Friday Miscellany: Red Lipstick And More

Red lipstick: Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Maple. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

The Red Lip

There’s just something about red lipstick. It brightens the face and adds a dash of sophistication. I’ve always loved the look, and have long been on the hunt for “my” red. I’ve wanted one that’s not too bright, not too dark, not too pink or too brown, and with a not-too-glossy texture that’s not drying. Last week I was making a quick pass through Sephora, and noticed the Bite Beauty display. I’ve heard good things about this brand, and decided to give some of the Amuse Bouche Lipstick colors a swatch. One the third try, I found “Maple” which is exactly the color and texture I’ve been hunting for.

This one’s highly pigmented, so it’s not something you can just swipe on and go without a mirror. I’ve found the best method is to tap/press it on from the tube and then blend with a fingertip. And I think a liner is prudent. (I use Makeover Workshop’s “Neapolitan” which is a great all-purpose liner.) It stays on a good long time, doesn’t dry out my lips, and doesn’t look blotchy as it wears off.

Wearing Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Maple, natural light. More at une femme d'un certain age.

Here’s how the color looks in sunlight.

Bite Beauty lip products are made from all natural, food-grade ingredients. So if you have sensitivities or if avoiding certain chemicals in your cosmetics is important to you, you should definitely check out this brand.

In The Kitchen

3-D rendering grey and white kitchen. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

We’re still on hold waiting for permits to begin the renovation, but I thought I’d share the designer’s 3-D rendering of what we’re aiming for. It will still be a small kitchen, but with a more efficient footprint and a better use of the space. Currently, there are full walls where the eat-in counter and the edge of the dining table appear in this image. We’ll be knocking out those walls, moving one doorway and expanding another. It’s going to be a major project, but I’m really looking forward to the end result. Once it’s done, I’ll share some Before and After photos.

On A Personal Note

As a blogger, I’ve been lucky to not have received very many nasty comments over the years. I work hard to create and maintain a positive, upbeat space here, and I think that tends to discourage outright rudeness. I truly appreciate that you take the time to share your comments and welcome open discussion. That includes dissenting opinions and constructive feedback. And I try to give people the benefit of the doubt when assessing the intent behind negative remarks. But snotty, disparaging, uncivil, and antagonistic comments will be deleted. Full stop. Don’t have time for that.

Thanks for your understanding and support.

Do you wear red or bright lipstick colors? Have a favorite shade or formula?

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87 Comments

  1. That color is very flattering on you. Interesting advice about tapping it on. Will give it a try. I’ve backed away from bolder colors but I agree there is nothing dressier than red lipstick.

  2. Your kitchen renovation/remodel is going to be great. I think you’ll love the more open design. Congratulations and will look forward to the before and after photos.

  3. Love that shade on you!!! Will check out the link on lipstick. I’ve been steering away from any nasty chemicals for a good manny years now and I think it is wonderful that you are including these types of products on your blog. Thank you so much. And your kitchen is lovely. Open and inviting.

  4. You look great with this kind of red. I tried red colors on a couple of times but didn’t like it at all. Maybe I’m not courageous enough?

  5. I like red to wear red lipstick too. Here are two that I love. Legendary by Smashbox, a clear red, great for an evening out. When you want a little red shear natural color, try Elizabeth Arden 8 hour Cream Lip Potectant in berry. It’s available at Macy’s. Both apply nicely and feel good.

  6. That is a beautiful color on you! I have heard of Bite Beauty and will definitely check out their lip colors and products now.

  7. That’s a good red. I wore red all the time in my early 20’s back in the 70s and I think it’s about time I tried it as a change from my usual pinky-browns to add a bit of pizzaz. Quite a few of my workmates wear bold lip colours and it looks great, but it does take a bit of getting used to when you first see yourself in the mirror!

  8. Wow that is perfect on you! It has a way of making your whole complexion look great! I agree- red, or a sheer variation but still a true red- is the best . Why? Because I once read that when most of us blush it is a red tone- who blushes pink beige or a caramel plum? In the mirror, my real lip is a rose dusty color. But I found a clear but sheer red and it really looks the best!! Also I swipe it across my cheek apples if the mood strikes. But I can say as one who has been trying hundreds of reds this past few months to get the right undertone, you nailed this red you are wearing! Thanks for showing it and making my day!

  9. I scrolled slowly before seeing the red you love…it looks as though it radiates from within! It IS your red! Congrats. Love the kitchen reno…a note about the suggested table in the rendering – we have a rough hewn similar table; with the grooves, it’s very rough to wipe down and clean. I’ve taken to vacuuming the top every week, rather than risk getting splinters. Keep that in mind when shopping!

