self portrait tuesday: the red lipstick
I know, it’s Monday, not Tuesday. But this was ready to go and I don’t have anything else to post, so I figured you’d let it slide just this once. This month’s SPC theme is “red“. I LOVE this theme, it’s going to be so fun. This morning, in preparation for this photo, I went to Target and bought my very first tube of red lipstick.
Very. First.
I came home and sent a quick message to Misha:
“I bought red lipstick today. I’ve never worn red lipstick . I’m scared.”
Red lipstick. I suppose I’ve just never felt like I could really pull it off. Red lips are so womanly. So seductive and glamorous. So “red carpet”. When your lips are red, you want to be seen and noticed. Sadly, I’ve perfected the art of fading quietly into the background. Having my face or body noticed is deeply deeply terrifying to me. Left over scars from years ago, when you seeing me meant you were planning on hurting me. But I’ve healed so much, and the new desire to be seen and noticed and appreciated keeps prickling at the corners of my consciousness. Last week I bought myself a sexy little black cocktail dress. And this morning I purchased some red lipstick.
Awhile ago, Michelle posted a self portrait that has really stuck with me. She wrote about the disconnect she sometimes feels between the woman she shows to the world, and the woman inside her that wants something more. In a follow-up post the next day, she wrote, “She is also the reason that last weekend I bought myself some bright red lipstick. She wanted that too. I’m not wearing it to the office but I am wearing it around the house (and in yesterday’s self portrait.) I’m am learning that what she wants is very often what I want but am afraid to admit.”
I feel that way now. There’s someone exciting inside me who has hidden herself for far too long. I think she’s beginning to break free.
See more self portraits here.
It’s lovely. I’ve always thought that you have the most beautiful, warm smile. The red accentuates that all the more.
Comment by Karen — December 4, 2006 @ December 4, 2006 at 3:48 pm
You’re getting noticed now!
Comment by Ammon — December 4, 2006 @ December 4, 2006 at 4:15 pm
Love the picture. And the sentiment. I remember trying on red lipstick as a teen and never feeling like I could pull it off. I still don’t. I like what you have to say about it.
Comment by Paige — December 4, 2006 @ December 4, 2006 at 5:09 pm
this really touched me. thank you for sharing this. yes…it is time for you, beautiful woman to be seen and heard! red looks wonderful on you. michelle is a good friend of mine and i don’t think she realizes how penetrating her words are and how many lives she touches. rock on red princess!
Comment by Boho — December 4, 2006 @ December 4, 2006 at 5:19 pm
AWEsome. It’s meant to be - you look like a 40’s movie vixen. I loooove it.
Comment by misha — December 4, 2006 @ December 4, 2006 at 5:49 pm
Beautiful photo!
Comment by Tish — December 4, 2006 @ December 4, 2006 at 9:02 pm
Too cute!! I love the Santa hat - and even more the fact that you busted out and got your first tube of red lipstick!! Every woman should own at least one tube of red lipstick. Perfect.
Comment by holli — December 4, 2006 @ December 4, 2006 at 10:37 pm
great portrait! it made me smile
Comment by Vedrana — December 5, 2006 @ December 5, 2006 at 1:18 am
I’ve always worn red lipstick and get SO excited when other women realize how beautifully they pull red lipstick off and you do. You look incredible and I hope you use this red frequently!
Comment by kristen — December 5, 2006 @ December 5, 2006 at 4:15 am
You’re a hot tomale!!
Comment by Queen Beth — December 5, 2006 @ December 5, 2006 at 7:26 am
So Beautiful!
Comment by uber mer — December 5, 2006 @ December 5, 2006 at 10:49 am
You look beautiful in red lipstick.
Comment by DebR — December 5, 2006 @ December 5, 2006 at 11:26 am
Inspiring post! I love to feel someone’s energy coming into themselves.
Comment by melba — December 5, 2006 @ December 5, 2006 at 11:57 am
You look GORGEOUS, Karli. most gorgeous of all? Your confidence.
Comment by Redheadmomma — December 5, 2006 @ December 5, 2006 at 1:39 pm
I love this! (Even though I briefly pouted, because I was going to post my Santa hat pic next week! Probably still will anyways!) It is a fun photo, and you look happily beautiful.
Comment by Bedazzzled1 — December 5, 2006 @ December 5, 2006 at 9:55 pm
Very interesting post! recently I bought my first tube of red lipstick, but when I Put it on I looked like a clown! it was so funny! Now I´m on holidays, but when I Come back of the trip, I will go on ship and I i´m going to the freeshop and buy the red lipstick by Chanel. ¡I´m so excited! I love red lipstick!! It´s my favourite color! and it´s so sensual!
Comment by Aisha — February 15, 2007 @ February 15, 2007 at 11:14 am