red

Lipstick is fine, but red lipstick is finer.

Lockdown means there are few places to go that need make up.

Face masks are essential, but deliver a messy end to perfectly drawn lips.

Shallow it may be, but few things in life lift my spirits quite like trying out a new red.

In the old world, I was a regular at beauty counters. Trying on reds to see if I liked them. Nipping in at lunch time for a quick fix. I would get topped up before going out for a drink. No one does lips like that art student working her way through college with shifts at Chanel. But although Chanel has its place, that place doesn't last long, and there are few things more tragic than a washed away lip. The ghost of kisses to come.

My life's quest has been for a perfect red. One that sings to the heavens and lasts through till supper. So, over time, I've moved from lipstick, to, basically, lip varnish.

Smashbox does a very long lasting one, but after a week or so, my lips are parched. I have come to rely on two favourites. Mac's retro bullet in Feels so grand (although fire truck red looks worth a try) -it lasts a very long time. For fancier occasions Lisa Eldridge's red velvet ribbon is just the glam boost I need. Charlotte Tilbury has a darker red for winter nights, so it finds a place in my repertoire, but sometimes it just disappears.

As a feminist, I've wrestled long and hard about make up and lipstick. I have found a happy place. I wear it for me and like how it looks. I have believed in Santa Claus, equal rights, and the tooth fairy. Why wouldn't I believe that there would be a red that would turn me into Lauren Bacall? Nothing to see here except lovely red lips.

Red lipstick has a contested suffragette history. Yes, I would have been there on 5th Avenue as Elisabeth Arden gave red lipstick to the women fighting for votes. If, indeed, that ever happened - that story is challenged.

But the woman shaming and blaming goes on. Wonderful Congresswoman AOC faces criticism for her choice of lipstick. But her choice is on point - watch AOC put her lips on, take down the patriarchy and show her power. All with the help of Stila in Beso my new best friend. Paint your lips with pride.