Beauty

One Vogue Writer on the Transformative Power of Lipstick—Even in the Mask Era

With mask-wearing now de rigueur, lipstick has become another casualty of the COVID era. But should mood-boosting bullets still have a place in our lives?…

In fact, for 15 or more years, Zadeh has been faithful to a single lip color—MAC Cosmetics lipstick in Snob, which she describes as “not a Kardashian nude but a matte pink with some blue in it. Even if I was at home and no one was there, it made me feel complete.” She’s wearing it even as we speak, she reveals. But in public, underneath a mask, Zadeh says, she isn’t feeling quite the same connection to her signature color; she’s recently tried forgoing lipstick and experimenting with eyeliner. “I’m in an in-between phase,” she admits a bit ruefully, “where I am open to new things.”

For Parisian influencer Jeanne Damas, founder of the vintage-inspired fashion-and-cosmetics label Rouje, putting on lipstick is “above all something I do for myself, like a second skin, a form of protection,” she tells me from the City of Light, on the eve of a second lockdown. True to French-girl lore, she favors a red lip and barely sun-kissed skin and has continued applying vibrant lip color, like her own brand’s Le Stylo Rouje in Marie, daily for the past few months, relying on KN95 masks with their recognizable center crease—“the ones that make you look like a duck,” she elaborates—to avoid smearing.

For some women, simply brandishing a bullet in public has long been a gesture of empowerment. “Nothing is more beautiful than, just before landing in an airplane, or after lunch, when a woman opens her purse, takes out lipstick and a little mirror, and touches up her lip,” Peter Philips, creative and image director of Christian Dior Makeup, explains, recalling halcyon days gone by. “That, and the click of the product as she closes and puts it back in her purse—it’s like a combatant putting on war paint, or a bird of paradise spreading out his feathers. That one-minute process, that ritual, gives you a terrific boost.”

Well, I am unlikely to be getting on an airplane anytime soon, and for the moment my lunches are mostly solitary affairs at my desk. But it was time, I decided, for a much-needed boost. For at-home wear, a touch of Rouge Hermès in satiny Rose Ombré provided a luxuriously sensual application experience, with a pleasantly weighty, refillable case whose three bands of color reminded me of a dress the artist Ellsworth Kelly once designed for a friend. Yet for what counts as an outing these days—a late-afternoon trip to the grocery store—I wanted a color with a little more “oomph.” Experts had counseled lip stain or pencil to avoid smudging under my mask, but for me, nothing but the full bullet would do. I lingered over Rouge Dior’s classic 999 (soon-to-be reformulated with red peony, pomegranate flower, and shea butter) but ultimately chose a slightly darker, bluer red: Givenchy’s Le Rouge Deep Velvet Limited Edition Rouge Grainé. After putting it on, I seemed to recognize, as if after a long absence, the woman looking back at me in the mirror. My suddenly scarlet lips led me back to my closet, where I put on a red silk blouse.

I donned my KN95 mask and went out. Life, I realized, had been unfolding in black-and-white for quite some time. And my lipstick, though invisible to others, had changed something in my body language or my approach to the world. Perhaps it was the secret pleasure I took in wearing it, like beautiful lingerie that no one else would ever see. I was a mere half-block from my home when a man passing me on the street said, in a soft voice, “Hello, sexy”—and I wasn’t offended. In fact, the social scientist in me was highly amused. It was a little, anarchic spark of libido, illuminating the general gloom. Underneath my mask, I smiled.

Hermès Rouge Hermès Satin Lipstick Limited Edition In 45 Rose Ombré

$72

HERMÈS

Le Stylo Rouje Marie

$32

LE STYLO

Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999 Satin Red

Givenchy Le Rouge Deep Velvet Lipstick In 37 Rouge Grainé

$38

GIVENCHY

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News

Content Creator Appeals to Nigerian Police Over Alleged Harassment and Blackmail by Former Partner, Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale

A Nigerian content creator has appealed to the relevant Nigerian authorities for intervention following allegations of persistent harassment, unwanted communication and blackmail by her former partner, Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale, whom she says is from Benin City.

Reported individual: Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale

According to the complainant, she and Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale were in a relationship for approximately four years before she decided to end the relationship following what she described as painful and distressing experiences during the relationship.

She alleges that since ending the relationship, Abgonghale has continued attempting to contact her despite her efforts to cut off communication. According to her account, even after blocking him, he allegedly continued reaching out through her family members and friends.

