Sometimes, lipstick is everything
A few weeks ago I was sitting in the foggy morning light in my pale blue bedroom, meditating, when a declaration bubbled into my head. ‘I’m going to wear red lipstick every day when the pandemic is over.’
‘Yes,’ I thought, even though one is not supposed to think thoughts while meditating. YES.
What better way to declare avid participation in the new world than red lipstick? When it’s safe to go out without masks, I’ll wear red lipstick. When we can be in crowds, exuberantly absorbing music and sports and food and culture with our friends, I’ll wear red lipstick. When it’s finally safe to travel again, I’ll stroll the streets in Umbria and Rajasthan, wearing red lipstick.
Almost 30 years ago, when my fiancé was killed, I decided not to buy or wear makeup (except lipstick) for a year. Every time I looked in the mirror I was reminded of the depth of my loss.
But now, when the time comes to take off our masks, every time I look in the mirror I want to be reminded that we are free. I want to hurl myself into our hopeful future, to declaratively embrace what’s ahead.
Audrey Hepburn said, “On a bad day, there’s always lipstick.”
“The sudden streak of lipstick across the lips spells courage. . . . For one…
