My Favorite Pink Lipsticks

From left to right: Bésame Cosmetics "Debutante Pink," MAC "Angel," MAC "Snob," Maybelline "Pink Please," Revlon "Primrose," and ELF "Classy"

As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, soft pink lips are definitely in! Although, the argument could be made that pink lips are perennially in... or at least for me, they are. I've come to adore pink lipsticks and 7 times out of 10 you'll catch me in pinky-nude lips at almost any given time of year. Incredibly, there was a very strange time, many moons ago, when I loathed pink lipsticks. I simply could not justify purchasing a natural, flesh tone lip product whose pigmentation was inferior to that of the unnatural yet flattering pinup reds I embraced. Convinced that I was a misplaced pinup myself, I restricted myself to many shades of red, under my misguided teenage doctrine which held that the "point" of makeup was to look as artificially, unattainably striking as possible, in other words: glamorous. And to some degree, this is indeed true! But there are many ways to achieve "glamour," as I would come to learn, and some would rely on the subtlety of the lips.

Around the time when I first started getting serious about eyeshadow (another former faux-pas of my post-pink lip self), I realized that, having perfected the art of the smokey eye, I needed now to perfect the art of a quiet, humble lip. I wasn't ready to go full-on MAC Myth nude but I was willing to try out a soft hushed pink. Nothing that would wash me out or make me look ill or corpse-like and frankly, I'm still not fond of that look. The first one I ever came across was Revlon's "Primrose" and to this day it is one of my all time favorite drugstore lipsticks. So dear it is to me, that I stocked up on backups for fear that it might be discontinued! I've not obsessed to the point of purchasing backups with any other lip product to date.

Without further ado, I present you with six of my favorite soft pink lipsticks.

Bésame Cosmetics Debutante Pink: a warm, frosty (but not too frosty) pink. Of the lipsticks featured in today's post, this is the most expensive, retailing at about $22.00 a tube. But the packaging on this lipstick is a beautiful nod to the elaborate detail that went into the packaging of vintage cosmetics, especially the lipsticks. This is the type of lipstick you'll just love pulling out of your clutch at a social event, not because you really need a touch up (after all, this semi-matte formula is super long-wearing!) but because you want to show off how fancy you are!

MAC Angel: A very recent favorite. Seriously, I don't know what took me so long! This color is so "up my ally." I had it pinned on my Wishlist Board on Pinterest what feels like forever ago! Finally got around to picking it up at MAC the other day and I'm so glad I did. Admittedly, it's less opaque that I expected of a MAC lipstick, but the color is nonetheless build-able and wearable. Not as long-lasting as my other MAC lipsticks but wears long enough before reapplication. Somewhere between a nude and pink, this color is so versatile that it is as perfect for smokey-eyes as it is suitable for fresher, lighter looks too.

MAC Snob: This is the most opaque pink of the bunch. It also has the most obvious tones of cool blue and even lavender. For these reasons, it is probably my least favorite on this list. Not that I don't love cool tone pinks; on the contrary, I love them. But "Snob" is just a little too blue. I find that this color builds up very fast and can be somewhat unflattering when applied too thick. I know it sounds like I don't like "Snob" and at this point, you're probably wondering why I even included this one in the first place! But I assure you that I do like it, wear it, and am happy to have it in my collection. I actually love the way it looks when applied with a lip brush or even just a light hand. This is also one of the few lipsticks I prefer after hours of long wear, as the stain it leaves is more flattering than when freshly applied.

Maybelline Pink Please: This one reminds me a lot of MAC "Angel," but perhaps peachier and more opaque. Unfortunately, this color was discontinued from the Color Sensational line a few years ago for reasons unknown. It is my understanding that this was one of Maybelline's most popular lipsticks at one time. I am very fortunate to still have a tube of this. If you never had the opportunity to pick up "Pink Please," Mayelline's "Born With It" (featured below), also from the Color Sensational line, is a very close match worth looking into.