  10. Love the lipstick color on you — looks like it was custom-blended. But now you’ve done it: I’m going to have to check out Bite. I am timid about wearing a red lip, but I’ve been experimenting and trying to go a little beyond my comfort zone. The Nars satin and velvet lip pencils seem to work well for me, and I sometimes mix and match. Right now, I’m loving the color Golshan, and Dolce Vita is a favorite though it’s not really red.

    Kitchen plans look amazing, you will be so happy with the open feeling and ease of moving around.

    All the best — don’t let the nasties get you down, they’re so not worth the energy.

  11. I love the red on you (and your matching sunglasses)! I recently discovered your blog and look forward to it every day.

  12. We just finished a major kitchen reno like you are embarking upon. We opened up a wall and boy, what a difference! All of the hassle of the reno was worth it! I love my new kitchen! Good luck and remember that the construction won’t last forever.

  13. I have Burberry Poppy red which is pretty bright. I have small lips (which are getting smaller as I age) and I thought it would expand their real estate on my face…but then I saw myself on video and all you can see are little red lips. I think I’ll give it to my niece for playing grown-up!

    The kitchen design looks beautiful…love the countertops.

  14. It’s so distressing that courtesy often seems to be in such short supply on the internet (see the frequent attacks on classicist Mary Beard and her blog “A Don’s Life”). I’m an educator, and one of the things I try to teach my teen-age students is the importance of open-mindedness and respect during discussion, whether real or virtual. I have always admired the thoughtfulness and kindness of your blog, Susan; keep up the good work, and ignore any trolls who may sneak into the house.

  15. Following your comment about red-lips-as-accessory in your recent Parisian posts, I’ve been pulling out the red lipstick here more the last week or so. I’m a dark blonde (thanks to my hairdresser), and the maple-y kind of red works for me. My current fave is an ancient Mary Kay lipstick color — Amber Suede. And yes, I need a lipstick pencil/liner, too, when I wear the red.

    Your kitchen rendering is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing that. It’s just like your clothing style — modern classic. 🙂

  16. Red lips can be lovely, as you show in your photo. But it seems to be tricky to get the right shade. The dance team members for our university’s basketball team wear red lipstick…and it looks grotesque on these otherwise lovely young women. And you are right, Susan, the application method is very important, too.

  17. I’m wearing red for the first time. I tried it back in the 90’s and just didn’t care for it. One of the problems being that my lips have so much pink in them they would turn whatever, albeit even brownish reds, fuschia!! I’ve been wearing Chanecaille Nocturne with some success and got a sample of Clinique Lip Glaze in Freball. Not a red, but still bright and seems to work for me, is MAC She Sheer. I just cannot tolerate a matte or stain lip color. Also, Matte lipstick and anything without a shine tends to make my smallish lips look smaller.
    On another topic, Susan, IGNORE the haters!! I’ve found out that bullies never change. Some women are never happy and will search out others to intimidate or belittle. Just remember they’re unhappy with their own lives and feel incapable of change. I found that the older I’ve gotten the nicer I am especially to other women. I try to pay a complete stranger, women actually, a compliment every day. Hair, clothes, shoes doesn’t matter. I love bringing a smile to someone else’s face. I love your blog and it’s the first piece of email I read every morning. Keep up the good work!

    1. Lisa, thanks! I have the same issue with everything looking much more pink on my lips than in the tube. That’s why I’ve learned to go with more brick- or orange-toned reds.

  18. Red lipstick is one of those things I’ve been afraid to try, but my daughter LOVES a vivid red lipstick. Having said that, I love the color of the lipstick you chose. Sounds like I might have to stop in Sephora tomorrow to check out Bite Beauty.

  19. I, too, want to find the perfect red lipstick. That looks really nice and is well applied. I appreciate you sharing how to apply it. Does lip liner go on first? Any tips on applying that? Also do you blot your lipstick? Thank you.

  20. I have the same issues with red looking like fuchsia that you and Lisa reported. I fall back on sheer reds like Lipstick queen’s Medieval, but I’ll have to look at going more brick red. That soft red you found is beautiful on you!

  21. Sue, last spring my husband and I had been staying in Aix, and we went out for a day to visit some villages in the Luberon. One of them was Roussillion, where I was instantly under the spell of all the beautiful shades of ochre. In the cliffs themselves, and all the varied shades the building were painted. I paint too, and there was a store there that sold the pigments themselves, I bought several jars, to make my own paints. If you’ve been to the Luberon, you know how exciting it is, and I was totally under the spell of this color range: from almost red to orangey to yellow-but-not-quite.

