May 17, 2016

Don’t Let Anyone Tell You What Makeup You Can and Can’t Wear Even Purple Lipstick

Urban Decay Pandemonium Vice Lipstick

There’s so much hate and shaming and much of that sadly, stems from women shaming other women or bullying other women. Dude, we’re all sisters. WTH? I see it in youTube comments, I see it across forums, I see it right here on my blog where I’ll get comments pointing what someone doesn’t like about me or what I’m wearing, etc…etc…

The most popular excuse for this behavior is, “Well, she puts herself out there so she deserves it!” Wait, what!? What does that even mean? Someone deserves your hate because they “put themselves out there”. We’re strong, opinionated women we should put ourselves out there every single day of our lives without the fear of being torn down by others. We shouldn’t cower or shy away from expressing ourselves in any manner we choose. We’re all unique and we should embrace our uniqueness without worrying about someone thinking it is ok to shame us into believing we are somehow doing something wrong because we wish to express ourselves in any manner we choose be it blogging, wearing bright orange eyeshadow, or shaving our heads!

A hundred years ago, my dearest Auntie (not by birth but a very good friend of my mother’s) introduced me to the joys of Bollywood cinema (and damn fine Indian food too). 2001 was the year I fell in love with Shahrukh Khan and to this day the soundtrack to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham plays a very important roll on my Itunes Playlist! It was also around this time that I developed a girl crush on Aishwarya Rai. I mean when I think of Aishwarya Rai, I instantly think of the most beautiful women in the world. She’s stunning! She could wear a paper bag and gym socks and she’d still rule the room.

That’s why I was very saddened to read an article recently about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being trolled on Twitter because she decided to wear purple lipstick to Cannes. How the very dare she go outside the norm!? Sigh. It’s rather sad because both men and women took to Twitter to express their absolute hate of the shade and how ridiculous they felt she looked wearing! You can Google “Aishwarya Rai purple lipstick” and hundred of images will come up and most of them she looks as polished, posed, and incredible as she always does. Sure, purple is a little different for her but who cares? Maybe girlfriend woke up and decided, “I want to try something new today!” And she has that right. We ALL have that right to change up our look any way we want without having to fear that someone is going to have a sudden need to express how horrible they feel we look.

I’m not going to lie, I look like an idiot in purple lipstick. It’s not a shade I personally reach for and it’s not something I go out of my way to buy. But I’m not going to knock anyone else who wants to rock it. Don’t let anyone tell you what makeup you can and can’t wear. Actually don’t let anyone tell you how you can express yourself, what clothes you should wear, how you should talk, how you should do your hair.

Believe me, I would have stopped blogging a long, long time ago if I let every silly little comment get on my nerves. I feel comfortable and quite at home blogging beauty even if I’m not exactly the “ideal looking” beauty blogger. You either like me (thanks, because I like you too!) or you hate me (although I hope you don’t because we’re pretty much strangers and you don’t exactly know me well enough to hate me!) and that’s your choice but don’t rip me because I don’t live up to your expectations of what a beauty blogger should look like. I’m short, I’m chubby, and I like to eat lipstick 🙂

And if Aishwarya Rai wants to walk around in that paper bag wearing gym socks and purple lipstick don’t rip her either. She knows what makes her comfortable, let her do her thing and may be pat her on the back for thinking outside the beauty box.

Remember, do what makes you comfortable! And don’t cry if someone decides to rip you a new one because they hate that about you. That’s their problem NOT yours!

Be yourself always.

Well, not always, if you can be Batman, be Batman. But any other time be yourself!

Everything else my dear, dear friends is cake.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Krutika

    THANK YOU for posting this! I am Indian and forget about that, I saw Aishwarya Rai’s picture but hey if she wants to experient, why can she not? I definitely agree about so much of hatred online and its honestly not been very good as of late. People ask for certain videos and reviews and when they get them, then they start critcizing them as well. Doesn’t make sense. But, thank you for bringing this up and trying to make a change about the way we all think about eachother. Everyone is human, and we are all equally important. But, respect other people for their choices.. as you would want someone to do for you. And even if a mistake happens, its fine as its a chance for us to learn from it instead of putting each other down.

