Post 9

I have had a very interesting summer. I went to a business conference, hired a business coach and I've been reading new books and listening to an endless number of podcasts.  I feel an awakening as far as my styling business and career are concerned.  Yet, I have feelings of anxiety and a touch of intimidation when I think of my future.  I think I need to be bolder and more fearless, but it's hard to know where to start.  I bought a couple of new outfits (and they are bold), but the looks were missing something.  I was recently doing a pull for a styling client, and the owner of the fashion PR firm was wearing a gorgeous matte red. For me, a bold red lip was always just too much (my go to has always been a subtle pink or a deep maroon lip color, usually a gloss from Laura Mercier); but I had a revelation. If I can't be bold with my lip color, how can I make bold steps in the really important parts of my life?  So, I went to a beauty counter and asked for a big bold red (with blue undertones) with a super matte finish.  No joke, I was sweating bullets trying different colors (because now people can REALLY see me).  I finally purchased Laura Mercier's Velour Lovers Mon Cheri lipstick and Grenadine lip liner.

In my boldness, I wore this bright red lipstick everyday for the two weeks.  Whole Foods - bright red lips.  Coffee Shop - bright red lips, Hospital - bright red lips (for those who know me, I work as a pediatric anesthesiologist, a side gig to my styling business ;-).  I even had several phone meetings with my business coach and styling clients; and yes, I wore my bright red lipstick (and these were not Skype meetings).

The overall effect? I feel more confident. The bold lip color invites attention, and I liked it. I felt like I commanded attention in the right way.  Of course, this can be achieved with strategic wardrobe choices, but there was a different feel to the confidence I felt with the bold lip.  Will I wear red lips forever? Not everyday, but it will definitely be in my regular arsenal of slayage. I love makeup, but I like to keep my routine pretty simple (3 minutes or less).  My go to for the last two weeks has been a bold brow (courtesy of Boy Brow by Glossier), mascara (I actually use Boy Brow on my lashes as well), and my new bold red lip. What are your instant confidence boosters? I have a feeling a red lip is just the start of new and bold adventures.  Stay tuned. Oh, and feel free to comment on your go to right red lipsticks.  xoxo  Dominique Aimee