    When we got back to Aix, I went to the nearby Sephora and was determined to find a reddish lipstick color, to celebrate the day and remember it, (and treat myself, of course!). I ended up with a beautiful shade of muted red. No sparkle, but luminous. I wore that lipstick almost every day, as it was very flattering. Fast forward to my hurriedly packing to come home. I somehow lost it. I HAD scraped a bit of it into a little palette I carry to mix lipstick in, so I had a little chunk/smear of it left. Well, I FORGOTTEN the brand and name of the color! I have looked and looked for something to match it! I’ve tried Dior, YSL, Clarins…trying to remember the brands they carried in that Sephora..to no avail. But THIS COLOR you mention looks identical! I will head to my nearest Sephora and try it out. THANK YOU!.. Here’s hoping!

  22. You’re going to love having your kitchen opened up like that — so much more light in the working area and so much more potential for “social flow” — I love the kind of entertaining that centres in the kitchen!

  23. First of all: I agree. No time for anyone who is nasty, rude etc. I’m just too old for that!
    Second: I have never been a lipstick wearer, but oh have I tried! So my latest discovery is that, YES, a small lip brush can make a huge difference!!! I had a Chanel red in the drawer and just a few weeks ago decided to apply with a small brush I had. Voila!!! It looks so much better and just might make me a convert to lipstick: and thanks for the help here.

  24. That really is the PERFECT red for you! Congrats, not easy to find and love the way it compliments your sunglasses. Who’s sunglasses are these? Very nice.

  25. I’ve always been a red lipstick girl and lucky that most reds look great on me. I encourage others to at least give it a try, but they shake their heads and say it’s not for them.

  26. Susan, You may have just given me the courage to try red. Now, I’m excited! Off to Sephora I go….
    As for those mean girl remarks, it amazes me that some people actually use their valuable time to troll blog sites looking for opportunities to be snarky. These people must live very sad and lonely lives. It’s good that you have decided not to entertain them. Kudos to you.

  27. I love your blog! So wide-ranging from fashion for “older ladies” to Paris to organic makeup! I’ve been looking for lipstick without the junk and have tried Whole Foods brands unsuccessfullly! I’m headed to Sephora to check out this brand and color! Now can you recommend an organic mascara??? Btw you have converted me to Eileen Fisher! Thanks for the Plus button. It is wonderful!!!

  28. I love red lipstick and nails, but can’t find a shade that compliments my very yellow skin tone. I love the look on others! That shade looks lovely on you. I love your blog, keep you the good work.

  29. I love a red lip on us older gals. We can have a tendency to look washed out as we age and a good lip color makes all the difference. The blue reds don’t work for me but the coral reds do. I’ve been wearing Elizabeth Arden Neoclassic Coral for a few yearrs and just love the pop of color. The nude lip makes me look old, tired and ill.

    The new kitchen design looks lovely. Compact but functional. I bet you can’t wait to get it started and even more so to have it completed.

  30. I’ve been thinking that I need a brighter lipstick, especially since letting my hair go gray. I’ve long thought that you and I have similar coloring, so I really appreciate your finding what should be a good lipstick shade for me. It looks great on you!

  31. Love the red lip. Love your blog. Love the relief of thinking about lipstick and handbags and Paris in the midst of such turbulent times. You are spreading light. Deleting nasty yukky comments is spot on.

  32. Yes! I too have the same issue — when I first tried makeup my natural color would turn almost any shade of lipstick into a nearly neon color. It was as if my lips would arrive in a room far ahead of the rest of me! As I’ve aged, I can see that my lip color might benefit from a little “warming up” so you and your wise commenters have inspired me to try, starting with the Sephora here in town.

  33. That shade of lipstick confirms for me that you have warm undertones – although you are I think on the border, right? Just as I, when I realized it had to be a pinker red, have primarily cool undertones. Red tells all;).

    Also your kitchen-to-be looks wonderful.

    As for jerk commentors, I’m with you all the way.

  34. So sorry this has happen to you. I so enjoy your posts and look forward to reading them. Please keep up the great work.

  35. Your blog, your rules! You wouldn’t put up with rude behavior in your own house, so why give jerks a platform here? Your readers won’t miss the snide comments. We’re here for inspiration, not takedowns.