  • Wini

    Hey Muse – I absolutely love you for this article.. I have been a silent reader of your blog for a couple of years now but never commented… But was compelled to today.. I was also appalled at all the trolling going on all over the net over Aishwarya’s look.. As much I admire her beauty, I did not like this particular look of hers too much ( I felt that shade of lavender clashed with her gown and also that lipstick looked too drying, but who am I??)… Anyhow, whether you like some look or not, what gives you the right to go be so mean to someone on the net?? Not Done!!

    • Isabella Muse

      Hi Wini! 🙂 thanks for being a long term readers! I agree, it looked a bit dry! Not terrible but def a bit drying! But hey, who are we?! If she liked it that’s all that matters plus I admire her for being different! It’s not normally what she wears and it was completely a curve ball! Good on her! Keeps us interested in her that’s for sure 😀 I think people feel a bit safer blasting others from behind the screen. Not sure how many would tell Aishwarya they don’t like her lipstick in person lol!

  • Lara

    Yesssss! This is SO good and true! This is why I hate best/worst dressed lists for awards shows. Those people who show up on worst dressed lists usually took risks and were more creative — to be “best dressed,” often you play it pretty safe! I applaud those who experiment, it might not always work but it’s way more fun. Purple lipstick and all 🙂

    Oh, and you are gorgeous and a blast to read! Keep it up!

    • Isabella Muse

      Aw thanks Lara <3! I couldn't agree more, people that bend the rules end up being slammed for it. It's kind of sad.

    • Maggie

      You know, you make a great point. I never thought of it that way. Thanks for the perspective!

  • Kawal

    Very very nice article! I adore u for this article, and of course also for the work u do…
    U know this other youtuber I follow called totalmakeupjunkie101 mentions from day one, her love for purple lips…I might just try it on some day now….could u plz give a list of beautiful purple shades for all skin tones? In fact, what is the shade u r wearing in the pic in this article?
    Thanks one again! Great work!

      • Kawal

        Thank you for replying…I’m delighted! Squeal….
        I’m going to look into the article right now… 🙂

        • Isabella Muse

          xoxoxoxox! 🙂 I actually don’t have one live yet Kawal but I gotta get one up 😀

    • Rachel R.

      Urban Decay’s upcoming Vice Lipstick launch in June has a ton of different lavenders and purples for a variety of skin tones. You might find one you like. ColourPop has quite a few purples as well.

      • Heidi

        What’s nice about ColourPop is usually they show swatches on a variety of skin tones.

  • Tegan

    I love wearing unconventional lipstick colors (black, green, purple, blue, etc.) and don’t bat an eye when people stare. Aishwarya is beautiful (even with that light purple lipstick that even I would be afraid to pull off), and I really don’t see why her makeup choices would make the news. It’s just a lipstick, people! Celebrities have worn stranger things!

  • blee

    OMG, Musey girl, I love your purple lips! It’s the most often color I wear on my lips IS purple. I was PURPLE before Prince. 🙂 I wore it from head to toes and still do. I sing it like Taylor – haters are going to hate, hate, hate, just shake it OFF, shake it OFF ! LOL

  • Dominique

    And maybe, just maybe, we are coming here because we want to see someone that doesn’t look like an “ideal blogger”. And maybe we also read your blog because it feels truthful, in every aspect of it 😉

    Before I make a beauty purchase, I always run it by your blog. I firmly believe in “liberté de penser” (as we say in French (I.e freedom of speech)), and I feel that I get your real thoughts on everything that’s presented here.

    We, as women, deserves a space that’s dedicated to authenticity. And that’s exactly what your blog does ; if some people can’t understand or participate in this, they’re not worth the time or the attention.

    Purple lipstick for the win !

    • Isabella Muse

      Aw Domnique! Don’t make me cry! That’s very, very kind of you! I am blessed and very lucky to have reader’s like you!

    • Jules

      I second what she says!! That’s why I love your blog!! You’re opinionated and funny, and let your personality shine through! I also like how you aren’t afraid of addressing insecurities and controversy!

