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Last month, we celebrated National Lipstick Day but let's be real, lipstick deserves to be celebrated every day. I’m sure many of you will agree that lipstick isn’t just about appearance- it’s a feeling! And there's no better feeling than completing your makeup look with your favourite lip colour before heading out the door, or even just painting your lips to brighten your mood and start the day right.

Lipstick has symbolised many movements throughout history. Once condemned and associated with witchcraft, it evolved into a powerful emblem of independence in 1912 when suffragettes wore bold lipstick in their fight for women’s rights. Over the years, it has come to represent various ideals—acting as a mood booster during wartime and becoming a symbol of glamour and seduction thanks to stars like Marilyn Monroe. Today, lipstick embodies power, beauty, seduction, and confidence. As I say much more than mere appearance. So when packing my bag before setting off on my travels it was important for me to carefully choose the lipsticks that were coming with me.

Here are the lip products that made it and why;

First things first, lip balms. An essential in any bag? I packed my Glossier Mint balm- it's incredibly moisturising and keeps my lips hydrated for hours. I also made sure to pack my Soltan suncare stick for SPF protection because yes our lips burn too!

For Gloss, I had to bring my soap & Glory XXL lip plump (or the OG lip filler as I like to call it). This has been a staple in my makeup bag since my early teens. I wasn’t blessed with big full lips so I love this to just give me a bit of.. something.

My makeup artist brain was not only thinking of my own lips when deciding which shades to bring, I picked versatile shades for any opportunity, ensuring I had a little kit … just in case. Starting with the universally loved Charlotte Tilbury ‘Pillow Talk’ Matte revolution is the perfect shade, designed to suit everyone and I love how it feels on my lips. The perfect nude … Charlotte Tilbury JK magic was a no-brainer. It completes any look for evening glam and is super creamy and hydrating.

Of course, the Gucci’s came along, not only because they were a splurge I wasn’t leaving behind but also because their beautiful shades and sheer finishes complement all skin tones. ‘Ester Rosewood’ is my favourite everyday lipstick. This may be the only lipstick I have ever hit pan with! And also ‘Penny Beige’  which I love to pair with a nude or a pinky lip liner. Depending on how I'm feeling.

Last but not least, The Reds.

I love a red lip so I made sure to pack a few shades. Without thought was my SEPHORA #lipstories lipstick in shade in ‘Matinée’ - perfect for everyday wear and glam. Its creamy formula also doubles as a red blush, which is a lifesaver with a limited makeup bag. I also packed my Plouise Lip Drip Gloss in ‘red-y for you’. a brighter and more ‘dressy up’ red. This is perfect with minimal skin makeup on an evening.

And for a matte moment, which is rare but must be an option. The Charlotte Tilbury Super Star Lips in ‘Love Flame’. (Yes, another Charlotte Tilbury, I was lucky enough to work for the brand so I accumulated most of the lip collection)  I Love the shade of this deep red and how it is matte but also non-drying on the lips.  Also, its slim tube is great for fitting in the travel bag.

Oh, and I couldn’t forget the perfect lip topper, the lipcote & co-lip topper. It’s perfect for keeping your lipstick on all day, even in the heat.

Maybe I overdid it on the amount of lipsticks I packed, but to me, this is the bare minimum. As Charlotte Tilbury says “lipstick is happiness in a tube”. I can second that x