Dear ‘Russian Red’ lipstick,

When I gently pull your black cap and twist your body, boldness swivels out. I wear you and I am transformed into a woman with a purpose. I think:

Passionate. Adventurous. Strong. Sassy.

My back is straighter. I keep my head up. My gait is confident. And my mouth is curved into half a smile. Ah my mouth! Now, there is a story. I think back to our first encounter. I was strongly influenced to meet you by the women I went to college with. They had a comfortable and strong relationship with you, yet I was wary and hesitant. But let me tell you this, when I feasted my eyes on you, I knew I had to have you. It was instant attraction.

I kept you hidden from the world. You were my secret and I was biding my time for the right moment. And that moment materialised. It was an evening mainly comprised of poetry and women. I had bravely volunteered to read my poems in an intimate gathering even though I was hardly a performance poet. I formed an ‘O’ with my lips and whipped you out to form a dark circle. I was hypnotised with the change. I stared and slowly smiled. Oh yes, we were going to be lifetime friends.

But you know, darling, my opinion of you is not shared by many women. When they see you, they think:

Sensual. Indecent. Vulgar. Improper. Unladylike. Inviting.

When I apprehensively introduced you to my mother, she uttered the last word. You turned your face away in shame.  I know that all you desired was to be given a life free of judgment and censor. I write to you now to show you support and to remind you to have courage. In my eyes, you are as beautiful as other shades. I hope you know I admire you.

I admire you because in your own way you have changed women. You have shown them that it is completely acceptable to work hard to be in the limelight and also encourage other women to dance underneath the limelight. How wonderful it will be for all of us to embrace the brave strokes of red without criticism. And shame.

I want to paint you on my mouth and with your help tell the world that on this day – Women’s Day – let’s embrace our daring selves.

Dear crimson shade of my inner beauty, I have to repeatedly smear you on my lips as war paint to remind my self and the world – I am unapologetically, woman.

I hope we continue to be friends – friends who are unabashedly honest, unashamedly courageous and uncompromising on their dreams.

Thank you,

Sania