      I have mixed feelings about celebrity fashion criticism…first off, I also had a massive girl crush on aishwarya….THAT FACE. But I think there is an element of attention-seeking among most celebrities, often with an attitude of all publicity is good publicity. So it’s hard to say where to draw the line. Personal attacks are obviously out of bounds, especially over freaking lipstick…but I do enjoy looking at blogs about celebrity looks, like gofugyourself…does that make me guilty? so great topic to think about!!

      • Isabella Muse

        aw thank you Jules! hugs! 🙂 ha I’m probably guilty too as I read gofugyourself too and of course perez hilton but I’m not one for bashing anyone online!

  • Renu

    I don’t like you, I love you. For starters, you’ve saved me from many a purchase I wouldn’t have liked (the most recent being Burberry’s concealer). For another (and there’s lots more but I won’t digress), there’s posts such as this one. I’m not a huuuuge fan of Aishwarya but I was incensed the first time she was trolled on the Cannes red carpet when she turned up shortly after giving birth, looking glowy and with the baby weight. SO WHAT! I take my hat of to Aishwarya for telling us all that it is okay to give birth and LOOK like you just gave birth!
    If only editors of glossy magazines and creative directors of huge companies did not set ridiculous standards of how we must all look – with impossibly thin models and photoshopped close-ups in mags – many of us would be a lot more confident, happier and less…bitchy. When – and why – did we let them dictate terms to us and end up losing sight of the bigger picture? I now know girls who refuse to acknowledge their own mothers if they turn up with less than perfectly done hair, or in a dress that looks “mumsy”.
    One of the earliest books I read was Enid Blyton’s St Clare’s series. This schoolgirl character in the books summed it up while waiting for her mother to come to school and take her out for half-term: “My mother will wear the only rags she owns. She will not have powdered her nose or found time to do her hair. Her hands will be chapped with the work she does, her skin, weatherbeaten. Her teeth are wonky. To me, she will be the most beautiful woman in the school tomorrow.”

    • Isabella Muse

      I cried at that last statement. That’s my mom! Simple, no makeup, just my brilliant and most beautiful in the world mother 🙂 The mom that would take the food off her plate to feed her children, the one that would remove her sweater on a cold day to give to me. If we can all view each other as we view others as we do our mothers without embarrassment but merely pride we’d be so much better for it. After all these years of blogging I’m still a bit shocked when someone rips into me about my hair or my blush, etc..I mean really? Why do you want to take me down? I’m nobody, an average girl who really likes makeup what point do you make or pleasure do you get in ripping me a new one with some silly comment?. Likewise for celebrities or youTubers, etc…what do you get from slamming someone about their appearance of life choices or anything. It’s just mind boggling sometimes. Shrug…! We’re all entitled to our opinions about one another but I just wish people would be a bit nicer when expressing them 🙂 And by the way I love you too! 🙂 <3! 🙂

    • Maggie

      That makes me angry–I can’t imagine not acknowledging my mother for something so superficial. I live in a small community, and while I do think how I present myself is important (if only not to get ostracized), I think behavior is important as well. And not acknowledging the wonderful people who care for you is shameful behavior. I personally think it is fine if someone simply just does not prioritize their looks the way I do. We all have different priorities.

  • Rachel R.

    Thank you for this! Aishwarya Rai always looks stunning, and is always one of the best dressed women on the red carpet. I thought she rocked the purple lipstick. When I saw her wearing it, I was like, “Yesssss!!!!!”

    The beauty shamers, body shamers, etc. need to knock their crap off and devote them selves to more important issues. How about shaming child abusers? There are some people who deserve some grief.

  • Phyrra

    Love that you say this. I agree with you. Wear what you like. Haters gonna hate. They need to grow up and move on.

  • Lesley A.

    I liked you before and now I really, really like you. I am also a non-Indian Bollywood fan, and I was so surprised to see Aish’s name in your link. Very cool, and I agree with the views expressed as well. 🙂

    • Isabella Muse

      I’m a massive Bollywood fan girl ;-D happy to meet a fellow fan 😀 <3!

  • Rina

    I can’t help but think what the catalyst was for this post, and my statement from there stands. What you do here is invaluable, and those that get it love you and those that don’t can go pound sand somewhere else..

