For me, lipstick holds some magical properties. Without it, I am me. With it, I am me…with an extra dash of confidence. Lipstick has solved a lot of problems for me. Most of them have something to do with self-confidence and self-esteem. And before you, reader, tell me that I should not need a makeup product to feel confident and good about myself, think about the last time you did something you were good at or wore something that made you feel confident or good about yourself. We all have something. Maybe we do an activity because we’re good at it which makes us feel better about ourselves, or we perhaps wear a certain style of clothes or makeup or shoes or whatever to give ourselves a confidence boost. Everyone does it, even you, reader.

With the right shade of lipstick, say a dark berry or wine color, and a great pair of boots, I can walk into an interview and know I’m going to kill it. With the perfect nude or light pink, I can walk into a class and know that I’ve got what it takes to rock a solo presentation. And with the perfect shade of red or dark pink, I can flirt and expect to be flirted with.

Lipstick has helped me to overcome the little bit of anxiety I feel in these situations that would normally keep me from performing at my best. It’s like my battle armor. I can put it on and feel invincible, then take it off and eat a muffin and drink a mug of hot chocolate. The act of putting on a cute outfit and picking out a matching shade of lipstick helps me to feel ready for my day and whatever it will throw at me.

I believe that wearing lipstick has not made me into a person I was not before. It has instead showed me more of the person I am, and shown me that I have what it takes to ace a job interview or kill it in class with a presentation, or even flirt and expect reciprocation. It has opened up a world of possibilities for me and shown me that I can be more and do more than I thought I could.

As I write this, I am wearing a shade of lipstick called “Chalkin’ Pink” from Hard Candy. I just bought it today, and ever since I picked it up at the store I’ve been thinking about all the possibilities this particular shade holds. I can blend it with a wine color I have already or even a berry shade that I am particularly fond of. I can wear it on its own with the perfect spring or summer outfit.

My lipstick empowers me and reminds me of all that I can be and do. What does yours do?