Ok, this is going to be a silly post, but I have to confess: I have an obsession with dark red lipstick. I'm pretty certain my youtube videos and pretty much every picture on my Facebook page highlights this fact. I gleefully admit that I have been wearing the same color in different makeup brands since I was in high school, and I am starting to seriously wonder why I can't adjust to other colors that I buy but never care to wear more than once (a repeat situation that somehow provides me the false notion that I am about to embark on a new "look," only to wind up frantically searching for my usual dark crimson red somewhere in my makeup kit). There is a strange comfort that I find in that color - an element of embedded contrast that I personally like to believe actually enhances my beauty. I have indeed for the past few years struggled with varying up my lip color look. I have recently settled on NARS Scarlett Empress - a deep red that satisfies my need for a deep crimson look that does not fade away after I drink my morning coffee (like so many lipsticks do). I liked NARS so much that I decided to go out of my element within this great (and my new fave) makeup brand and invest in a deep pink color - and for some weird reason, I can't get into this deep pink look, even when my outfit calls for the occasion to experiment with pink lip color (this actually happened again yesterday when I sported a cute pink cowneck top ensemble).
I would like to say that my obsession with red lips comes from my personal conclusion that dark red lips look the best on brown skin tones (a proposition that I stand by with a peculiar vengeance), but I think it may go deeper. Perhaps I am nervous about experimenting outside of a particular makeup look, that perhaps my penchant for red lips has to do with my desire to remain in a particular "beauty comfort zone", outside of which I may feel a bit uncomfortable. Only through watching various makeup youtue videos have I recently begun to experiment with primer and various eyeshadow colors (I plan to blog and make a youtube video soon about those various experiments). However, I have yet to feel as comfortable with experimenting with various lip color tones, particularly those that in my opinion contrast but beautifully coincide with brown skin tones. But I am open to your comments on this topic, so please feel free to enlighten me with your opinion about lipsticks on various skin tones if you want to! :) 
My Obsession with Dark Red Lipstick
Embrace Your Lips on Valentine's Day!
Whether you are single or in a relationship, today is a day to celebrate your lips! It doesn't matter if your lips are thin, thick, or medium-sized - treat your lips to a special treat that adds that special kick to your beauty regimen. Of course, in this crazy economy, you may want to bypass the expensive lip products and instead visit your local drugstore and find a shade of lipstick/lip gloss or lipbalm that fits your needs and your unique look. That said, there is a plethora of options available at your local CVS/Rite Aid/Walmart, etc., and it is good (and cost-effective) to already know what kind of lip product will suit you best before you shell out the cash. Total Beauty has saved you some research time and has compiled a great list of pricey lipsticks and their not-so-pricey equivalents that can be found at your local drugstore (click on link below):
Total Beauty's Lipsticks Comparison Guide
Now, I won't just leave you hanging with an article without some personal tips for your lips! It is very important to keep your lips moist AND exfoliated with some sort of lip balm and exfoliator. To exfoliate, you can gently rub your lips with a moistened washcloth and/or a lip scrub. Treating your lips like a palette will help with your lipstick application, allow your lipstick to stay on longer, and also soften your lips and make them even more kissable than they were before!
When considering lip balms or chapsticks, I heavily advise you to consider one with SPF 15 - otherwise the sun can cause damage to them and also slightly alter the balance of their natural color. In addition to my Cherry Chapstick (which has SPF 15), I have fallen in love with Carol's Daughter's lip balms, which lay smoothly on my lips, make them extra extra soft, and the flavor and scent are just right and not overbearing at all. I currently use Carol's Daughter's "West - Natural Shine for Lips" in Mango, and I can honestly say it is the best lip gloss/lip balm I have ever used. Check it out! :)
Remember to spend some time to enjoy Valentine's Day today - and don't forget to love your beautiful self!
