What's Your Makeup Comfort Zone? • Girl Loves Gloss

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here was a time in my life where I considered purple eyeshadow a neutral. I remember thinking browns and bronzes looked lifeless on me, and I wouldn’t have touched copper with a ten-foot pole. Perhaps it’s an age thing. Maybe it’s having access to more cosmetic brands than ever before. Whatever it is, my tastes have drastically changed over the years and my makeup comfort zone has as well.

Something that really has never changed, is that I don’t “do” red lipstick. Brick red, pink-red, orange-red, blue red… I don’t go there. I’ve had people tell me I just haven’t found the right shade of red, or preferred formula.

Thing is, it’s not just that I don’t like the colour on me. Someone told me once that red made them feel vulnerable and that hit the nail on the head for me. It’s a notice-me colour and I generally go through my life trying not to be noticed. Perhaps it’s my social anxiety and shyness. Maybe it’s the worry that it will get everywhere. Part of it is feeling I don’t have the face for red lipstick; With rather unpronounced features, I joke that it would be like slapping red lipstick on a potato. If you’ve got naturally pronounced cheekbones, strong brows or distinguishable character, I personally think you’ve got it a bit easier rocking bold choices. Obviously, you can rock whatever you want whenever you want. It’s all about the confidence to do so, and I clearly do not have it.

I’ve always worn makeup because I like the way it looks on me. I enjoy the artistry and ritual of putting on my makeup. I feel empowered to enhance features I do and don’t love with makeup. My friend Jayne looks amazing in a bright pink or red lip; her facial features balance it perfectly. I’d be lying if I wasn’t a little envious of having that ‘colour range’!

So the other day I pulled out a tomato red lipstick from my collection and popped it on just as my husband walked into the room. Courage is easier to find when you don’t leave the house, apparently.

“Does it look ridiculous?” I asked.

“No, it’s not bad!” was his response. Not good, but not bad. I’ll take it as a partial win! Did it make me confident enough to leave the house in it? Hell no. Do I think I will one day? Maybe.