The difference is subtle but "Born with it" leans more towards a nude and "Pink Please" leans more towards pink. I think it is a great alternative for anyone who missed out on "Pink Please."

Revlon Primrose: As I mentioned earlier in this post, this is my all time favorite drugstore lipstick. A lot of cosmetics enthusiasts praise it is as a good dupe for MAC Snob, which we discussed prior. I say that it is actually a perfected version of "Snob." This is what MAC Snob should be. While the cool blue undertones of this pink are still palpable, they are not as overwhelming as those in MAC "Snob" making "Primrose" much more wearable. I've worn it with smokey eyes and lighter eyes and I attest to its endless versatility. It is particularly flattering on light-medium skin tones with yellow or olive undertones (such as my own). Formula-wise it is creamy, well pigmented and long-wearing, as almost all Revlon lipsticks typically are, and it leaves a beautiful stain after many hours of wear, much like MAC Snob. Retailing at about $7.00 at most drugstores (that's half the price of Snob FYI), I highly recommend trying out "Primrose" before purchasing any high-end pastel pinks, especially if you are new to the whole "pinky-nude" thing.

ELF Classy: Originally, I had planned to feature only 5 lipsticks in this post but I decided to include ELF's lipstick in "Classy" as a kind of "honorable mention" because while it isn't the best formula, or the most nicely packaged, it far exceeded my expectations of a $1.00 lipstick. Yup, you read right-- $1.00. This lipstick is a part of the ELF Essentials line, in which all products generally go for about $1.00. "Classy" is a pretty Audrey pink, though you'd never be able to tell based on the ELF website's color guide. It applies very sheer at first so you will need to build up color with several applications but once applied it is surprisingly long-wearing. What I don't like about the formula is that the lipstick seems to melt in my cosmetics bag when I'm out and about. Granted, I know that Florida weather is typically unkind to all, but this is the one of the only lipsticks I own that travels so poorly.

Have you tried any of these lipsticks? What are your favorite pinks?

Hope you're having a great week so far!

Daily Tidbits:

Doesn't that look delish? Tony ordered a dessert consisting of blackberries soaked in honey and sage. We both shared assorted macaroons. I had a double-shot Dharkan, one of the latest and most intense varieties put out by Nespresso. 

• Tony and I hit up our favorite coffee bar, Nespresso, in South Beach this past weekend (as per Instagram). We have the Nespresso machine at home and we love it but it's always nice to go out and be waited on with an assortment of macarons. Have you ever been there? If you haven't, you've gotta check it out. The ambience is so fabulously avant-garde.
• I had a chocolate Kale smoothie today for lunch. Chocolate makes for a great way to start the week. 
• Report cards are finally printed. Can't wait to start posting those 2nd Quarter grades! 
• Making a chickpea hot pot tonight!

OOTD: Fighting for the Fuchsia

Still on my K-bun kick...

October has thus far been the busiest month of 2013. It's Hispanic Heritage Month, for one. And as the Spanish teacher that means collaborating with my fabulous students to turn our school auditorium into an aleph of the Spanish-speaking world (Borges reference, anyone?). This was the first event of October, after which Red Ribbon Week and the end of the first quarter were sure to follow. For me, this means staff meetings,  report cards, and, of course, the proverbial hunt for missing assignments and all this in the midst of fighting the flu.

It's also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a cause worth fighting for...in style! To show our support, our school community, students and faculty alike, put their best pink forward. I put my brightest pink forward; while classic pastel pink is customary, I opted to fight in fuchsia, a bright, in-your-face, warrior's pink. 

This bright, fuchsia blazer from Zara is the unquestionable show stopper in today's look. I love the structure of this blazer, especially the padded shoulders. Now, I know, most women of today would have ripped the shoulder padding right off the rack, but I personally just love the way it cinches the waist, creating a powerfully feminine silhouette. This particular blazer is unique in that the shoulders are not squared off as is typical of the "Janet Reno" blazers or man's sports coat. In fact, the shoulders on this blazer curve up and out elegantly and are ruched for some added feminine flare.