  36. You’ve always looked great in a bright lip. That coral (on my monitor) shade is very flattering to your coloring. Back in the day, I spent a lot of time and a fair amount of cash trying to find the perfect shade of red for my complexion to no avail. Now I go more for a lip color that matches my natural lips. Wendy by Stila was my perfect shade; naturally, it’s been discontinued. Now I’m wearing Avon’s Mad for Mauve or Uptown Pink for everyday because it’s inexpensive, very moisturizing, and has SPF 15. I reserve Anna by Nars for nighttime and dressy occasions. Dolly by Buxom was a great match, too, but it was also discontinued. I hate when that happens.

  37. Dear Susan…while rude comments have no place in any discussion i find it especially inappropriate on your wonderful and entertaining blog. I must have missed the comment that gave rise to your comment….but shame on whoever it was. Point. Click. Delete!
    Now…lipstick…a big yes. I wear Chanel colorfast lipsticks in the double sided gloss stick type “tube”. Lasts about 6 to 8 hours and the colors are vibrant. The depth of color in MAC is nice to and the liosticks are moist. Im a brunette with yellow baed skin and true red, when i have the courage, is fabulous.
    Love the kitchen. My stone countertops are white with a bit more black than the renderin. Looks very clean and sharp and hides crumbs too! I am in the minority here, but I find stainless steel appliances very hard to take care of. Nice looking but high maintenance.
    Have a great weekend everyone!

  38. That red looks lovely on you! I’m the opposite of you as I need a pink or rose red and have been searching for a few seasons now and finally found one recently. I like the look of red in the winter as I’m in a cold climate and wear darker colours then, but find in summer or if I travel south, I prefer a lighter or brighter pink. I don’t comment often, but I really enjoy your reading your blog.

  39. My favorite red was Byzantine Red from long ago Prescriptive….it was so flattering to me…the perfect blend, not blue, or yellowish or too brown. I am still looking…

  40. I love bright . It looks wonderful with your coloring and so chic. My new favorite is a real bargain buy from
    Maybelline Baby Lips.

  41. Dear Susan, In regards to you personal note at the end of this blog, I want to take the opportunity to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. Thank you for all of the effort that goes into making every entry interesting and fun to read. I have traveled vicariously through you–especially Paris–sometimes search for clothes that you feature, and always appreciate your beauty tips as well as any other information that helps to add a little glamour and panache to life. P.S. I, too, love red lipstick and wear it often.

  42. Trying reds more this year…love the one you picked. I found an old Revlon “Rich Girl Red” in my makeup drawer and have been using that but look forward to trying the one you posted. LOVED your Paris posts….and for the stinkers who say nasty things…ignore them. Thanks for a great blog !

  43. I agree wholeheartedly with your policy on restricting rude and abusive comments. And publishing comments with a difference of opinion is healthy and stimulating. But giving blog space for commenters whose only aim seems to be to dump their venom on someone is totally unnecessary. The anonymity and lack of accountability of the Internet makes bloggers an easy target for unhealthy personalities seeking to hurt. I think every blog I have visited sooner or later mentions the same phenomenon.

    I too enjoy and have benefited from your blog. It was the first style blog I visited (as a new retiree in 2011) and it truly opened some new doors for me. Your wit and insight are much appreciated.

  44. Susan, that lipstick is the perfect color for you! It makes your skin glow. I’m very fair and my challenge with lipstick is finding one that’s not too bright. After seeing this post, I’ll keep trying.

    Good luck with the kitchen project. It will be awful to live through, but you will forget that a few weeks after it’s completed.

    Ignore the nasty comments. Just delete them and move on. These people are just trying, unsuccessfully, to spread their misery to others. You don’t need that!

  45. That red is fabulous on you! I still feel overdone when I try red myself but it’s probably because I haven’t found just the right shade, or I’m not used to the look yet. I’ll persevere, though, inspired by your gorgeous results!

  46. I’ve actually just gone back to wearing a nice red lipstick (and a deep berry as well) this fall. I tried red when I was younger and found a really nice colour but I hated the wear off factor with red. I’m finding now I am ready for it. I use Burts Bees in Scarlet Soaked and I might just try out this one soon. I actually use a similar method of application when I don’t want to be too bold but still want the red colour.

  47. May I recommend to my fellow over 50 year-old or so readers to try a clear lip liner that goes outside of the lips. This has made a huge difference for me in wearing dark and/or matte lipsticks. This stops the feathering/bleeding that can occur.

    I tried the Sephora brand one, but the Nars pencil has been even better.