The content creator further alleges that Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale has repeatedly called her and addressed her using inappropriate and insulting names. She also told the Honk Magazine team that he allegedly contacted her mother and insulted her over matters concerning her daughter.

During a meeting with the Honk Magazine team, the complainant became emotional and cried while recounting her experience. She said the continued situation has affected her peace of mind and that she has struggled emotionally since the relationship ended.

Honk Magazine Calls for Official Investigation

Honk Magazine is bringing the matter to public attention because the complainant says she wants the appropriate authorities to intervene.

We are therefore calling on the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations involving Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale, examine the evidence available, and determine whether any criminal offence has occurred.

The complainant has provided identifying information concerning the individual, including his reported date of birth, which can be supplied directly to law enforcement for investigative purposes.

Honk Magazine emphasizes that the allegations in this report have not been established as fact by a court or law-enforcement agency. The purpose of this report is to bring the complainant’s concerns to the attention of the appropriate authorities and encourage a proper investigation.

We also urge members of the public not to threaten, harass, confront or take the law into their own hands against Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale. Any relevant information or evidence should be submitted directly to law enforcement.

If you are an authority reviewing this report, Honk Magazine is appealing for this complaint to be properly documented and investigated.

Reported individual: Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale
Reported location: Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Reported Individual uses these phone numbers: 07063041088, 08117042690, 08119078335
Nature of complaint: Alleged harassment, persistent unwanted contact, intimidation/blackmail, and cyber-related harassment following the end of a relationship.

If you are just coming across this post. please share and report this to the police in Nigeria so they can investigate him.

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Artist Spotlight

How Rare Beauty Propelled Selena Gomez to Billionaire Status

Selena Gomez is a talented entertainer known for her work as a singer, actress, and producer, and she has recently reached an impressive milestone by becoming a billionaire. Much of her financial success comes from her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, which has quickly become popular since it launched in September 2020. The brand stands out for its dedication to inclusivity, mental health support, and clever marketing strategies.

1. The Idea Behind Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty was created to challenge traditional beauty standards and celebrate individuality. Selena wanted to build a brand that offered quality makeup while encouraging self-love and acceptance. The name “Rare” is inspired by her third studio album.

A key part of Rare Beauty’s mission is to be inclusive. When it launched, the brand offered an impressive variety of 48 shades of foundation and concealer, catering to many skin tones. The packaging also considers accessibility, making it easier for people with disabilities to use the products.

Check out this article: How Rich Is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2025?

2. Smart Marketing and Social Media Success

Selena took full advantage of her large social media presence to promote Rare Beauty. With over 400 million followers on Instagram, she shares her personal stories and shows how to use the products, which helps build a strong connection with her fans. This engagement has created a loyal customer base.

Rare Beauty also effectively utilizes social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, gaining significant attention and making it a popular choice among beauty lovers. One of their hit products, a liquid blush, sold over 3.1 million units in just a year, highlighting the success of their online marketing.

3. Strong Financial Growth

The brand’s financial success has been impressive, generating about $350 million in revenue in 2023, a 50% increase compared to the previous year. By May 2024, Rare Beauty’s value had grown to over $2 billion, showing its strong place in the market.

This financial success has also boosted Selena’s personal wealth. In September 2024, she became a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, primarily thanks to her ownership of Rare Beauty. At 32 years old, she is one of the youngest self-made female billionaires in the U.S.

Check out this article: Diddy Salutes Kanye West for Unwavering Support in Emotional Phone Call

4. Media Attention and Public Interest

The rise of Rare Beauty and Selena’s billionaire status has been widely reported in the media. A notable article from Bloomberg discussed the brand’s strategies and how they’ve resonated with consumers. The piece received extensive coverage, reaching over 250 media outlets and generating more than 1.8 billion impressions, highlighting the significant impact of her success.

5. A Commitment to Mental Health

In addition to its commercial achievements, Rare Beauty focuses on mental health. The brand has created the Rare Impact Fund, promising to donate 1% of sales to mental health initiatives, aiming to raise $100 million over the next ten years. This effort aligns with Selena’s commitment to mental health awareness, which many consumers appreciate in a brand.

Selena Gomez’s journey from entertainer to entrepreneur illustrates how she combines her values and understanding of the market with a genuine connection to her audience. Rare Beauty’s rapid growth shows a strong demand for inclusive and socially responsible beauty products. Selena’s story highlights the new wave of celebrity entrepreneurs, where authenticity and advocacy are just as important as the products they sell.

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