    • Isabella Muse

      I was just so upset to see people ripping into such a beautiful woman because she decided to wear purple lipstick. Boggled my mind this was so taboo and brought down so much hate on her for it. Jeez! Aw thank you Rina! 🙂 <3!

  • Ryou

    Internalized misogyny is so horrible IMO. :/ It stems mainly from patriarchy dictating what makes women worthy (usually how attractive we are to straight men) and women policing other women on the harmful messages they internalized.

    I feel that the worst part about this is how bashing other women often ends up as a bonding activity between women. These “rules” don’t exist to make us feel worthy, they exist to make sure we always question whether something is wrong with us.

    They also affect women with other marginalized identities disproportionately, such as the example with Aishwarya Rai you put up there. If it was Kylie Jenner who wore the purple lipstick, she most likely would have started another trend instead of being bashed to hell and back.

    My golden rule is people can wear absolutely anything they want, with the exception of things that are harmful or offensive (such as blackface) — And I’ll respect that even if it’s not something I like. After all, preferences don’t automatically denote superiority.

    I’m fat (using that word as a neutral descriptor, not a bad word), I’m a person of color, I’m hairy, and I’m disabled. Conventional beauty standards dictate that I’m ugly and I shouldn’t be okay with how I look. Yet I’ll wear whatever the hell I like, I don’t need anyone’s approval, after all. Believe me, people get REALLY ANGRY when I say that.

    Society taught us from early age that people who look like me should hate ourselves, and spend our lives doing nothing else but try to stop looking like ourselves — Me not doing so makes it impossible for them to keep enforcing the power imbalance, and for those who aren’t used to it, loss of privilege can feel like oppression.

    I admit, I spent a lot of time doing what they dictate — hating myself and trying to change how I look — but at one point, I decided that it’s really not worth it. I am enough. I am worthy.

    When the majority of eight year olds are more scared of getting fat than losing both parents, we know something is really, really wrong. And it needs to change, starting from myself.

    Sorry this got so long. In any case, Musey, you are gorgeous as hell and like you said, if someone feels the need to comment negatively on your appearance, the problem isn’t with you at all.

    <3

    • Isabella Muse

      Well said Ryou!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For the record, I talk to you daily, and you’ve always been beautiful to me 🙂

  • Cindy

    I had this so-called “friend” who appointed herself makeup expert of the world and told me that I shouldn’t wear black mascara and eyeliner because it was “too harsh.” She was constantly pushing me to wear brown eyeliner and brown mascara and giving me unsolicited makeup “advice.” We’re not friends anymore, LOL. I’m very fair and rock the black mascara, black eyeliner, and red lipstick every day!!!

    • Isabella Muse

      I have get a lot of “helpful criticisms” that I don’t ask for on my blog Cindy. Seriously, I want my friends to be as truth as possible and I truly do appreciate it when you’re trying to help me out but sometimes you just get the vibe it isn’t being helpful really, just looking for an excuse to rip into you! I’m sure black mascara and eyeliner are NOT too harsh and look fab on you!

      • Cindy

        Thanks! Yeah it wasn’t to be helpful, trust me. There were a lot of “issues” underneath it. People come to me for makeup advice, I was like WTF??? lol

        • Isabella Muse

          I think I always get a sense when someone is genuinely trying to be nice and helpful versus when they are just trying to be passively aggressively mean spirited.

    • Agona

      This cracked me up because I actually had the exact same interaction with my mom, of all people. I usually do a smoky cat eye as my look. She said she was curious about liquid eyeliner and wanted some tips. I spent a half an hour giving her instructions on how to do a cat eye with liquid liner and when I was done, I asked her if she understood and had any questions. Without batting an eye, she says to me: “Why you use black instead of brown? Brown more natural.” And I was like WTF did you ask me for tips if you’re just going to criticize me?! >:-O Obviously, I wasn’t going for “natural” when I am doing a smoky cat eye. Eye roll.

      • Agona

        Mind you, I’m in my mid-30s so long gone are the days where she can tell me not to wear something. Too bad you can’t un-friend your mom IRL, LOL.

        • Isabella Muse

          OH NO! lol! Sometimes mom’s can be harsh critics!