  48. Susan,
    I really like your blog and visit often. I am sorry you have to mention “civility.” Crazy world. I admire bloggers like you who ‘put themselves out there’ on a daily basis. You have a super style and I love the travel posts. Keep on doing what you are doing! I will check out that lipstick–it reminds me of a color Lancome had several years ago called “Creme Brûlée.” When they stopped making it I cried! :o)

  49. The kitchen looks fabulous.
    I love you in red lipstick.
    You have made me rethink red lipstick for the pale blonde…Sephora here I come!!!

  50. This post hits all the notes for me. I am definitely going to try the lip liner because I’m starting to notice some “bleed” from my lipstick (which has always been red.) That kitchen is fabulous, and it’s just the right size. A huge kitchen might be impressive, but someone still has to clean it. The comments you mention are an example of what my friend calls “keyboard courage.” Some people will say in writing what they would never say to a person’s face.

  51. What a timely subject you have addressed today. I was recently in Paris and noticed so many of the stylish Parisian women wearing a variation of red lipstick no matter their coloring. I’ve always been too “intimidated” to wear red lipstick as I have such pale coloring. But after my Paris experience I just bought a red lipstick yesterday! I actually really like it on me which I was NOT expecting. The color you have chosen looks really lovely on you!

  52. Susan, you look beautiful in the perfect shade of red for you. I have been toying with the idea of red lipstick again (in my late 60s) Think I’ll go for it. It will be fun exploring various shades.

    Wishing you the best with the kitchen reno! Exciting!

  53. Love red lipstick and glad for the tip on application. My favorite is a Tom Ford lipstick called Scarlet Rouge. It’s a few years old now but still good. I also prefer a warm-toned red and will have to get over to Sephora and try Bite Beauty. MAC makes a lip product called Prep and Prime that comes in a tube like lipstick. It keeps lipstick from creeping up my liplines. I use a lip brush to line the outside instead of a lip pencil. Rarely re-apply my lipstick and that is why my lipsticks last so long. TF lipsticks don’t bleed, but are a splurge. I really enjoy your blog and the many lovely women who share their comments.

  54. I had the hardest time finding a perfect red lippy until I went to a Bite custom lipstick bar, so much fun and they mix out different shades til you find the perfect one, then you customize the scent. So much fun, I highly recommend doing it. I went to the lip bar in Toronto, and there is one in SF, maybe there’s one further south.

    The new kitchen looks fabulous, just renovated ours and it was well worth the disruption.

  55. That color of red looks great on you. My current favorite is lady Bug by MAC. I usually wear it in the evenings. During the day I stay with Bobbie Brown – Brown it’s very natural on me. Just a hint of color, but still some glamour.
    Love you interesting and inspiring blog.
    Blossom

  56. That’s a beautiful red on you! I always thought red looked too harsh, but once I hit 50 it suddenly seemed necessary to brighten up my face. I like Clinique Angel Red, Clinique Candy Apple Red (this is a sheer red) and Bite Beauty Rhubarb (a chubby lip pencil). I have similar, yellow tones in my skin.

    Your future kitchen looks dreamy! Having that image to look at will certainly help during the inevitable days when the renovation feels never-ending.

  57. Love the lipstick color! I recently had a mini-makeup session at an Elizabeth Arden counter and this wonderful makeup artist told me, “Find your red.” So I think I will. I found a coral red that I liked.

  58. Dear Susan,
    Of course the red lip and the kitchen are awesome. You have fabulous taste.
    As for negative comments, I want to share that I started following you as I was forced into early retirement because of my husband’s early onset Parkinson’s disease. We were able to travel the first year or so, but not so much recently.
    I love reading your blog and it often makes my day!
    With much, much gratitude for your well written, en pointe, writing.
    Nicole

  59. Susan, I love love love your style! I just started wearing various shades of red lipstick the last year or so. My hubby loves it when I do and always compliments. Something else I’ve started doing lately is defining (filling in) my eyebrows. It’s amazing how much better my eyes look. My hubby loves that too. I am also an Eileen Fisher convert too. EF is nearly 3/4 of my wardrobe now. Am looking forward to your before and after photos of kitchen. I’m saving my $ and hope to be able to remodel my own kitchen and possibly add on to create a large dining room for our growing family. Also hoping to travel to Paris next spring with my son and his family, will be my first visit to France. Your blog is such an inspiration to so many xxxooo

  60. Lipstick Queen has some great reds, deep red to fire engine with sheer to full coverage with shine, cream or matte finish. A little secret, you can buy them on QVC most of the time on a payment plan with garuanteed 30 day returns. I love Poppy King and her philosophy about beauty and lipstick, her back story is fabulous. She wants woman to feel like silver screen queens and has a line called Silver Screen, The Chess collection has a Ruby Red Queen, Medival & Eden are sheer reds. The Metals collection is great. I own a dozen of these lipsticks from mauve to deep red and the Frog Prince & Hello Sailor color change lipsticks. Give Poppy a try and buy Lipstick Queen.

