I will be the first to confess I love a bargain. If sales are great, free stuff is even better, right? Well, maybe not. Have you ever gotten ‘a gift with purchase,’ or free cast-off clothing from friends or relatives? How often do they really work out? I can tell you, sometimes a freebie is no deal.
Case in point: I recently received a bonus gift when I bought some cosmetics. I don’t know why, but I always feel as though I’ve won the lottery when I get something extra–at no charge–no matter what it is. When I got home, however, I found that the complimentary lipstick in my bag was not actually very complementary…if you know what I mean.
Budgets can be tight, but wouldn’t you rather wear something you already own that you know is extremely flattering, rather than something you got free that looks only mediocre?
Be picky when it comes to freebies. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is it a flattering color?
- Is it a flattering cut?
- Is it the quality I usually wear?
- Is it my style?
- Is it really me?
- Would I have paid for this if it wasn’t free?
And just because it’s ‘in style’ doesn’t mean it’s YOUR STYLE.
You may remember my previous blog: “Just Because It’s On Sale…”
And just because your sister wore it well, doesn’t mean it will look great on you. Remember this blog with lovely twin sisters Linda and Diane?
Linda is a Contrast Color Type, while Diane is a Gentle Color Type…they probably shouldn’t share outfits. (Even if they’re free to borrow.)
So think twice before you decide to wear something you’ve been gifted.
Acknowledging the thought is always a good idea. But you don’t have to feel tied to your freebie forever.
I don’t know what I’m going to do with this brown lipstick.
Any suggestions?
“Never wear a color that is duller than you are.” … Janna Beatty
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6 Comments
You and Janna are absolutely right about finding colors that fit your natural color and skin tones. However, brown tones in lipstick do indeed work for us gals who have brown eyes and golden tones to our hair and skin. Brown and grey are the true tests in color tones.. Do you look good in brown, or horrible? Does grey work for you or not? If brown works for you, you are best in those warm tones. If grey works for you, you look better in cool tones. So, if you don’t know what to do with that brown tone lipstick, give it to me.
Betty,
Thanks for your input. I guess the cosmetic companies try to accommodate every color type. I thought only the 20 year-olds could wear this. I have been enlightened!
Sharon,
Linda and I don’t wear (or share) the same clothes now! I just enjoy her bright contrast clothes and jewelry on her, while I settle securely into my gentle looks that I know are best for me. I do love bright red but have to save that for Christmas and Valentine decorations!!
I love a good free gift but lipstick is frequently where I get a bad freebie – bright pink, hot red – you see only my lips!!!! I save those for my sister or for granddaughters playing dress up.
Good article!
Diane, It’s clear that you and Linda have each discovered your ‘quintessential’ style. Even though you are twins, you still have your uniqueness. Thanks for allowing me to share your story, so women recognize why it is important to discover their own individual style.
p.s. Good idea–giving lipsticks to your grand girls. Can’t wait to do that someday!
Hi Sharon,
I think browns can be hard to wear too, especially as we age, because our teeth aren’t so shiny white anymore. I select lip color as much as how it goes with my teeth as I do with skin tone. Pinks or colors with blue undertones seem to make teeth look whiter.
Jane,
What a great point! It is important that we find colors that complement our teeth and light up our entire face!
Thanks for this valuable tip.