  • N

    Amen sister! Aishwarya looks like she was at a red carpet affair and stars have makeup artists do their makeup for those events. Most likely it was the makeup artist’s decision for an edgy lip to contrast with a more traditional upscale floral pattern dress to make her look more modern. Probably the white based purple looked different in indoor lighting when it was done than outdoors where the pictures were taken and especially with flash photography.

    • Isabella Muse

      I agree! Aishwarya probably did have it done by an MUA who likely thought it would be a diff look for her client. Sad how it backfired and turned into a hateful mess 🙁

  • Gabriella

    YES YES YES!!! O-M-FUCKING-G YES!!
    I’m so over women tearing each other down for such petty and unimportant reasons. So she wore purple lipstick, what the hell is wrong with that!?!? It makes me SO MAD when woman act like little girls!! I’m 34 and back in the 90’s during the grunge era when dark blood red and black lipstick was all the rage for us grungers, BACK THEN I was called everything from weirdo to druggie to outcast for wearing dark lipstick!! I’m a grunge girl at heart and still love to rock dark red and purple lipstick and I still get looked at like I have two heads!! Anyway, apologies for the rant, I get really angry about women not holding up one another. Isabella I don’t care what you look like and you may not think it but that purple lippie looks amazing on you!! This post is so bloody spot on!! Thank you SO MUCH for being so forthright!!

    • Isabella Muse

      aw thanks Gabriella 😀 I totally remember the grunge days! A friend of mine embraced it fully at the time and she had the same exact experience as you. People labeled her a druggie and a weirdo but funny enough she was a straight A student and totally a wonderful person. Where the hell do people get ideas that because you like to wear a certain style of clothes or makeup that makes you a druggie. Jeez. What is wrong with the world!

  • Anna

    Amen to that!! It seems that a whole generation or 2 has skipped being taught manners, like any manners at all! If you aint got anything nice to say… shut it, thats the way I was brought up 🙂

  • Kimmwc03

    Totally agree. We need to stop all this hate! And wear whatever you want, purple lipstick or whatever.

  • Missy

    Anyone who says anything mean about you can FITE ME >:-{ I feel like you are a friend out there in cyberspace and you are so wonderful and sweet and I love every single one of your posts! It’s so upsetting, all the hate and hostility women show each other. I seriously woke up this morning feeling so bruised by the world, just the hate and ugliness, then I saw your post. It’s so true. You are so very appreciated <3

    • Isabella Muse

      Aww Missy! Thank you! 🙂 <3! Don't let the world beat you down girl! Live like a warrior 😀

  • Agona

    People troll because they are insecure themselves. I have a friend who is insecure and is constantly worried about what people think about her (she recently lost a bunch of weight and is starting to get into fashion now), and I told her: stop caring about what other people think because often it’s a Freudian projection of their own insecurities that have nothing to do with you. I don’t see the point in the negativity; it’s sad. People like that can go be sad by themselves.

  • Kate

    My dearest Muse generally i m a silent reader as well but this post made me want to write to you. You are awesome you are incredible and you are the best. I always turn to you when i want to check on a product because your opinion matters to me. I was born in a place where everyone judges everyone. In the beginning the comments that were made hurt me deeply because i m not the conventional type of girl either. I turned 30 this year so hearing mean comments for so long made not care anymore. I grew a think skin. Now i put on my “clownish” makeup every day and wink at them. I couldnt care less of what they think. Thats what people do when they dont have a hobby or something. And btw you look incredible in the purple lipstick. I think i ll try it too. <3

    • Isabella Muse

      Aw Kate!! 🙁 I understand. I think this blog helped me to grow a thicker skin as I used to let silly comments people left here get on my nerves. Don’t view yourself through the eyes of the world because I think you’ll always be disappointed, someone is always there to judge every little “supposed” flaw. I AM very glad you got past this! And good for you! Wear your makeup, be beautiful, and wink 😀 that’s the spirit!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone needs to be like you 😀 hugs xoxoxox! PS I wanna see you in purple lipstick 😀

  • Dee

    Excellent post! And I will chime in like so many here to say “thank you” for your blog and sharing so much with us. Hands down, you are my absolute favorite. I’ve posted before how one of my favorite things to do in the morning is get my coffee and see what you’ve posted for the day. I’m one of those who wait to purchase something until I’ve read your review.

