Once again I have to start my post by thanking Twitter!
But let’s start from the beginning… no big news in telling you that I am an avid red lipstick wearer. As soon as I leave work (although I will find a coral that will be great for “business!”), I don the daring hue! And as a red lipstick maniac, I have a huge collection of different labels and shades. And where most of people can’t see the difference between shade 1 and shade 2… I do! From coral to dark red I have an incredible amount of slightly different shades!
Still, the search for the perfect red lipstick is as complicated as the search for the perfect man! Good news, I found both in the past few months!
Three were my favorite so far, but they have limits:
Chanel Rouge Allure Laque Dragon 75, a creamy lipstick with a touch of gloss in deep red: amazing color and stay, but very difficult to wear if you’re not dressed up!
Chanel Rouge Coco Rivoli 21, a deep burgundy very lightweight and moisturizing and easy to apply, but I prefer it with darker skin (for example in summer) and it doesn’t stay on your lips for more than a few hours (unless you choose not to drink, eat… live!)
Mac Lady Bug, my latest find in Florence (how could I not buy it with such a name?!), pefect color for my skin but awful stay: it goes away very quickly and the effect on your makeup is just disappointing!
So; still on my hunt, I read about Rockalily London on Twitter… I started following them and noticed that their customers were so happy about their lippies- I decided to try it!
I contacted Ree Ree Rockette, the lovely founder of Rockalily Make-Up. And since I was going to London for the Pop Up Vintage Fair in Hampstead, she was so kind to give it to a very nice friend of hers who would deliver it to me at the Fair. (Mary Portas, is there any better customer service than a customised one? I don’t think so!)
I decided to wear it that same night… I was so happy when I put it on! Perfect texture and perfect color… I couldn’t believe it! But I was going out for dinner, the ultimate test… After the roast and drinks… It passed with flying colors without any big damage on my look! I choose a Rockette Red shade, but there are more on the site (
www.rockalily.com) and I’ve already decided that I want to try other shades! A lipstick costs £14… personally my most well spent pounds for make-up!
Rockalily’s site is not only a place where you can buy lipsticks or bandanas, but it’s also a source for women: there are many tutorials on make-up, hair and fashion and Ree Ree’s blog is full of inspirations for those who are interested in rockabilly style. But Ree Ree Rockette is also a business woman: you can find tips and advices for women in business and a group called “Wonderful Women: Minding Our Own Business.” What I appreciate most about Ree Ree’s philosophy is the importance that she gives to women individuality. It can be through a lipstick or fashion or even business, but her aim is to make women accept themselves for who they are, without trying to be someone else.
That’s why I decided to contact her and ask her for an interview….
TLC: First of all I want to know more about your story… How did you go from being a teacher to starting a lipstick company?
RRR: I enjoyed teaching, but I needed a new challenge! I wasn’t sure exactly what I would be good at, but my blog, and my part time job backstage at burlesque clubs had shown me that I could have a place in a different industry!
TLC: Rockalily London is now a very popular and appreciated label in your country, how do you explain your success?
RRR: Gosh, I still have a long way to go, but thank you! I think my customers need a lipstick that they can wear everyday, with no fuss. The brand supports confidence, and feeling awesome no matter what you look like, and I hope that being connect to what I believe in.
TLC: I really appreciate your use of social networks and blogging (I found really interesting your blog post about the correct use of Twitter for your business). How do you think they help your business’ growth?RRR: Social networks give me a way to directly communicate with all of my customers. They can ask me questions and learn more about me very easily! They provide a platform to promote yourself without expensive advertising or PR companies.
TLC: You promote the idea of a new femininity based on self-confidence and self-acceptance of our beauty against the model that the media often offer us, can you tell us more about this premise of yours?
RRR: I just feel sad that so many of us spend so much time hating what we look like, and it seems that this is starting at a younger and younger age. We need to promote the idea that it is ok to feel good, just as you are. Life is too short to hate what we cannot really change.
TLC: When I wear red lipstick, I immediately feel like another woman: sexier and more confident. Can you explain the power of wearing a red lippy?
RRR: I think red lipstick is so powerful because it tells the world something about you, in a way it cannot ignore! You are saying that you don’t mind being looked at, that you feel confident, pretty even. It draws attention to your mouth, and your smile – a very sensual place!
TLC: I also know that you are a greedy reader… Can you tell us which are your favorite books?
RRR: So many! Recently I have adored The Hunger Games, which I read just when they came out. I read a lot of business books too, one of my favourites is the book that tells the story of the Starbucks brand.
TLC: You often wear vintage, what does it represent for you?
RRR: I like wearing something that no one else has, and that was worn by many people before me. I feel a little like a little girl playing fancy dress up! It makes getting dressed a little more fun!
TLC: We always ask to our guests to give us some tips about vintage. What’s yours?
RRR: My tip would be: to not be afraid to mix and match! I wear vintage with high street things, and love that I can get so many different looks. Also, wear it often. Don’t keep it for special wears only, if it makes you feel good, wear it as much as you can!
