The Red Lipstick Experiment, Can A New Lipstick Make You Happy?

So, I've been working on this thing called HAPPINESS. 

This doesn't mean that I'm unhappy, or that I'm sad per-se, it means that I'm working towards a positive mental and physical state for my life. I, my friends, was in a funk -  and needed to do SOMETHING. So over the past month, I've made a few changes to help ME be a better ME.

Mental and physical go hand in hand, so some of what I'm doing is for body, while some things may just be simple, everyday things. What I'm looking to find is that key combination... that elusive word "balance". Not just in my life, but in my body and soul. 

I'm calling these "Happiness Experiments;" Something I try out to see what, if any, affect it has. After attending a "Happiness Bootcamp" last month, I realized the main reason that habits don't change and resolutions don't stick for me is because I throw them all out there at once. I'm also keen to declare FAILURE when the outcome isn't what I envisioned it looking like. With "experiments" there are no passes, no fails. You are trying something out. Taking it out for test drive. Trying it on for size. Some things may stick, while others don't. 

Which brings me to Lipstick. 

{Yes, you were wondering how I was going to get back around to make-up, huh?} 

It is a proven fact that new lipstick makes you happy. This has been a phenomenon tracked in women since World War 2. Lipstick is an inexpensive, non-permanent change that can spice things up. 

This particular experiment was inspired (and enabled) by my good friend, Romy of RomyRaves. Romy is the queen of fun accessories and make-up, and she's lucky enough that she's channeled this into an amazing online presence and working relationship with top beauty brands. A few weeks ago when she came down and spent the weekend with me, not only was she sporting this super hot new lipstick, she brought some for the rest of us to try. I mentioned my current love affair with Avon's Totally Kissable line a few weeks ago - but the shade I was loving over was a very pretty, but very neutral pink color: totally right in my comfort zone. 

But there was Romy - rocking this red hot lip (in Avon's Make-Out Red) that made people stop and stare. And honestly, I was in awe by her bravery and ability to work that shade. Over the next week or so I kept trying on the same color that Romy wore, only to wipe it off a few seconds later. It wasn't doing it for me - it wasn't right. Digging into my bag of Avon goodies that Romy brought for me (she knows a way to my heart is through my make-up bag!) I finally got up the nerve to try another color - Red Embrace. 

WAY better for my coloring, this red is more of a coral-red, rather than the pink-red Romy was wearing. While bright and eye-catching, with minimal other make-up I actually wore it in the daytime... and loved it. It gave my casual jeans and shirt look a kick, but it wasn't too much. It was way different than what I normally wear, but every time I caught my reflection I kept thinking how much I liked it. 

This experiment was deemed a success! I'm throwing this lipstick into heavy rotation and going to wear it with a smile.  

Make-Up Monday: I'm Lovin' Avon's New Totally Kissable Lipstick

This weekend I had an amazing girls weekend with some of my favorite bloggers. Spa time, eating, too much champagne and endless talk of make-up filled the weekend. Being the mama in the know, and an Avon ambassador, Romy of Romy Raves brought us all little gift bags from Avon with items from their new collection - including the amazing new "Totally Kissable" lipstick.

This is the smoothest lipstick I've ever tried. It's butter soft and goes on amazingly. I'm currently obsessed with Lovey Dovey Pink, but also loving the Make-Out Red and Red Embrace. What color would you want to try for Spring 2013? 

*HUGE thanks to Romy and Avon for the goodies! XO

Coral me happy

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend 20 minutes, sans kids, at the Laura Mercier counter. I was just passing by when the lip color of one of the make-up artists working at the counter caught my eye and literally made me stop and turn back. It was this wonderful bright spring time shade and I HAD TO HAVE IT.

Of course, I'm good with just walking away with one item... especially since it's SPRING and time for color and sun and little change up to the old make-up routine. I have to say that make-up wise, I'm normally nutural girl. Raised in a time where blue eyeshadow was reserved for the likes of Donna Mills, it was ponded into my head that bright color was tacky and its best to stick with muted shades. And while I'm a product WHORE, I don't really stray too far from browns, bronzes and pinks. But this coral color really grabbed me. And when she paired it with a coral blush, all I could think was that I look like my grandma's make-up drawer... but I didn't... I looked.. fresh! And when she paired it with a turquoise/black eyeliner, I felt so spring time chic!

I've been wearing these colors now for a few weeks, and while I CAN NOT find the lipgloss "BonBon" the woman encouraged me to pair with the lipstick in stock apparently anywhere in Southern CA., I've been pairing it with a basic golden lipgloss. It takes the SHOCK of color out of it - leaving it more glistening.

If you are looking for an update to your look for the spring/summer, I highly recommend hitting up the Laura Mercier counter.