mustlovelipstick, Author at MUST LOVE LIPSTICK

Be The Change February 2, 2019

It’s been a long, long road…

So this post is coming one month after the start of the new year. As many of you have probably noticed this past year and specifically the past 5 months, my posts on social media and my blog have been pretty non existent. There was a reason for it and I’m happy to say, I’m finally able to fully take my life back and get back to doing one of my true passions in life…talking and sharing with you about my love for makeup, fitness and passion of helping others struggling from mental health issues and disorders. After wrapping up a two year battle in which I won’t go into details about, I really needed to take a few months off from everything and regroup. Luckily I was in a position to take a step back and find ME again. I was able to focus on my next move and also lay the foundation for how I’m going to push forward and turn a horrible tragedy in my life into something that will ultimately help others. There is so much I will share with you in the coming months and after such a long and empowering journey, I must say, I’m much stronger than I ever knew I was. They say what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger…in my case, it also pushed me in a direction to be heard and be a game changer. There is a silver lining to every situation in life and I just found mine. Thanks for the love and support you have shown me through the years…now let’s get back to business!

Be The Change January 26, 2019

Be unapologetically you

Life has a way of throwing us curveballs and circumstances that you never saw coming. If someone had asked me as a kid where I thought I would be at this point in my life, never in a million years would I have predicted my path. I just celebrated my 45th birthday and I must admit, I’m pretty darn blessed.

I’ve always been good at marching to the beat of my own drum. I was never a follower or cared much about what other people thought of me. There were times while I was in school, people said things to me *or behind my back, that really hurt my feelings. I always remember thinking that when people were mean and cruel, it was definitely a reflection of the bully rather than myself. I grew up in a loving home with amazing parents that taught me to be the best human I could possibly be and treat others the way I want to be treated. Like everyone else, I’ve had my moments and in no way, shape or form am I claiming to be the perfect human. But what I learned from a very young age was to embrace who I am and what I want out of life and don’t think too much about what other people think of your choices or path. You only live once and this life is YOURS to live, not for other people to question or judge.

Life is short. Very, very short in the big scheme of things. Through my devastation and obstacles, I have never lost sight of who I am at my core. I don’t respond to negative social media comments, as I don’t care about them. I also learned from a young age if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all. We need to start creating positive platforms for people and stop judging and question how others live their lives. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. At the end of the day, what legacy will YOU leave behind and how will you be remembered? Write your own story now so it can impact others positively in the future.

“You only live once. But if you do it right, once is enough.” -Mae West

Be The Change September 10, 2018

World Suicide Prevention Day 2018

I did my first blog post on suicide prevention back in 2015, exactly three years ago to this day. This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart, because I have personally lived this life. It is extremely hard for me to talk about because of the stigma that revolves around mental health in general, but it is also important for me to talk about it because it may save someone’s life and becoming an advocate and talking about it myself, has ultimately saved my own life. It has given me strength, a voice, purpose and also helps me find the silver lining to a situation/incident that nearly killed me. Many people will not understand this topic completely, but most people have either suffered themselves or know someone that has suffered from depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, bipolar, schizophrenia, or some other form of mental impairment. There is NO shame in struggling, it’s what we do with it that ultimately determines how we move forward. We should never be made to feel less than adequate, less human or less than anyone else for having a mental condition WE can’t help. The number of suicides are alarmingly increasing. We need to start talking and we need to start fighting harder than ever to save one another.

