When it comes to making the short winter days count with memorable lip colors, the answer might be in your parent’s backyard: Bold lips can be your personal cure for the winter blues, whether you’re going to a holiday party or just hiding out in the shed, like your dad. Style blogs all over the web are featuring a hot mix of lip trends, and Dad has been trying them all while you and your mom pretend not to notice that your lipsticks are all smooshed. Can a 60-year-old math teacher pull off pearlescent shades? Only the lawnmower knows. Here are the five winter lipsticks Dad is wearing in the shed.
1. Pearlescent Plum
You never thought an unheated shed with no electricity would be a good environment for “grading papers”, but Dad insists it’s the only place he can get any work done. You also never thought you’d catch him wiping off a pearlescent plum lipstick with the back of his trembling hand. Plum is dramatic but classic, goes surprisingly well with his complexion, and he seems happier so, who are you to question it?
2. Neon Pink
Mom told you every time she brings up planning a trip for their 40th anniversary, Dad ducks out to the shed with some story about “looking for road salt”. Then, he accidentally texted you a selfie in a sensational neon pink lipstick that would perfect for the club. He’s a little too ruddy for DayGlo colors, but you haven’t brought it up, since you have an unspoken agreement to pretend that text never happened.
3. Classic Red
You panicked when you left your makeup bag at your parent’s house. You needed your new blue-red matte lipstick for an office party. To your chagrin, you couldn’t find the tube in your bag. You happened to run into Dad in the kitchen and asked him, “Dad, did you happen to see my lipstick? I can’t find it in my bag and its $30 a tube.” He then smacked his hand against the counter and shouted, “Shoot, did you see that ant?” before throwing on his jacket. “Better go get the ant poison…” he muttered, heading toward the door. “Don’t want a swarm of ants in the kitchen, do we? Not running some sort of ant cafeteria…Okay, I’ll be in the shed.” Later, your tube will probably reappear. But even if you have zero chance of getting your expensive kind back—with the matching liner—even an $8 drugstore classic red will have you or your dad looking like a million bucks.
4. Creamy Fuchsia
One time you found Dad with his feet up on the couch deep into reading your mom’s Good Housekeeping. “What do you think about fuchsia? I think it makes gray hair really pop.” He quickly added, “You know, for your mom,” while staring off into the distance. You both knew it was about lipstick, but neither of you said anything. Well, he’s right: Fuchsia is great for making gray pop.
5. Bronze/Copper Tones
You were wrapping gifts at your parents’ house when you found a receipt from Neiman Marcus for a pricey bronzed burgundy lip stain. You looked into the kitchen and caught a glimpse of his back heading out the front door. Suddenly, you feel a swell of pride—he’s up to date on all the latest trends! Maybe next year you two will be brave enough to talk openly, but for now, take a hint from dad—metallics are in!
This winter, don’t let convention hold you back. Try a bold new shade—and make sure to hide it good, if you have a curious pop.