    Don’t understand all the hate that’s all over comment sections on blogs or you tube or anywhere. Like others have said it’s insecurity on the part of the poster, but that doesn’t make it easier to deal with. Sad to think that someone can only feel good about themself by making someone else feel bad.

    Anyways, you look good in purple lipstick!

    • Isabella Muse

      aw thanks Dee hugs xoxoxoxo! I’m very, very lucky and blessed to have friends/readers like you!!!!!!

  • Kiran

    Wear whatever you like, I think you look fabulous and even if I didn’t . . .who cares? What do I know? I struggle with wearing opaque lipsticks regardless of colour just because it feels too strong for my face. That’s just me, I wish I looked cool with blue lips but even if I did I wouldn’t be able to wear it without feeling awfully self-conscious.

  • Heidi

    Jeez, it’s purple lipstick. All that fuss for something that wipes off in a flash.

  • Ruth

    It appalls me that anyone would feel it’s ok to drag anyone because of their make up choices, clothing choices, or for whatever reason. There are some looks that I think are more flattering than others, but that’s my preference and unless that person asked for my opinion, I keep it to myself.

    Izzy, I freaking love you & your blog! The make up reviews are fun, but you’re the reason that this is pretty much the only blog i read. You add parts of your personality, the things you like, the fur babies, pop culture, and it’s a lot of fun here. You take my silliness and nonsense in stride and i consider you a friend. So if the haters feel the need to be a jerkface- the can come and (ง’̀-‘́)ง

    • Isabella Muse

      Agreed. I just don’t get people at all! I love ya back Ruth! 😉 You’re one of my fav peeps around these parts xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo!

  • Kharanya

    Personally I don’t think every colour is flattering on every woman, I certainly don’t wear colours that aren’t, conventional or non-conventional, but that’s my prerogative and it’s certainly not affecting anyone else. There’s no point in condemning people’s judgement, anyone who’s ever existed has been judgmental about another person at some point in their life, that is human nature. However, it’s truly rude to give unsolicited advice or criticism about something that’s obviously none of their business or life threatening.

    People are self-conscious, I get that, I grew up horribly self conscious for various reasons and the best piece of advice I ever got was “What other people think of you is none of your business”. It’s pointless to get angry about something you can never change (people’s reactions and opinions to the message you put out). Just do you and live your life.

  • Satinder

    Hey muse, thank you for this article. I loved the purple lipstick on Aishwariya Rai, i thought she stood out from the crowd and made a statement. It was only 1 of her many looks at Cannes, and she deserves respect. She represents Loreal and has a right to play with lipstick choices. I say more power to her and I thought she looked lovely. Thank you for this article, we should all lift each other up instead of down. I’m so glad you are a fan of Bollywood too! She has a new movie coming out soon named Sarbjit, I look forward to watching it. I hope you will too 🙂

    • Isabella Muse

      Satinder I couldn’t agree more! She is gorgeous no matter what she wears. Sarabjit actually comes out this weekend! Quite interested to see it!!
      Sarabjit

  • Michelle

    I love that you posted this and love even more all the positive replies! Let’s always support each other ladies!!!

  • Majick

    Love this, love you, even though I’ve been quite missing in action. Dif job, more busy, YUK. LoL

  • Amanda

    I adore the more out there colors like purple, black, etc. I have a blue lipstick. Do I wear it in public? No, but I always think it’s awesome when I see another woman rock purple/blue/black/etc. lipstick.

    • Isabella Muse

      ITA! I always admire anyone who walks outside in some daring shade like black, purple, etc because I know I’m too scared to do it.

  • Kuz

    Muse,

    Thanks so much for writing a post like this! You’re an absolute gem and I’ve been a Musings reader for nearly a decade now! Beauty bloggers are some of the bravest people around (I mean, you’re showing your face, hair, nails, etc. to strangers all over the world – and for the strangers’ benefit to boot). I hope you’re blogging until we’re all old and fabulously grey – and that you’re still writing as “you” that whole time. I admire your stance on everyone being able to express themselves however they so choose – and I agree with you 100%.

    Here’s to bully-free blogging and bully-free beauty in the near future!

