Lip Schtick

Kind of what I see in my magnifying mirror, too!
Photo: Ellen Von Unworth, Vogue Italia, September 2004 ed.

I like a crimson lip but can't stand a clownish pout.

Navigating red lipstick isn't easy--too orangey here, too waxy there--I go through hopeful phases of slicking on various Marilyn Monroe-esque hues, but always come back to a boring dependable pink-y beige. Nothing's worse than candy-apple red gloss on an over 30 face (under 30 could wear Crayolas on their skin and still look edgy and lovely, but that is the charming gift of the very young).

As summer's fading tan lines make way for back-to-school sweaters, I've once again been on the search for a little polish for my pucker.

By gorge(ous), I think I've got it!

Laura Mercier lip stain in Scarlet

This ravishing pot o' lip stain does double duty: Dot it on with a fingertip for a natural bitten-lip look, or use a brush to layer color for a deeper, more daring matte red. Swipe on this non-greasy formula after adding a layer of mascara and a smidge of golden shadow, and forget all about how pretty you are...

Public touch-ups need not apply.

If Angie says go red, you go red.