May 1

May 1 LIPPstick Lifestyle

Is it just me or do we have more confidence when rocking a beautiful lip color? It obviously can’t be just me because the lipstick and makeup world has gone from 0 to 60 almost overnight (OK, it’s been a few years now, but stay with me). Even if I have a full face of makeup on, I don’t feel complete without a gorgeous lip color. I’m the type that sticks with only mauves and am pretty petrified to go any other route.

Excited in "Synopsis", part of the Neutrals palette

Thanks to the incredibly talented Aleah Rae, founder of LIPP, I am confidently rocking reds (yes, REDS!!), purples, and even the scary nudes. When you don’t have Kardashian-esque full lips, or have them enhanced by your favorite doctor, it’s pretty hard to pull off a nude or a red. Not anymore! I told Aleah that reds just aren’t for me, boy was I wrong. Her response?

“You just haven’t met the right red yet! Many women can find the perfect red now, thanks to LIPP, and when they do, it can be life changing!”

OK, I’m ready for a life changing red. Aleah, a veteran makeup artist, took a look at my skin tone and eye color and blended the perfect shade of red, purple, nude, and neutral. She had never met me before and knew exactly what shades would work.

Rocking "Sacrifice", part of the Reds palette

LIPP is a semi-custom, cruelty-free beauty brand that allows you to create your own lipstick colors. It puts the power of finding the perfect shade in your very own hands. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, what a perfect gift idea for momma!

“Beauty is subjective, and it’s all about what makes you feel your prettiest and your best self,” explains Aleah. “LIPP was created to celebrate this concept and by being so personalized, it allows women from all walks of life to have a hand in creating what makes them…them; beautiful women defying society’s beauty standards.”

LIPP offers over 500 different color combinations, over 40 different LIPPstick shades, 3 different finishes, and a variety of packaging options. First, pick the shade based on the samples provided in the category, choose your finish, and finally, choose your own tube. The combination will be made just for you. In other words, you’re VIP when it comes to LIPP.

Ecstatic in "Excuse", part of the Nudes palette

“Seeing the look on our clients faces when they open that white and gold box for the first time, and swipe on their custom LIPPstick in the finish and tube they personally chose, makes it all worthwhile for us.”

Aleah didn’t want to just change women’s appearance with LIPP, she wanted to make a difference in their lives. For every LIPPstick sold, LIPP donates one to Dress For Success, a not-for-profit organization empowering women to achieve economic success and independence. They provide a network of support, professional attire, and the tools women need to thrive in work and life. You can donate clothes, make a donation, or volunteer.

Obsessed with "Crucial", part of the Bolds palette

LIPP’s buy one, give one initiative started after the brand launched. They donate one of LIPP’s 3 most popular shades, perfect for an interview or first day on the job. Aleah told me why she was eager to partner with Dress For Success.

“Dress for Success has a special place in my heart. I once had a neighbor who needed a ride to their Washington, DC office. She was a single mother looking for work and wanted to take advantage of Dress for Success’ free career counseling and their Suiting Program to find professional attire for a job interview. I witnessed first-hand how the organization changed her life, instilling confidence and hope where she may have had none.”

Being a Girl Boss means more than selling a LIPPstick. Aleah is a bon-a-fide LIPP mixologist. She handles the science and formulation part of the business. Although she couldn’t spill all the secrets, she assured me that LIPP products are cruelty-free, contain the finest essential oils, and are handmade… with love.

Aleah’s definition of a Girl Boss?

“A ‘Girl Boss’ is a woman who knows her worth and won't accept anything less. She's a woman always on a mission to craft her own destiny and she is willing to do whatever it takes to turn her dreams into her reality. In her journey, she empowers and inspires everyone else around her, especially other girl bosses in her circle!”

LIPP will be releasing a cruelty-free and vegan LIPP Scrub this summer! It is made with organic cane sugar to soften and exfoliate dry lips. Perfect for those hot summer days. LIPP has also teamed up with beauty influencer Rashida Banks to create a limited edition Summer ’18 LIPP Collection. Check out LIPP's Instagram account for up to the minute info!

“There's a reason why staples like sugar and butter were all being rationed during WWII, but Winston Churchill never rationed lipstick. You can live without cake, but you shouldn’t be without your favorite LIPPie!”