Red is my favorite go-to lip color. No matter how raggedy I am in real life, adding a red lip somehow makes me look put together, and just like that, the compliments start rolling in! It’s a phenomena if I ever did see one.

Given my love for this shade, I’m sharing all my faves below.  But before you scroll down to these must-have shades of red, I want to take a moment to admonish you to STAY READY.

Are You Ready?

And by Ready, I don’t just mean packing a red lipstick just in case it’s necessary to turn a few heads.  I mean, are you ready for your dreams to come to fruition?

We all want for things. We have visions that we are actively preparing for. But what happens when they get here? Are we ready for what comes next? It is so important to be prepared for what comes with getting the thing you’ve been praying for.

Transparent Moment

If you know me then you know I’m all about transparency.  In fact, its probably why you’re here visiting my site.  So in keeping with the trait of transparency, let me keep it ALL the way real with you.

A great opportunity came for me to do a series of speaking engagements.  This was one of my main goals!  I was ecstatic about having the conversation about the engagements because I felt like I was built to nail it.

But then came my moment of shame.  As a part of the inquiry, I was asked to name my price.

I almost fainted right then and there!

You see, I’d wanted the opportunity to do speaking engagements,  but I hadn’t adequately prepared by having a rate card and honorarium fee in place for when such an engagement came along.

I mean come on, Kandice! How do you want to be a motivational speaker for a living without properly doing the research on rates?!

We got the whole thing squared away. But it got me thinking about ways we should change our view on dreams.

Dream all you want, my girl! That’s what dreams are for. But in the midst of that, be sure you’re preparing for that dream to come true.

Prepare for the Dream

What things have you been working hard for?  Whether its a promotion or the launch of a new business, make sure you’re ready to tackle the things that come along with it.

For example, be thinking about the freedoms and responsibilities you want  with that new promotion. Think through what you want your salary to be.  Have a contingency plan should things go different than you expect them to go.

Be ready and prepared by maintaining a student mentality about the things that interest you.

Read up as much as you can on your dream.  Think through the things you should be familiar with when the next big thing happens.  Learn the jargon that is used so that you can intelligently speak to the conversations you’ve been anxiously awaiting. Stay ready for what’s next.

Don’t be unprepared for the blessing.

Now that I’ve sprinkled you with that little dose of a word, here are my favorite reds for staying ready to slay the day away.

Sephora Lip Stain- Always Red

This pure classic red is perfect for any occasion.  The texture is soft upon application and transforms from a liquid to matte finish over time.  This lipstick gives long lasting coverage that turns heads.  Since purchasing Always Red, has quickly become my favorite red lip color of all times.

Revlon Ultra-HD Matte Lipcolor- Romance

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color | Red lipsticks | product review

This lip color is super moisturizing upon application. With this  brand, I don’t get the dry feel that sometimes comes along with wearing matte. And to top it off, the scent is great.

Mac- Rubi Roo

Rubi Roo was my go to shade until my discovery of Sephora Lipstain. Nonetheless, I love the retro red of this shade. It’s perfect for adding wing liner and going about your way.

NYX Cream Matte Lipstick- Morocco

I will never get enough of the creamy feel of NYX Soft Matte Cream but more than that, I love the fiery color of this red. It’s perfect for a bold lip that treads closely to orange. I wear this for nights out on the town or when I am going for a playful look.

Loreal Pro Matte Liquid Lipstick- Matador

Okay, this one is a total blessing! This deep red is perfect those of us not quiet ready to switch over to a dark lip for fall. This hue of red is just what any girl needs for cooler months because it doesn’t make you look like you’re stuck in summer but doesn’t force you to put away all your red lipstick.

In the end, all of the beauties listed  above are total showstoppers perfect for staying ready.

Do you have a fave red? Comment below. I’d love to hear from you.