WEARING WELL

Stories of the clothes we love RED LIPSTICK

Amoment of sheer spontaneity was to thank for my first red lipstick. A sudden urge to stand out, to make myself seen.

I suspect living in a too-small flatshare, coupled with working in an office much bigger than I was used to, was the impetus. I remember feeling like I was losing my voice, blending into the background. And so I found myself at a make-up counter, blindly grabbing the first red that looked like it might suit me.

For years I’d believed that I couldn’t wear red lipstick. “You’re too pale!” voices of teen magazines shouted from somewhere in my head. That cold spring day I felt wonderfully defiant as I hurried home with a bright red lipstick in my pocket.

As I stood in front of the mirror,

I was taken aback by my reflection.

Not only did the vibrant scarlet suit me, it looked fantastic. I seemed bright-eyed. It gave me more colour in my cheeks. My hair somehow looked better. I’ve been a convert ever since.

Putting it on is an immediate confidence booster, and it’s oh-so-much fun. The power of make-up is never more apparent than with red lipstick.

It may have taken me a long time to take the plunge, but I’d always been tempted. It hasn’t become an iconic look for nothing, the signature mark of everyone from Marilyn Monroe to

“I like that I’m making an effort for me, rather than anyone else”

Elizabeth Taylor (and let’s not forget Jessica Rabbit).

Rather than stubbornly deciding that it just wasn’t for me before I’d even tried it, I wish I’d asked my boldest make-up-wearing pals for their advice – there will always be lipstick-loving friends likely to jump at the chance to help – or perhaps I should have eased my way in by trying a red tint or lip balm first.

And, of course, the first outing doesn’t have to be done in public. I love wearing red lipstick even when I’m all alone. It always gives me such a lift (and I seem to stand taller, especially if I’m speaking on the phone).

Actually, it feels a lot like a form of self-romance. Though it takes only a couple of seconds to apply in the morning, I like the fact that I’m making an effort for me, rather than anyone else.

I chose that first red lipstick because I wanted to stand out from the crowd, I needed to assert myself, but sometimes – I’ve realised – the only person who really needs to see yourself is you.