Caroline, this hits me on multiple levels — my admiration of the glimpse behind the curtain of your evolution; my pang because of how much I formerly loved to read your lipstick reviews; another pang about the fresh tube of Ruby Woo sitting unused in my drawer since I bought it but also a buoyant lift of freedom about just … letting it sit there — and then so many other things that I’ve outgrown/am outgrowing, on a level deeper than lipstick. But also, I can’t scorn the lipstick. It meant more to me than just lip color at the time. Thanks for piercing me once again. ❤️
Thank you, Laura. I knew you’d get it. :) But also, Ruby Woo is iconic. I just remembered I named a character in the first Babysitters book after it. 🤣 (My editor: “Is this child… named after… a lipstick?”) Thank you for being there for all these stages, and for always, always getting it.
Caroline, your post made me think of the Charles Revson quote below. One could take the quote as highly cynical. But, on the other hand, if lipstick or any cosmetic product or a piece of clothing does make someone feel better or more hopeful, then there's real value in that.
"In our factory, we make lipstick. In our advertising, we sell hope."
Ahh, such a good quote. As you say, it can be read as highly cynical, but it’s undeniably genius. It’d be nice if hope was available with no strings attached. But whatever helps, helps!
Beautiful again. I remember your lipstick writing and always enjoyed it. I know the feeling too. When my mum died I cut my hair extremely short, the pixiest of pixie cuts. That wasn’t wildly different for me I had had pixie cuts but this one was shorter than usual and a hairdresser I didn’t know. I cried throughout it but I loved the feeling of that cut. So clean I had needed that. Then over these last years I’ve been growing it and it’s the longest it has every been and that feels like something too. Often as well, when my daughter is not well, I put on lipstick and get more dressed up especially in the hospital. It boosts me somehow. Something I can control. Lately I’m finding I want simple clothes. Not too bold, easy to put together. Whatever helps x
Thank you so much, Ceridwen. Isn't it so interesting how these things are tied to so much more than just aesthetics — memories, identity, ritual, hope? It's like you say, something we can control. At the very moment that things like hair and lipstick seem silly in the grand scheme of things, they also feel more welcome than ever, because it can be a kind moment I pay to myself, a bit of an escape. (And I'm with you on simple clothes! One less thing to figure out.) Thanks, as always, for sharing. xx
Thank you Caroline for taking me back. This was so timely for me this week as I was ‘called’ by the planets to de-clutter and spring clean any drawer cupboard that dared look at me. And there they all were! Lipsticks cropping up, of all shades, sat in old make up bags, handbags and even coat pockets. Shades of a life that once was mine but has morphed in nine short years from the business owner who used them to show who she really wasn’t, to someone more comfortable with her face just as it is than she’s ever been. ‘Crocus’ might just be a new lippie shade made for hope.
Whilst I know this wasn't supposed to be the takeaway, I can't help thinking that wearing a lipstick called “Never Says Regrettable Shit at Parties.” would make me so happy, not least because I am the least likely person to attend a party, and therefore the most likely to say something regrettable if I did!
This essay was perfect—just what I needed to read today.
Signed,
Someone who first discovered your distinctive writing voice through an article you wrote about lipstick
So happy to hear that, Maddie. Grateful for you.
Same!! ❤️
❤️
Caroline, this hits me on multiple levels — my admiration of the glimpse behind the curtain of your evolution; my pang because of how much I formerly loved to read your lipstick reviews; another pang about the fresh tube of Ruby Woo sitting unused in my drawer since I bought it but also a buoyant lift of freedom about just … letting it sit there — and then so many other things that I’ve outgrown/am outgrowing, on a level deeper than lipstick. But also, I can’t scorn the lipstick. It meant more to me than just lip color at the time. Thanks for piercing me once again. ❤️
Thank you, Laura. I knew you’d get it. :) But also, Ruby Woo is iconic. I just remembered I named a character in the first Babysitters book after it. 🤣 (My editor: “Is this child… named after… a lipstick?”) Thank you for being there for all these stages, and for always, always getting it.
"We are always in the process of becoming"... The gentle reminder that I needed to read today.
Caroline, your post made me think of the Charles Revson quote below. One could take the quote as highly cynical. But, on the other hand, if lipstick or any cosmetic product or a piece of clothing does make someone feel better or more hopeful, then there's real value in that.
"In our factory, we make lipstick. In our advertising, we sell hope."
Ahh, such a good quote. As you say, it can be read as highly cynical, but it’s undeniably genius. It’d be nice if hope was available with no strings attached. But whatever helps, helps!
Yes, context is everything 💛💛
💛
Beautiful again. I remember your lipstick writing and always enjoyed it. I know the feeling too. When my mum died I cut my hair extremely short, the pixiest of pixie cuts. That wasn’t wildly different for me I had had pixie cuts but this one was shorter than usual and a hairdresser I didn’t know. I cried throughout it but I loved the feeling of that cut. So clean I had needed that. Then over these last years I’ve been growing it and it’s the longest it has every been and that feels like something too. Often as well, when my daughter is not well, I put on lipstick and get more dressed up especially in the hospital. It boosts me somehow. Something I can control. Lately I’m finding I want simple clothes. Not too bold, easy to put together. Whatever helps x
Thank you so much, Ceridwen. Isn't it so interesting how these things are tied to so much more than just aesthetics — memories, identity, ritual, hope? It's like you say, something we can control. At the very moment that things like hair and lipstick seem silly in the grand scheme of things, they also feel more welcome than ever, because it can be a kind moment I pay to myself, a bit of an escape. (And I'm with you on simple clothes! One less thing to figure out.) Thanks, as always, for sharing. xx
You’re such a good writer. Thank you!
Thank you, Grace! ❤️
Thank you Caroline for taking me back. This was so timely for me this week as I was ‘called’ by the planets to de-clutter and spring clean any drawer cupboard that dared look at me. And there they all were! Lipsticks cropping up, of all shades, sat in old make up bags, handbags and even coat pockets. Shades of a life that once was mine but has morphed in nine short years from the business owner who used them to show who she really wasn’t, to someone more comfortable with her face just as it is than she’s ever been. ‘Crocus’ might just be a new lippie shade made for hope.
Whilst I know this wasn't supposed to be the takeaway, I can't help thinking that wearing a lipstick called “Never Says Regrettable Shit at Parties.” would make me so happy, not least because I am the least likely person to attend a party, and therefore the most likely to say something regrettable if I did!
this is exactly what i needed to hear today, thank you caroline ♥️