Skip to content
The Velvet Hour
Elena Voss, in an open-back champagne satin slip dress, poses by a penthouse window at night.

My 5 Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick Like a Boss

by Elena Voss, 50

Darling, right after that man leaned in at our candlelit table last Tuesday, I pulled out my compact and began reapplying.

He froze, eyes locked, so I whispered these five rules while he hung on every move.

  1. Pick the right red. Blood crimson only, never pink. It makes every man remember exactly where he was looking.
  2. Own the glass. Press firmly, leave a perfect print on the rim. Waiters refill just to see it again.
  3. Reapply slowly. Mirror steady, tube twisting between my fingers. Their stare locks and will not leave.
  4. Time the exit. Blot once, stand in that velvet dress, then glide away. My ex still replays it nightly.
  5. Never explain. Just smile when his gaze drifts back to my mouth for the third time in an hour.

Some men never learn, and I keep smiling.

Follow Elena Voss on Facebook for more.

Elena Voss, 50. Adults only.

Keep reading

More from Elena

  1. My 5 Rules for Turning Up the Heat Without Saying a Word5 rules · the full list
  2. My 7 Rules for Flirty Dining7 rules · the full list
  3. My 5 Rules for the New and Improved Adam5 rules · the full list
  4. My 5 Rules Before You Hit Block5 rules · the full list
  5. My 7 Flirty First-Date Rules7 rules · the full list
  6. The 5 Rules I Followed to Glow After He Left5 rules · the full list
  7. My 5 Rules for Keeping That Sparkle Without Saying a Word5 rules · the full list
  8. My 5 Rules for Dressing with Confidence After 505 rules · the full list
  9. My 7 Rules for Letting Him Chase7 rules · the full list

Meet the other hosts

Vivian Vale in a luxury hotel suite at night, black satin robe with lace trim over a camisole, sitting on the edge of the bed with the city lights behind her
55

Vivian Vale

“My black lace always slips off one shoulder after midnight”

Ruby Hayes in a candlelit hotel suite, long wine-red silk robe with a deep V, standing by a four-poster bed
52

Ruby Hayes

“Gary thinks these sheets are only for sleeping”

Margot Hale in a candlelit boudoir with a four-poster bed, wine silk robe slipping off one shoulder, pearl necklace
58

Margot Hale

“Three marriages taught me exactly how slowly to unzip”