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.

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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Lil Baby Set the Stage For A “Totally Different” Vibe Amid New Music Teases

Fans are buzzing with excitement after Lil Baby hinted on social media that a “totally different” chapter in his career is on the way. The Atlanta rapper is gearing up to make a significant impact in the hip-hop world with a new album and a fresh perspective. This week, he shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, opening up about some tough times he faced over the past two years. He wrote, “Ain’t It Cra*y How They Tryna Play Me Like I Ain’t The One!!! It’s That Time! I Would Say Again, But This Run Will Be Totally Different!!” His words showed his confidence and suggested he was ready to bring something new to his music.

Lil Baby has already given fans a taste of this new direction with his latest single, “5AM.” But what’s really getting people excited is his collaborations with other big names like Travis Scott, Future, and especially Young Thug, who has just been released from jail. Their teamwork is especially noteworthy since Young Thug has hinted at working on something with Lil Baby, leading fans to think a new song might drop soon.

However, there’s some drama surrounding these developments. New rumors suggest there might be tension between Young Thug and Gunna, which could involve Lil Baby, especially concerning some ongoing controversies. After Young Thug made a brief and cryptic post on social media, fans are curious to see if Lil Baby’s new path will also involve taking sides.

Regardless of the drama, Lil Baby shows determination as he builds excitement for a deeply personal project. He’s already previewed some new songs during his concerts, making it clear that he’s ready to make his mark in the industry again. Whether this comeback is a gradual buildup or a sudden splash, one thing is sure: Lil Baby is prepared to shake things up. With a fresh outlook and a lineup of powerhouse collaborators, his return is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in his career.

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Attorney Tony Buzbee Pushes Legal Crusade Against Celebrities Linked to Diddy’s Alleged Parties

The legal situation surrounding Diddy is heating up as prominent lawyer Tony Buzbee expands his efforts beyond just the music mogul himself. Buzbee is known for representing more than 120 people who have accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of misconduct. Now, he is also looking at other celebrities who may have been at Diddy’s infamous parties, where allegations of bad behavior occurred. Buzbee is sending a strong message to those who ignored what was happening: they need to either pay up or may face lawsuits that could seriously harm their reputations.

In a recent appearance on TMZ’s documentary titled The Downfall Of Diddy: Inside The Freak-Offs, Buzbee talked about the responsibility of celebrities who attended these events. He highlighted that those who saw or heard about alleged sexual abuse and drugging yet chose to stay silent are just as guilty as the ones accused. Buzbee revealed that some of these stars have already received letters demanding they settle privately or risk facing public lawsuits.

This situation has significant implications. Buzbee’s tough stance comes as personalities like Ray J speak up, claiming that various stars have contacted him worried about their involvement. Ray J has been vocal about Diddy’s alleged misdeeds and suggested that some celebrities try settling with victims before more accusations come to light. It’s unclear if Ray J’s claims indicate real legal trouble or growing anxiety among those involved, but Buzbee’s push for accountability adds a new twist to the ongoing story.

Focused initially on Diddy, this legal battle now shows how famous figures can get caught up in high-profile scandals. As Diddy faces serious federal and criminal cases, the potential consequences for others connected to him are becoming more evident. For now, Tony Buzbee is committed to seeking justice, clarifying that being famous won’t protect anyone from the law. Whether these efforts lead to public trials or quiet settlements, it’s clear that pressure is building for those linked to Diddy’s controversial events.