Glo Minerals Makeup Review Series: Lipsticks

"Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together." -Elizabeth Taylor

When I was younger watching my mother getting ready and putting on her makeup I remembered her mentioned "never leave the house without shade of lipstick on". By the time I turned 19, what made me notion more into her philosophy behind lipstick values was when I visited my aunt (my mother's older sister) in Vietnam. While my mother and I was on the airplane heading to Vietnam, she took advantage of the duty-free Dior set of pastel pink lipsticks. My mother noticed a color she liked and a shade my aunt preferred. So she got the set of 5 Dior lipstick, kept one, gave one to my aunt, and the others to my cousins. 

While staying at my aunts' house, she too had mentioned she never left home without wearing her favorite shade of pastel pink lipstick. I mean, given that my aunt was probably going on 50 during that time, didn't bother wearing foundation and couldn't care less about applying mascara or even eyeshadow for that matter but her lipstick was that important to her that she wouldn't stepped out of her own house without considering it.

What made me felt less empathetic towards my mother and aunt during that time about wearing lipsticks was that I grew up during the 90s and consider myself a minimalist at heart and when it came to makeup I fashion a natural looking appearance. However, when given the opportunity to get dolled up for events, special occasions or dinners, I do apply lipstick along with the usual foundation and blush, concealer and eyeshadow, mascara and etc. to have a complete photo ready appearance--but going grocery shopping or hopping from one class to another at University, I didn't consider wearing lipstick. I guess at the time I didn't put too much thought into my mothers' statement however as I grew older, I found her philosophy to be true.

My mother and aunt both didn't shed their wisdom on vanity but more socializing my young self into considering that before presenting yourself to the world, do consider presenting yourselves' best. And I agree to this. Even as a minimalist, before leaving the comfort of my home I make sure to complete my morning hygiene routines and brush my hair, iron the clothes I'm going to wear and make sure nothing is standing out that's absurd the world ( like a nip slip). I find it's true that first impression counts and heard that when you meet somebody for the first time you have about 30 seconds to persuade their judgment based on your nonverbal communication--- which is, appearances.  

The both women I knew grew up during the 60s and even though the Vietnam War was present in their everyday life, in practice, they were the product of a generation with flower power and hip swinging groovy style of pastels palettes. Their belief and valued that by leaving the house without lipstick can generate a feeling of social faux pas because you didn't take a minute or two to care about what you look like as you present yourself to the world. A feeling of nakedness if you want to put that way.

Fast forward to 2012 today (even though I owned over 50 shades of lipsticks) on a good day, I currently only wear one shade which is my favorite from Glo mineral makeup called Rose Petal. Even with the shade of lipstick on, it's the same color as my lips. So why even wear lipstick.. what's the point, you might ask..

Somewhere between the fine lines of my mother and aunts' wisdoms, I have fallen into their subliminal influences.

The more more I think about it, even when I casualty get dolled up to meet my girlfriends for a coffee break, or meeting my crush up for a late lunch, even if I'm just wearing  foundation and mascara I still apply a shade of lipstick. Or when I have a really bad day and I feel my appearance is not so great, I put on shade of lipstick, thinking if I can fake the world into thinking I look fine, and calm (even if I only got an hour of sleep last night staying up studying for exams) everything will be okay--somewhat.

To get really philosophical about the matter, I guess you can say lipsticks can be viewed as a shield of armor---for some of us gals, or guys (non discrimination zone here). so the next time, you having a bad day, just remember, apply your favorite shade of lipstick, keep calm, and carry on..... No one will know you are stressed out ( hopefully) :) 


With that being said, I shared to you my collection of glow mineral lipsticks. I have countless other brands of lipsticks, however, glow mineral has been one of my favorite line within the past years. Their lipsticks, not only is it highly pigmented, but it stays on the skin so well  that it can also be used as blush or lip stained.

No more will I be ashamed of having this much lipsticks. I hope you enjoy :p

Glo Mineral Shades of Pinks

Colors from L to R: Fuji, Raspberry, Tulip, Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Pink Sugar

Shades of Corals

 

Colors from L to R: Siren, Aruba, and Coral

 

Shades of  Nudes

I noticed from the nudes, the most popular shades are Blush, Natural and Bella, 

what do you think?

 Colors from L to R: Willow, Cashmere, Blush, Natural, Bella and Rose Petal (my favorite shade)

Shades of Reds

 

Colors from L to R: Bordeaux, Cabaret, Jamaica, Bali, Vixen, Snap Dragon and Aubergine  

I love Vixen and mixing Bordeaux with a nude has a beautiful result. 

Shades of Taupe

Colors from L to R: Spiced Rum, Toffee, Capri, Sugar Plum, Nutmeg, and Seychelles

Here's what my arms looks like after washing it off with dial soap. the lipsticks has long wear staying power. Plus, it has Vitamin A, E and green tea in the formula to moisturize, which was what drew me to this brand.

Do you have a favorite shade of lipsticks you can't live without? Share under Comments :)