I hit the mom jackpot. Viv (that's what I call her when she's not looking) is equal parts friend + stylist + business partner + mentor + therapist + the inspiration for Random Acts of Lipstick. I could gush about her forever (and I…
Selfies, a trend that flooded social media in the early 2000s thanks to Kim Kardashian (and Jennifer Lee, the first person to use #selfie on Instagram), are now virtually everywhere. The up-close shots have become such a pop culture staple that tech retailers answered…
Guest Post: What Sharing Jars of Vaseline in Indochina Taught Me About The Big Little Things
It's fitting that Erika Stalder is our first guest writer. The bubbly beauty freelancer (her byline appears regularly in Refinery29) has been a cheerleader for Random Acts of Lipstick since our inception, and shows the same love for budding lady entrepreneurs through her site…
This Beauty Blogger is Sending Care Packages to Strangers
At a recent beauty event we met a charismatic blogger with a habit of sending feel-good gifts to strangers. And while Bren Gomez, founder of beautypinata.com, knew Random Acts of Lipstick, she failed to mention her own philanthropic "side gig" during our initial meeting…
Veronica Webb’s Invaluable Advice for How You Can Give Back
For decades the world has looked up to Veronica Webb. Sure it's often because they have to, she's 5'10, but it's mainly her path through the beauty and fashion worlds that led to her icon status. In the 90s Webb was the first African…
Just a week before International Women's Day (IWD) and a month after the Women's March, a Polish politician stood before his peers (including ladies) and declared that the opposite sex was smaller and less intelligent, and therefore should earn less. After watching the video…
“Violets are Blue” is Donating Skin Care to Women Entering Chemo
Cancer doesn't play favorites. That's what Cynthia Besteman, a self-proclaimed health nut, learned in 2011 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. "I led a very healthy lifestyle, no meat, I exercised, didn't smoke, and rarely drank, so I was really thrown for a…
The Smart Way “Plant” is Helping Adults With Disabilities
When you've been a beauty editor for 10+ years you start to accumulate products - lots of 'em. And no matter how many people call you a hoarder, the stash continues to grow because, well, that's your happy place (#sorrynotsorry).
And while most of my…
2016 was a year that many would rather forget ... but not me! Last summer I met a dreamboat who checked all the boxes. He's the ying to my yang and even finds it charming when I sing at the top of my lungs…
“Everyone” Uses Aromatherapy to Boost Morale in Shelters
My first foray into the self-soothing world of aromatherapy came out of need. I needed to sleep better so I'd sniff lavender before bed. I wanted to feel more awake so I'd drop a peppermint shower tablet at my feet before sudsing up. At…