Lessons on Burgundy Lipstick, Boldness, and Being Who You Want to Be

There’s no shame in going nude (unless you want to be fire-engine red).

Every day when I open my makeup drawer, I see it.

A deep burgundy lipstick I bought two months ago. It reminds me of red wines and ripe cherries. Exquisite.

Yet, I’ve never worn it out.

I’ve been tempted to a thousand times. And the crazy thing is when I apply it, I feel like a celebrity siren or fifties pin-up girl.

So what’s the problem, right?

Confession: I’m afraid.

I’m afraid of the burgundy color, the crimson one, and the deep dark chocolate one I have in my drawer. As a matter of fact, I’m terrified of any lipstick that says, “Look at me. Move a little closer. Aren’t I beautiful?”

I tell myself it’s better to play it safe. Better to keep wearing cowardly nudes and ballerina pinks in public. Better to use colors that blend in rather than magical ones that make me stand out.

And if you’re like me, there’s a lesson here to learn.

“Courage starts with showing ourselves and letting ourselves be seen.” — Brené Brown

You weren’t meant to be backstage.

You’re meant for great things. However, these great things won’t happen if you hide behind the curtain in the wings. So, wear that red lipstick, but more importantly, be that red lipstick.

Go for what you want in your relationships. In your career. Don’t hide your light from anyone or anything.

Note: It will be scary at first.

It’ll be scary to walk into work wearing deep red matte lipstick. It’ll be scary to wear your jeans with thigh-high boots to match.

Most importantly, it will be painful when they whisper and gossip about your “new look.”

Screw them.

Shannon L. Adler says:

“Often those that criticize others reveal what [they themselves] lack.”

Truth be known, they’re probably jealous of your ability to step outside your comfort zone.

My advice?

Keep stepping out. Not only that, dance out. It’s a life changer.

Besides, who cares if they talk?

My advice?

Keep giving them something to talk about. It’s a sign you’re finally choosing the color of your life rather an opting for the color the world thinks you should wear.

The bottom line:

One of my favorite poems is by Anais Nin. It’s entitled “Risk.”

“And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk to blossom.”

Are you at that point? Tired of being tan or taupe?

I am.

So let’s pick the craziest color in the cosmetics aisle and wear it with pride.

If you enjoyed reading, you may like my writings below. If you’re interested, you can subscribe to get my articles or join Medium here to have access to my work and the work of other talented writers.