Retrospective: Red Lipstick

The first time I ever wore red lipstick, I got laid.


The very second that tube of MAC lipstick touched my lips I became someone else. Someone more confident, sexy, irresistable-someone who could catch any guy of her choosing. Red lipstick, my very own version of Clark Kent's phone booth.

Years ago, long before I would ever dare wear any color on my lips (let alone RED), I questioned my best friend about why she would ever wear such a bright red over her brown skin. I would always say, "I could never wear that color." She replied, "I think it's all in the attitude."

Ding! Ding! Ding!

"...IT'S ALL IN THE ATTITUDE."

She was right. I went shopping and once I got the right shade it was only a matter of believing I looked great in it. It helped that the lovely makeup artist at MAC was so complimentary.

"You could turn a gay man straight right now." -Blaine (MAC artist)

Why did this work? Red lipstick doesn't work for everyone. Some are alluring with barely any makeup at all. This could not have simply been about the lips.

Months later, after much thought I realized I was right, the red lipstick was nothing but icing on the cake. It worked because I knew I was fun, smart and beautiful. It worked because I knew I had great hair and a unique fashion sense. It worked because I only went out to have fun with my friends, meet new people and experience life. No agendas, no expectations. I was already a really, really good cake.

...and then, you know, boys like icing with their cake.

The red lipstick was an elegant bow on a nice gift, but not the gift itself. I remember an attitude I harbored before I met my ex-boyfriend and after we split up. I would tell myself, "I may not find the man of my dreams for the rest of my life. I must consider that as a possibility." I asked myself, "What if I that was to be true? What would I do for myself to be happy today? For the rest of the week? The month? The year? The rest of my life?"

It was usually after these evaluations that I would really take care of myself, do things for myself, make great plans for myself. I believe this is also what made me attractive to the next couple of guys. Oddly enough, I have been fortunate to have landed a significant relationship every time I treated myself this way.

As for the lipstick, it still works. I am in a meaningful relationship and I love my boyfriend, but it is nice to know I can still turn heads.

Authentically: Workin' it