With today being WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION day, I wanted to first and foremost highlight that you can NOT judge someone’s mental health by their looks. Let’s just get that fact straight! I am sick and tired of being told I don’t look like I could possibly be depressed. Well what the hell does depression look like? It’s also highly offensive for someone to tell me because I’m in shape or wear a bikini on social media, that I don’t suffer behind closed doors. Working out for me helps with my mental health, plain and simple. When you work out it releases endorphins that helps ease anxiety for me. There are so many things that I plan on revealing down the road, but I am unable to talk about at this moment. But I would like to reiterate, at times, life is a struggle. We have all gone through rough patches or endured devastating heartache. Whether it be a death, an illness, a breakup or a financial struggle. In the moment, these feelings can be a lot to handle. There is help available. Please don’t suffer in silence. Surround yourself with an amazing support system and work your hardest every day to pull through. I have seen firsthand what suicide does to the friends and family left behind. If you or someone you know is dealing with depression, don’t be afraid to talk about it. It’s amazing how when you start talking about things, you realize there are a lot of other people that have experienced or are experiencing your same feelings. Life can be hard. Life has obstacles and life can be a challenge. Remind yourself every day how amazing you are and how much you are loved. What we can control is waking up each day and trying our hardest to make each day count and seeing a happier tomorrow. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Even if it doesn’t seem like it today, believe me, you will get through this dark time. The world is a better place with you in it!

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Aging Gracefully August 6, 2018

L’Oreal Magic Root Cover Up Spray

As I’m getting older, so is the long (& I mean long ) list of things that I have to address. Like gray hairs for instance. I have not colored my hair since my early 20’s. Back then, I use to dye my hair all of the time. Then one day a stylist told me, that the color of my hair was beautiful, and I should stop coloring it now, because one day, I will HAVE to spend money on getting it colored! From that day forward, I didn’t touch my hair in regards to coloring.

Fast forward to twenty plus years later. I still don’t color my hair but I do have a handful of gray hairs that have started popping up, but lately it’s seemed like more than a few! Wow, these things just all of a sudden started appearing in the masses! Ok, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch. But they have become noticeable to the point that I need to do something about them.

I know I’m going to sound like a baby when I say this but, “I don’t want to color my hair!” I also don’t want the random grey hairs popping out of my head! I’m still not ready to commit to coloring my hair yet. SO, I have been religiously using L’Oreal’s Magic Root Cover Up in the color Dark Brown. I actually really love this stuff. Once you get the hang of how to apply it perfectly, it’s super quick and easy to cover your grays! I just spray the area or the random few grays I have and then style my hair as usual.

I will say that every three days or so, I use Neutrogena’s anti-residue shampoo to really clean my scalp. I find this product does tend to build up quickly and weigh my hair down if I don’t really scrub my scalp with that specific shampoo. But, other than that, this product has made my life so much easier. It’s also buying me time until I have to take the big plunge!

Make Up June 11, 2018

Amazing Cosmetics Line Smoother + Primer

Primers are such a must for beautiful, flawless looking skin. I never do my makeup without first applying a primer. Since I have super dry skin, I’m always looking for a primer that tends to lock in moisture and keeps my skin looking dewy and fresh all day long. I’m an avid user on the Amazing Cosmetics Anti Aging Primer but was super excited when I had the opportunity to try their Line Smoother + Primer.

Amazing Cosmetics Line Smoother + Primer is formulated with Neodermyl, that consists of powerful and concentrated blend of peptides, ceramides and botanicals to help smooth, firm and hydrate your skin, delivering long-lasting results. The rollerball applicator also provides a soothing and cooling effect as it massages the skin. Not only are you getting the short term effects of flawless skin, this primer is actually treating your skin and imperfections while it primes. I truly love how refreshing it is when applying it under my tired eyes.

This particular primer is a bit thicker in consistency than the Amazing Cosmetics Anti Aging Primer that is my holy grail but, I actually love to use the two together. Since my skin is often times dehydrated, I like using the Anti Aging Primer on my forehead, nose and my chin, while using the Line Smoother Primer on my laugh lines, cheeks and under eyes. The Line Smoothing Primer does a great job of filling in my pores and fine lines, while the Anti Aging Primer keeps everything dewy and fresh! At my age, my makeup is only as good as my skin and my preparation prior to application is the key to beautiful makeup. I will NEVER be without a primer, ever. It’s as simple as that!