Hot Lips

It is becoming pretty obvious that we are developing an obsession with lipstick.

We can't stop talking about it, thinking about it, and best of all, wearing it.

It all started WAY back last summer, when we stumbled upon the perfect shade of purplish, fuschia lipstick at Sephora (Psss. #11) It was everything summer should be... Bright and ripe. We called it magic lipstick and we have been very happy together.

We are pretty sure Marc Jacobs was spying on us... Because he totally copied us for his Spring 2010 runway look... It's ok, because we copy him ALL the time! (Except the bow and frizzy bang.. that wasn't us.)

Then we stumbled upon this crazy bright red lipstick we have had forever hidden in the back of the drawer and threw it on... WOWZER! We have not worn bright cherry red lips for so long, we forgot how good they feel!

We are now die-hard super lipstick fans... Because when you just don't really feel like doing much more, bright lips is just enough, they make you feel delicious.

I guess a lot of women have known this secret for ages...

But I have to say, we are super late to the lipstick party.

We have always been true blue eye liner & lip gloss lovers, and you know we still are... But something about bold lips just makes us feel very much the little lady.

Just look how pretty Emma Watson looks here with her side swept bangs and red lips... Holy Hermione!

We totally stole this lipstick guide from Handbag: It's the Spring Summer 2010 Lipstick trends. We have to say we love all the colors they chose.

We also are super in love with this true true red from Armani's new line Rouge d'armani.

Not only is this new formula said to last up to 8 hours... It is soft and hydrating. Such a break from the dry sticky long-lasters of the past.

We are big fans of the semi-nude face with bright lips.. It saves you from ending up with a clown-ish look... But if you are gifted with makeup, feel free to add a simple clean heavy eye, like Marylin Monroe... Very glam.

Careful though... You may end up looking like your addicted to love.

We suggest you go to the makeup store and test every color you think you can't pull off...

You may be happily surprised.

XOXO- Things-We-Heart

Monday: When times are hard... Beauty to the rescue!

Look, we all know times are hard right now, the unemployment rate in America is rising every month. The stock market is a total mess. Almost everyone you know, knows someone who is hurting. 

But, what? you may ask does this have to do with beauty? Darn it Things-We-Heart, we come here on Mondays to feel good, and find out what our next little beauty splurge will be! Don't fret, we are getting there... It is called the "Lipstick Effect"... And we are all a part of it. 

The Lipstick Effect means,  that even though the times are not the most lush for most of the country, girls still want to look good and smell pretty. 

This is so true in fact, that while sales of almost every other product in retail department stores have fallen, the sales of lipsticks and lip glosses have gone through the roof! 

And why you may ask? Because feeling beautiful makes you feel better about everything else. And for a $6-$16 purchase, you can change your mood. 

This fact is simple and it is true. 

This has happened before, during the Great Depression of the 1930's makeup sales soared. 

The right makeup can make you feel glamorous and confident and brave. 

Who needs a $200 hair cut? (At least this month?)

The right lipstick can change your whole look. 

Case in point, what Miss t-w-h and Miss Me like to call the MAGIC LIPSTICK!! 

While out shopping one day, at beauty mega-store Sephora Miss Me decided she wanted a super bright and happy and crazy lipstick. Shying away from the classic red, I let my eyes wander over the little colored stickers looking for the brightest one... When low-and-behold what did I find? 

Sephora Lip Attitude - Chic 

in number 10 fuscia vamp

Now, you are going to have to trust me when I say this... But this Lip color is MAGIC! It transformed Miss Me's whole look... It inspired her friends, it made people stop and stare and say... Where did you get that lipstick? It made Miss Me go out and buy 5 tubes of it so I could have one in every bag, car and drawer! 

(Photo YSL Fall 2009 Runway) 

With a bold and bright lipstick, you really don't need much else in the way of makeup. Let your lips do the talking. 

And that dear readers is the Lipstick Effect in action. A small minimally priced item that makes a large impact on the way you feel about yourself and really we all need that! 

Another beauty trend that is really big this year and that can always make a girl feel like a million dollars (For only about $30), is a nice mani-pedi. 

This fall is huge for nail polish, with so many nail trends it will be hard to stay away from your local salon or D.I.Y to save even more. 

You already know about our love for the matte nail trend, but another look we are hearting is a throwback to the time of the Great Depression, the Half Moon manicure. 

(Photo Courtesy of CND)

This style was worn by the Silver Screen Queens of the 1930's and is still a beautiful look. 

For $6 you can grab this Stormy Pink Sephora polish, and match it to your new magic lipstick. 

(Sephora) 

(Max Factor)

 

(Max Factor only $5.19!!)

How about playing up the color of your eyes? 

For the price of a new eye shadow duo you can make yourself feel beautiful and mysterious. 

Pile on the Shadow for a dramatic and uplifting change to your usual makeup routine. 

(Fashionison.com)

Even if you are wearing a $8 dress from the Good Will, with eyes like that you will feel like the prettiest girl at the party. 

When times are tough and you are saving every penny, don't forget their is always a way to make your self feel better. 

So maybe it isn't a day shopping with the girls and having a fancy lunch complete with a $12 glass of White Wine.. 

Maybe it is a nice day strolling by the beach and then popping into Rite-Aide to grab that new blue Wet & Wild eyeliner you have been dreaming about before heading home for a nice big bowl of homemade pasta and some Two Buck Chuck! 

However you decide to treat yourself, please don't forget to do so... You are worth it and you can't believe how good the simple things can make you feel! 

XOXO- Things-We-Heart