    • Isabella Muse

      awwww thanks Kuz! Thank you for being such a long time reader 🙂 <3! I sure hope I'm around for many years to come! We can discuss fiber options in the next 30 years and what looks good with our gray hair haha 😀 xoxoxoxoxox!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Meghan

    Thanks for writing this! You inspired my sister and I to start our own beauty blog so thank you! <3

    • Isabella Muse

      Oh that’ll be fun! 🙂 two sisters writing a blog! I wish I could get my sister to do a blog with me 😀

  • Dora

    Brava! Love this! I hate the phenomenon of meanness and bullying by anonymous strangers on the Internet. And the messages boards dedicated to tearing down bloggers (or whomever). I think you are great and brave for putting yourself out there on the Internet — and love your honest reviews and especially all these open questions/discussions. If you don’t like someone’s blog content (or lipstick! or clothing choices!) just move along. There’s lots of space for everyone.

    • Isabella Muse

      I couldn’t agree more Dora 🙂 If you hate something, don’t waste your time with it, just move on ;-D xoxoxoxoxo! thank you!

  • Jay

    Humans are quite frankly just evil evil little creatures. We judge and hurt people. We torture and abuse animals. We kill people. We kill poor animals then eat their flesh knowing we can survive on other things. We abuse children and the elderly and we have no feelings for anyone’s pain. We shove our veterans to the side all while they are screaming for help. We yell and fight. People are more depressed than ever, some because of how others treat them. My faith in humanity drops day by day until one day there will be nothing left. At this point I have more faith in animals than my fellow man. Harsh but true. On a more positive note I love that purple lippie on you.

    • Isabella Muse

      ha we should just stick around with animals 😀 Damn truth there 😀 aw thanks Jay!! xoxox!

  • Carol

    Love this article, even I don’t know the artist; but love the message

  • Robin

    Muse, you’re my favorite blogger and you know why: because you’re real. You’re short and chubby like me; you watch Walking Dead and ‘fear the Dead and, in all makeup addiction, wonder about nude makeup looks from the actors on Fear Dead! That is just awesome!!

    I also think you’re very brave. I can’t imagine the posts and comments that y0u must see. the trolls want to inflict hurt and doubt. Their beauty long ago replaced with bitterness and envy and they try to oze that bitterness on others. That’s all they got left. Thats the reason they attack beautiful women for wearing purple lipstick.

    Don’t let anyone bump into your happy! Keep being your beautiful and real self! And yes, you are beautiful!

    • Isabella Muse

      awww thanks Robin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m very very very lucky to have awesome readers like you around here 🙂 <3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I honestly don't let any of it bother me at all! Just not worth the energy and time! 😀

  • Nat

    Preach, sister! What gets me is why don’t people realize how *boring* life would look if everyone wore the same makeup, the same clothes, the same hair colour? I love that people dye their hair fun colours, wear makeup colours that aren’t “natural” looking, wear fun clothes! Variety is the spice of life! 😀

  • Dena Mcclure

    People who tear down other people whether in person or on social media do so in their feeble attempt to make themselves feel better about themselves. If I put someone else down then I am better than that person and I’ll feel better. Doesn’t work so one to the next person to put down and bully. I am a clinical social worker and have seen this type of behavior all too often, but I believe the anonymity of social network sites has escalated it. Bottom line it is bullying which I despise. To say mean things or write mean things about some one makes me sick to my stomach. My mother was a gem; she taught me the power of trying to uplift people and look for ways to empower them through my actions or words. That is why I do what I do.
    As for you, my beautiful Muse, I have not been a reader long having just discovered your blog nor do I comment a whole lot, but the thought of anyone being rude or ugly to you just turns my stomach. I so appreciate what you do. I look forward to reading your blog even if I might not be interested in any of the products—you brighten the day with your comments and thoughtfulness. BTW I am 53 and I adore shimmery eye shadows and will wear them until I am in heaven. Mature eye lids not withstanding. Thank-you for what you do; it matters.

    • Isabella Muse

      Aw thank you Dena! honestly, I have some of the best readers around and it is a very rare, rare day that someone leaves a crummy comment 🙂 I’m lucky and blessed to have good readers like you! 🙂 <3! and YAYYYYYYYYYYY for shimmer! You mom raised a beautiful lady obviously 🙂 It's nice to know someone is out there like you helping others!

