Since I became interest in makeup (once I entered middle school, I believe) I've been searching long and hard for the best lipstick in the world. I've scoured countless fashion magazine and online beauty edits that all claim that they have found the elusive #1 lipstick in the world; I've spent hours at department store makeup counters and Sephora sampling colors and testing different formulas. I've debated the pros and cons of lip liners, or the differences between glosses and sticks and stains. It's safe to say that I've spent a fair amount of money and resources on lipstick, only to come to a rather fascinating conclusion:

Sometimes, drugstore lipsticks do the trick just as well as the designer versions.

But how could this be? Surely the extra $30 you pay to get a tube of Chanel Rouge Coco over a plastic-wrapped Maybelline lipstick must mean something? There has to be a reason why designer lipsticks are so much more expensive, right? RIGHT!?

So long as it looks good, who cares where your lipstick comes from!

At least in my experience, that's not necessarily the case. I've started buying exclusively drugstore lipsticks because I've failed to notice a difference between them and their supposedly higher-quality designer counterparts. My Chanel lipsticks fade away just as quickly, so I might as well save some money where I can, right?

And in terms of colors, I typically find that drugstore lipsticks have more vibrancy. What's more, if I'm nervous to try a new shade (say, a dark purple for a vampy look) I'm more likely to test out an $8 version than dropping $35 on a color I might only wear occasionally.

That's not to say that there isn't value in the designer lipstick. I'm a huge fan of Make Up For Ever for super-matte colors, and I know people who will wear NARS and Tom Ford until they die. There are virtues of these pricier lipsticks, and every so often I will find one that I really love, but in most cases I would rather put that money towards buying a new dress or a cute pair of shoes than on rather ephemeral lipstick. And unlike designer clothes were brand labels are often visible and you can flaunt your designer duds, no one will ever be able to tell if your perfect red lip is courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent or CoverGirl.

So the next time you're at CVS picking up your allergy medication, don't be afraid to test out a bold new color from Revlon or L'Oreal. You might just find your next signature color!

What are your thoughts on drugstore and designer makeup?

One thing that I learned today is that red lipstick is not for the faint of heart. While venturing to Sephora at the Beverly Center to restock on eyeliner and powder, I decided to test out some bright red lipstick - the place I'm working at is having an opening party tonight and as the door girl I decided to find something that would really make a statement. 

The salesgirl suggested an orange-red color by Make Up For Ever and a matching lip liner and immediately I fell in love. She told me most women are a little afraid of red lipstick and usually chicken out and that I was one of the first people she has ever helped that was immediately enamored with such a bold color. 

Then again, most women aren't so comfortable making a lot of fashion statements. It's funny, how people are almost shocked with the outfits I wear and the general effort I put into presenting myself well because so many people are afraid of fashion and being noticed and wearing red lipstick.

But not me! The second I put that color on I was in love, and I kept it on for the remainder of my time browsing around the Beverly Hills shopping center.

The secret to a bright lip: lip liner and a lip brush. When trying to pull off such a bold hue, precision is key. Line the lip first and then go back and color in the rest of the lip. 

If you hope to try a red lip for a longer event, you can even line the lip and then color in the entire lip with a liner, then apply a coat of lipstick. Your lips will absorb the color of the liner more, for a long-lasting result!

And of course, you must be confident when rocking the red. This color is not for the faint of heart, so you can't be shy when wearing this daring color!

So have I convinced you to try a red lip?

clockwise from top: Smashbox "photo op" eyeshadow palette; Nars blush in "Taos"; Maybelline "Great Lash" mascara; Essie nail polishes in "Turquoise and Caicos" and "Ladylike"; Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in "Velvet Lumir"; Bobbi Brown BB Cream; Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in "bourbon"

In the past few months I've really become invested in developing a regular beauty routine and learning new make-up and beauty techniques. Through experimenting with different products and testing out recommended makeup "miracle-workers" like BB Cream and "no-clump" mascara, I've come up with a few favorites that I suggest everyone keep in their essentials makeup bag.