30 Days, 30 Shades: {Day One}

I tend to be a bit of a collector: I have hundreds of nail polishes, about 50 tonnes of books and magazines, and the bottom of my handbag is home to dozens of lipsticks and glosses. My makeup collection consists of every conceivable shade of eye shadow and lip colour, yet I tend to stick to a fairly nude face most days (and good ol' Ruby Woo makes the occasional appearance when I'm in need of some 'oomph'). I've seen several bloggers abroad do a 30 day challenge, where they wear a different lipstick every day for a month and I thought that this is the perfect challenge for me.

I love the fact that a single item has the ability to change your mood and your look in just one swipe: whenever I'm feeling a bit down in the dumps, I find that a bright fuchsia lipstick perks me up in an instant, while there's nothing like a bold red lip to make me feel more confident. Since becoming a mom, I don't have the luxury of time so I rarely spend longer than about five minutes applying makeup, which means that I often run out of the house looking a little worse for wear. I find that applying lipstick instantly transforms my look from hum-drum to fabulous - it's the quickest, easiest way to look polished, in my opinion.

So, over the next month, you can look forward to seeing my lipstick wardrobe in action. I've resolved to wear a different lip colour every day from now until the 2nd of October. Today, I've picked out one of my favourite new additions: a gorgeous glossy lip colour in a bright fuchsia - perfect to mark the start of Spring! What I love most about Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in RS 404 Disco Pink (R225 from selected Edgars and Stuttafords stores) is the fact that one coat is literally all you need for high-shine, intense colour. It goes on like a gloss (which makes it incredibly comfortable on the lips), but wears like a lipstick for a long-lasting finish. Unlike many lipsticks, the luxurious formula provides nourishment for your lips and treats dry, chapped lips if used on a regular basis. It's the perfect 'starter lipstick' for those who are hooked on lipglosses and just a teensy bit wary of lipstick.

No flash (L); With flash (R)

So, are you up for the challenge? Let me know in the comments below - I'd love to follow your lip colour journey!