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What My Mom Taught Me About Lipstick
I still remember the way my mom would gracefully unveil her favorite lipstick, a shiny gold tube that held a vibrant orange-red hue. With care, she’d lean over the sink and apply it, first gliding the color over her top lip, then the bottom, and finishing with a cheeky rub of her lips together before blotting them on a tissue, leaving behind a perfect lip-stamped “O.” As a little girl, I was mesmerized watching her apply Estee Lauder or Chanel, never tied to a single brand—what mattered was the bold color that became her signature.
Mom wore that lipstick everywhere: to the gym, grocery store, book club, and even volunteering for Meals on Wheels. It was on her lips as she visited her cousin who was battling cancer and during her classes when she returned to school for interior design. No matter the occasion, from weddings to funerals, her lipstick was always there.
Growing up, I longed to wear lipstick just like her, but in middle school, the trend was sticky lip gloss. By my late teens, I tried various colors at the Clinique counter, but the saleswoman insisted I was a pink girl. I bought a shimmery shade of papaya but rarely wore it; lipstick seemed ill-suited for my thin upper lip and uneven pout. I didn’t understand why Mom wore it daily—wasn’t it unnecessary?
In my 20s, I dismissed her habit, scoffing at the idea of wearing makeup to the gym or while grocery shopping. Why should I put in effort when my work should speak for itself?
However, everything changed when my first daughter was born. Those early days were filled with stress, and nursing was a challenge. I woke each morning feeling drained and hollow, staring at my tired reflection. I dug through my drawer and found Ruby Slipper, the shade I wore on my wedding day. I applied it with a quick swipe and looked in the mirror. While I still looked exhausted, that burst of color made me feel a little more present—like I was stepping into my role as a mom.
Suddenly, my mom’s daily lipstick routine clicked. It was about showing up—whether for laundry, studies, or a loved one in need. Now, 12 years later, I wear lipstick nearly every day. When Mom suggests I put some on before we head out, whether it’s for lunch downtown or school pick-up, I eagerly pull that tube from my purse and apply it.
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In summary, the lessons I learned from my mom about lipstick go beyond beauty; they’re about the importance of showing up in life, no matter the circumstances.