Lipsticks for Brighter Days

Where did the summer go? What on earth is going on with the weather? Will we ever see blue skies again? Even I, sun-phobic and super-pale, am needing some rays. Between the grey skies and the state of British politics at the moment, I’m feeling despondent and lacklustre.  

What I (and I think most of us) need in these uncertain and damp times is a bright lipstick. The sort that radiates good vibes. As though there were rainbows and unicorns and kittens dancing out of your face. (It’s been scientifically proven that it is 97.6% harder to feel sad with a trio of rainbows, unicorns and kittens*.) 

*study sadly not authenticated. 

Here are five of my favourite spirit-lifting, happiness-giving, soul-restoring lipsticks.  

Chanel Rouge Allure in Passion

Even the sleek, shiny packaging makes me feel better. Passion is a bright, satin-y blue-red for days when you want to feel instantly elegant. A lipstick for channelling (or Chanel-ing?) your inner French woman – team with a Breton top and a cappuccino for maximum effect – although it makes even a onesie and a 2ltr bottle of Irn Bru look chic.

Best for: making anything look better. 

Benefit Benebalm

So easy to use you don’t even need a mirror. Benebalm is a pretty rose-tinted balm with a 

gorgeous rose fragrance to match. 

Best for: Saturdays in the park (and taking shelter in the nearest café); duvet days; dreaming of white sand beaches.

Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Trans Siberian

The darkest of the bunch, this is a red for those days when you really need a rich, strong, crotch-kickingly good red. It’s very versatile and can be worn as a soft rosy stain for when you don’t have quite as much butt-kicking to do.

Best for: showing who’s boss; tackling the difficult stuff; getting stuck in to a good book. 

MAC Crosswires

It’s impossible not to feel a little bit summery in this. It’s such a gorgeous creamy coral that every time I wear it I feel it could coax the sun out (no luck so far though.)

Best for: wishing away the rain.

Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in Audacious

I think Revlon missed a trick in not calling this ‘Tangerine Dream’ because it’s the brightest, boldest orange-coral. Lip crayons are always fun, plus this doesn’t need sharpening and has a lovely minty scent. 

Best for: seaside holidays, whatever the weather.