Beaute: Flash!

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss "Flash" - #856 ($30)

"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick."

- Gwyneth Paltrow

I don't think that there's anything sexier than a Sade-do, a very basic face, and bold redder than red lipstick! After years of searching for the exact right shade, I think that I've finally hit paydirt - Dior Addict Ultra Gloss "Flash."

I don't wear a lot of make up. I like a fresh glowing face, sooty black lashes (w/ black liner for evening), a hint of cheek color, lip liner and a gorgeous sheer lip gloss. But I LOVE red lipstick. Red is bold, passionate and bursting with life. It's both elegant and naughty, perfect for day or evening. I don't think that there's anything sexier than a Sade-do, a very basic face, and bold redder than red lipstick! After years of searching for the exact right shade, I think that I've finally hit paydirt - Dior Addict Ultra Gloss "Flash."

"Flash's" Temple debut ;-)

My brown skin has a distinct yellow undertone, so not every shade of red works. I love Flash because it has a lovely deep blue undertone (yes, I said blue). A blue undertone usually works best for me. I said usually because I never adhere, hard and fast, to any cosmetic rule. If it looks good, who cares if it's a 'spring' or a 'summer?'

*The hardest hurdle to overcome is learning what works best with/on your face and what does not. So why I may not be a cosmetic expert, I am well versed in what works best for my particular skin/undertone and you should be too (for a comprehensive definition of undertone see here).

Flash in full force

Flash's consistency is what I call medium weight. One application give you light(ish) all around color. It takes a 2nd, maybe a 3rd, before you get that gorgeous rich sparkly deep red.

Flash wears pretty well too.

My only two tiny complaints is that you've got to re-apply Flash to often for my like. But I guess that comes with wearing a gloss instead of a lipstick. But even when as it fades, it looks pretty amazing. The other is that it seemed to dry my lips out. It could be because we're in a Midwestern winter, but my Juicy Tubes gloss (Lancome) leaves my lips feeling moist and wears forevahhh. I solved this problem with a very thin layer of Aquaphor balm (Walgreens), then lip liner, then gloss. The balm does not affect the color or applicability.

*I know that Flash is a splurge (at $30) but the rich, brilliant, deep, sparkly red color is well worth it, in my opinion. I suggest that you order from Dior's site. There's always a nice collection of free samples, free shipping, and 'tis the season for some great Dior deals that you won't find anywhere else. That takes a little of the sting away doesn't it?

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!

Temple