The idea that I am so naive as to not understand the bullshit marketing in the cosmetics industry or make an informed choice about what I wear on my face or body because i *like* it is offensive.

Yeah, to me, when it's inherent, there is no informed choice, and there is no way I can wear lipstick and not be party to the bullshit. And I resist being tarred with that brush. I do think I can wear lipstick on my own terms, even if not everyone is going to get that.

I cannot believe it has been 3 months already! Congratulations on this milestone and I hope things go well.

Thanks! And that's just since the last check up--it;s been 14 months since the surgery!

Sex bomb red lips don't seem to have the same impact.

I read that as a dig/condescending, Connie. Was I mistaken? If so, I'm sorry.

I do think I can wear lipstick on my own terms, even if not everyone is going to get that.

Me too. And I don't really give a shit if not everyone gets it, I do give a shit if Steph doesn't, because, you know, heart Steph.

The idea that I am so naive as to not understand the bullshit marketing in the cosmetics industry or make an informed choice about what I wear on my face or body because i *like* it is offensive.

I really don't think anyone is saying that. Of course you can make an informed choice. As Steph said earlier, you and ita ! are individuals. You have your own minds, you make your own choices for your own reasons. Nobody is denying that or saying you shouldn't.

What's problematic in this instance, at least as some of us see it, is tying a movement about "the power of women," and solidarity with women across the globe, to the wearing of lipstick, with all its cultural baggage, which (as you know) includes a lot of sexist bullshit.

I'm not saying don't do it. I'm saying I don't want to do it, and I understand why other women also don't want to. Wearing lipstick doesn't feel empowering to me. If it does to you, then that's great. But that's not how it works for me.

What's problematic in this instance, at least as some of us see it, is tying a movement about "the power of women," and solidarity with women across the globe, to the wearing of lipstick, with all its cultural baggage, which (as you know) includes a lot of sexist bullshit.

What Kate said.

Congratulations on this milestone and I hope things go well.

What she said. Also, bummer about the dress. There's nothing like paper clothing to brighten your day.

What's problematic in this instance, at least as some of us see it, is tying a movement about "the power of women," and solidarity with women across the globe, to the wearing of lipstick, with all its cultural baggage, which (as you know) includes a lot of sexist bullshit.

What Kate said. I like wearing lipstick (well, lip gloss usually), but I don't want anyone telling me that I have to OR that I can't. And to tie it to "women's power" somehow is very icky to me.

But apparently im all about being offended lately (see my rant on "shit girls say")

sex bomb red lips

YOu can read it as condescending if you choose. I find it interesting that you think that phrase could be condescending.

I personally, in and of myself, YMMV, for myself alone, think screaming red lipstick says "Look at me, look at my lips, think of sex when you stare at my lips." Yes, I judge women by the color of their lipstick. There are very elegant red lipsticks that enhance a woman's natural lips. There are also very unnatural shades that scream, to me, that the woman chose that color with a very sexual message in mind. Bright red lips have been described as predatory and dangerous and that the woman will devour the man.

Your mileage will vary. Someone here will be mortally offended. I'm not apologizing for my opinions. My intention is not to upset people. But my intention is also not to feel anything but what I do.

Part of my issue with the whole thing is that wearing lipstick is such a regular thing, unless this effort is hella well-publicized, who's going to know that you are wearing red lipstick for any particular reason? It's not quite as pointless as that whole "post your bra color" thing on fb that gave me apoplexy, but still - why not have it be something out of the usual? Of course, finding something that is "out of the usual" for women across the globe is problematic... but so is red lipstick, since in some cultures it would certainly get you labeled a whore and possibly beat up.

My point is, I love the idea of symbolic visual unity, I just think red lipstick is not the best choice, only partially due to its myriad associations both within and across cultures.

eta sorry to post and run, back later.