won’t work. Wipe it all off and start over. Because it hasn’t been on long a tissue will do the trick so don’t worry about having to keep make-up remover in your car. Then just re-apply it.
Give it a try
Seriously, as a mom, you really must give one of these products a try. You’ll feel better about the way you look all day long. I guarantee it.