With so much focus on the upper portion, I went fairly neutral with the rest of my look. I chose a white tank top tucked into light wash, destroyed denim, skinny jeans from JustFab to relax the look (have you tried those jeans? They really are just fabulous!). I accessorized with my favorite Michael Kors logo belt in Vanilla.

You just can't go wrong with nude pumps. These however take the theme up a notch with bright pink soles. These are the Carringtons from the old school Shoe Dazzle Signature Sole line (back when Kim K. was the "chief stylist"). The quality of these shoes is not great, admittedly, but they are pretty, comfy, and I've put a lot of miles on them in the last 3 years. They are no longer available on SD but the design of this shoe is so commonplace you could probably get something comparable and in better quality from other designers, that is if you don't already own something like this.

Let's keep fighting, warriors, for a future as bright as dat fuchsia!

All my love, always.

Daily Tidbits: 

• Just made the Sephora VIB program for the first time ever! Although that basically just means that I love cosmetics too much, I'm pretty excited about coupons and free shipping. 
• I just received my Sigma Creme de Couture macaroon-inspired palette yesterday and I'm all too excited to start creating whimsical looks with it. Stay tuned. ;)
• I've cut back on my coffee intake to just one small serving a day and I feel good about it. The new Keurig in the teachers' lounge was leading me down the beaten path of caffeine abuse.
• I'm still sore from getting back into my workout routine post-sick week. Leg day and chest day were beastly!
• Date night last night <3

OOTD: The Not Too High-Low Skirt (Now Work Appropriate and Petite Approved!)

Standing at 5 foot nothing sans heels, I've been having a hard time participating in the whole high-low trend. I'm sure all you other petite girls out there can empathize with me. Much as I love the princess-like elegance of a chiffon train flowing gracefully in my trail as I saunter about, I find that dragging excess fabric across asphalt is quite unbecoming, which is why I am so impressed with this subtle little high-low skirt I picked up from the Sear's Kardashian Kollection. I normally wouldn't purchase anything from their "Kollection," as much of it is overpriced for such poor quality, but this little number happened to be on sale for about $7.00 (#win!). Surprisingly, it is probably the best quality Kardashian Kollection item I've ever worn. 

The first thing I love about this skirt is the fact that I don't have to hem it! The length of this skirt is much shorter than that of a typical high-low making it very cooperative with my stature. For some, this may be a con but for me this is a convenience. Second thing I love is its wearability. The difference in length from the front to the back is also far less dramatic than that of other skirts in the high-low family but it is just palpable enough to achieve a similar effect in a more demure way, allowing it to be styled in manner that is work-appropriate. And what about that print? I'm usually pretty selective about prints but this one really caught my eye... It's gorgeous! From my Instagram photo above, you can't appreciate very much of the detail that goes into the print beyond the striking geometric pattern, but the way the lion-head coins and gold chains are arranged on the light blue backdrop of this skirt creates a very beautiful and luxe nautical theme.

I paired my Kardashian skirt with a simple nude braided belt, a plain white dress shirt, and a gold chain necklace that restates the nautical theme. I also wore nude almond-toe patent pumps in order to keep the focus on the skirt and lengthen those short legs!

Have a fabulous day!

Daily Tidbits:

• I've worn my hair in a bun for the last three days in a row. The weather has been icky lately and I don't feel like wearing my hair down in this vaporous So Flo heat. A little bit of Fall seriously needs to happen soon so I can have lots more good hair days and more excuses to drink PSL's. :)
• I have been loving Revlon's Super Lustrous Shine Lipstick in Plum Velour lately. I've worn it almost every day this week! Great fall color.
• I am currently reading Bram Stoker's Dracula in Spanish. Like I tell my students, one of the best ways to improve your second language skills is to read, read, read. 