  61. Beautiful lipstick. And a beautiful picture of you. You look so young. Your kitchen is amazing. Which I had that. One question: why is there an eat-in counter when the dining table is that close to the kitchen? Are you ever going to use it? Is it because you want to have some separation (instead of the full wall)? Just food for thought.
    I laughed when I read your paragraph on rude comments. So you. And I agree with it.
    Greetje

    1. Hi Greetje, I’d figured the counter would also be a work space for me, and a place to serve food from when we entertain. Also a place where guests can sit and chat while we cook.

      1. Is there anyway the refrigerator can be “framed” with some units around it so that it doesn’t look like a large afterthought sitting at the end of the run of cupboards especially next to the large glazed door? Rather than a “U” shaped arrangement where the hob is can you have a long run of units running down the left side of the kitchen so that everything opens up and have the table running down the kitchen rather than across it? Also regarding the run of units that Greetje mentions have you thought of having doors on both sides to allow access from the dinning area side and from the kitchen side?

        Sorry, but kitchen design fascinates me.

        1. Hi Lesley, we’re working with a pretty small space, and limited budget. Without moving additional walls this really was the best of the designs we considered.

  62. It took me a long time to find the confidence within to wear red lipstick……..and now.. I wear it everyday! My go to is Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Besos or Fiery (it literally stays all day). Red lipstick gives me power, confidence, funk, and a glow to my energy.

  63. Susan you always have great ideas and have certainly prompted me to buy great items. Your kitchen looks like it will be beautiful. We did work on ours. Kitchen and bath renos are so worth it. Good luck!

  64. I love the color red Susan. I would have been afraid to try because it looks dark in the tube. Another way to apply to have good control is to use a lipstick brush. I have always had good success.

  65. I admire red lipstick-on others!My theory is that it overwhelms pale eye colors.Muted rose works better with my bluey green eyes-oh well!
    Your blog is terrific,and your style has improved mine-thank you so much.

  66. May I make one suggestion on your kitchen? I have a small kitchen and lots of equipment. When we redid the kitchen I had the cabinets run to the ceiling. It gives a nice amount of additional storage for out of season items.
    As for red lipstick, it’s been my favorite go to for most of my adult life. I’ve worn different brands over the years but right now my favorite is Beso from Stila. It’s a long lasting lipstick but not drying. Red is so high maintenance but this one makes it less so.

  67. Beth Rigby, the Senior Political Correspondent on Sky News here in the UK, wears the most beautiful red lipsticks. She has a very beautifully cut bob and her makeup always looks professional but just that little bit edgy and striking because of the lipstick. She wears other colours but she really owns red.

  68. A little over 2 years ago, I committed to platinum blonde. With that lovely change came a new makeup palette which included bolder lip colours. I love hunting for reds, (yes, I identify as a lipstick junkie!), and feel super confident and darn pretty when I have a killer red lip!!
    Maple is a terrific colour by the way from a company I’ve followed since their inception here in Canada. They have special events where they will hand mix a colour for individual clients.
    Vive la rouge!!

  69. Hmmm, you may be persuading me to try red lipstick. With grey hair it should in theory work, but I fear my skin tone may be too pink. I’ll probably wait until I’m next in France to try some, as I find French cosmetic counter assistants give more interesting advice than here (gross generalisation!).
    Very interested in your kitchen renovation. We are planning similar stuff, knocking through a wall to give a counter top separation between kitchen and dining room, and opening up dining room to a view with patio doors.

  70. Hi Susan,
    A couple of years ago I was returning home on an international flight where all the multinational female cabin crew wore red lipstick.
    I thought to myself – how come I can’t wear a red lip ?
    Previously being dark haired, pale skin and blue eyes I’d stuck with fuchsia shades/ blue based lipsticks.
    I recently went to a make-up counter and found a consultant who understood ‘colour’ and the changes that have occurred to my colouring now that I’m in my early 60’s.
    I’m loving the shade of red lip she chose for me – makes my blue eyes ‘pop’.