  • Terri

    Amen girlfriend! Let’s embrace our individuality, not shame it.

    You keep doing you, and I’ll keep doing me!

    <3

  • Teasha

    Good write up. I read all the time, but rarely comment. I’m always so surprised by rude comments, especially on beauty blogs. You are kind enough to try new products realizing not all of them are going to work, but you show us anyway so we can make informed decisions, you even make a comment saying this isn’t my color, but still review it for the formula etc., yet people still write nasty things. One of my favorite beauty bloggers, used to do YouTube videos and doesn’t anymore for this reason and it makes me so sad. I don’t understand the point of all the negativity. If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, probably best to not write it in a comment. Keep doing what you’re doing, keep being you. There are SO many more of us that love and support what you do, than there are haters.

    • Isabella Muse

      That is so so so sad that she was run off youTube because of nastiness! Wow! That breaks my heart 🙁 Thank you for your lovely comments Teasha! <3! It's too bad more people aren't as lovely as you!

  • Ruth

    It makes my heart feel good to read all of the wonderful replies! there truly are some lovely people in the world.

  • Chynna

    AMEN and Well said! Someone putting herself “out there” is absolutely no excuse for abuse or poor behavior from others. That’s the reason I refuse to watch shows like Fashion Police. If someone profits by shaming other women for their clothing and makeup choices, then he or she is the person who should be ashamed.

  • Z

    Can’t like this post enough! You rocked that purple lippie! I bought a purple lipstick recently and still haven’t have the courage to wear it outside XD

  • genevieve

    Some people are really show their true colours on blogs and twitter. They are meant to be responsible adults, but they are not.

    You are fantastic Isabella and help us all on our makeup journey – where ever that takes us, including wearing purple lipstick.
    Don’t worry about those who are negative, spiteful and mean. there are lots more of us who really love and like you.

    • Isabella Muse

      Just for the record I am no way a responsible adult! LOL 🙂 Not but seriously thank you Genevieve! I always look forward to talking to you! I love you too! I am not at all worried about mean spirited people, I have damn great reader’s and an occasional troll that might pop up. This was me ranting about Aishwarya mostly, just hated seeing her slammed for something so silly!

  • Zovesta

    I love you even more for this post, Muse! And Ryou hit the nail on the damn head.

    The minute women step into something that is purely for them and not to please a straight man, they get harassed. When they openly do something to please a straight man, they get harassed. When a man does anything that might threaten a straight man, like acting feminine or gay, he gets harassed.

    Can’t we just get rid of the ego and insecurity straight men have and solve 80% of the world’s problems at this point? 😛

    • Isabella Muse

      Aw thanks Zovesta 🙂 LOL I had this mental image of all men being the root of all evil for a sec there 😀 You may be right….you may just be right 😀

  • Lorraine

    Just wanted to chime in saying i completely agree! I have nothing but supportive attitude for other women doing their thing. I have always been attracted to wearing goth type clothing but I also love outrageousness, glitter, wigs, makeup, huge platform shoes, etc. You have to develop. Thick skin to walk it the door looking wild and not have 2nd thoughts when people start looking at you funny.
    Because of that I know what it takes and 100% am behind self-expression. You do you and I will be cheering you on no matter what you like (as long as it’s not hurting anyone!)
    I love your blog because it’s like getting the beauty scoop from a friend! I love the writing style and you are beautiful! You sucked me in years ago and have a dedicated reader on your hands. I support you!

    I support all of you in all of your uniqueness!!

  • Diane

    You rock honey!!! I’m 53 and I rock purple, black, blue, EVERY color of lipstick — or any makeup or clothes or ANYTHING!!! I refuse to let the masses tell me ‘you’re too old for that…’ I support you 100000%!!!

  • Nat

    Excuse my language but AfuckingMEN! 😀

    I wear purple lipstick all the time and I worry that people may stare at me and think weird things, but at the end of the day I am proud that I am confident enough to rock my purple shades out of the house.

    People can stare all they want, that’s what my purple lip colour is intending to do, turn heads. 😛