Eternally Optimistic

A long time favorite, Essie's "Eternal Optimist" is what I find myself turning to whenever I feel like I need a fresh start. I say this, of course, as I wrap up the 1st quarter of the school year. Having spent the last few months getting adjusted to my first official teaching position, the past week fighting the flu, and the last few days submitting 1st quarter final grades, I am looking forward to starting fresh again in the 2nd quarter. I have a firmer grasp of how I like for my classes to flow and I'm getting better at organizing the infinite piles of papers that overwhelm my poor desk. I also destroyed that nasty flu with the generous helpings of spicy veggie-filled curry broths and ginger-lemon tea with cayenne. So now I am feeling optimistic. And being the nutritionista that I am, my nails must therefore express the same optimism.

"Eternal Optimist" is the perfect pinky nude--but not too nude--polish. I feel so light and refreshed every time I look down and see my nails glowing in its pink warmth. It's especially refreshing after donning dark polishes like the new "Peace, Love, and OPI" (gorgeous metallic!) and the renown "Linkin Park After Dark" for the past month. Don't get me wrong. I love dark polish as much as a Kardashian but I grow tired of seeing it on my nails after about a week of wear, which light colors like "Eternal Optimist" and even Essie's "Marshmallow" are comeback staples in collection.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy week! And if you happen to catch that fall flu that's been going around, tackle with some sweet and spicy ginger-lemon tea. ;)

Daily Tidbits

• Yesterday was my first day back in my workout regimen in two weeks. I typically work out 5-6 days a week but this hasn't been the case these past two weeks. Between setting up October's Hispanic Heritage event at school and catching the flu, hitting the weights has not been on the agenda. 
• Worked out my chest today. Feels so good to be back! Can't wait for that second day chest soreness! Call me cray-cray, but I actually miss being sore!
• I've been wearing my Wet N' Wild Cream Foundation today since 6:00 am and it is currently 8:49 pm. Considering how much running around I do on a daily basis, how many classes I teach, the fact that I ran errands on the way home from work, made dinner, and got in a good workout, my face doesn't look half bad! This stuff is surprisingly good. Must and will review soon.
• Wore heels to work today for the first time in about a week. I never wear heels to work when I'm sick. 

Cayenne-Spiced Ginger-Lemon Tea

Whenever I feel a cold coming on (sore throat, sinus congestion, the works!) this is the tea that reminds my nose how to breathe properly again. One sip and whatever bug I may have caught begins retreating out of fear of its impending doom; white flags abound as white blood cells crack down!

Ginger isn't the prettiest root vegetable you ever did see. My sloppy slicing skills don't help its unfortunate appearance. But as you can see, you don't need to be too precise when you slice your ginger for tea.  

Ingredients:

1 finger of fresh ginger, sliced

1 juicy lemon

1 pinch of cayenne

1-2 cups of water

Honey, to taste

Directions:

Simmer the water with the fresh ginger slices in a small pot for several minutes. Turn off the heat and let the tea steep. The longer the tea steeps the stronger and richer the ginger flavor becomes. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper to your tea. Stir and serve with a couple of generous spoonfuls of honey. 

Clearer sinuses guaranteed!

Like my mug? :)

Daily Tidbits:

• My voice is almost completely recovered from my recent bout with the flu, many thanks to this ginger tea. In fact, I'm drinking my ginger tea as I type this post-- part pleasure, part preventative measure.
• I made a delightful yet simple tomato soup this evening for the Mr. and me. The recipe involved curry and coconut milk. It was fantastic!
• Today, I cooked with coriander for the first time EVER! And while shopping for the ingredients for my soup at Publix, I learned two things: 1. Coriander is a very difficult spice to locate. 2. The gentleman who helped me find coriander in the spice aisle informed me that coriander is actually cilantro! That would explain why I enjoyed it so much in my soup.