This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

It’s National Lipstick Day today (woohoo!) and there are a lot of sales afoot… so I asked the Corporette team to list a few of their favorite lipsticks, lip stains, tinted balms and more. Nordstrom, Ulta, Sephora, and more are all having great deals today on lipsticks! (Even Target has a “buy one get one 25% off” sale!)

• Nordstrom’s deal features Chantecaille, Westman Atelier, Charlotte Tilbury, Lancome, NARS, MAC, Clinique, Valentino, and more.
• Ulta’s deal has a ton of Clinique and Winky Lux
• Sephora has deals on Fresh (reader favorite!), MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, Summer Fridays (love this one in Midnight Berry I think), Westman Atelier, Kosas, Laneige, OleHenriksen, Too Faced, and Anastasia

Kat’s Favorite Tinted Balms, Lip stains, and Lipsticks

I’m very much a collector of lipsticks, tinted balms, lip stains, etc, almost all in a mauvey pink, sometimes leaning more towards a darker raspberry or a pinky taupe. I tend to switch between 20 at any given time. These are some of my favorites at the moment, but I will say at the start that I’ve bought the Clinique Chubby sticks (7/29: down to $13!) repeatedly over the past 10+ years … they discontinued my preferred color, though, and I haven’t yet tried the newer version of the color. I’ve also bought Dior’s Lip Addict (hat tip to the readers, who turned me on to it!) as well as Clinique’s Black Honey (down to $15 at Ulta today 7/29) many times over the years. Oh, and I’m still loyal to my Caudalie lip gloss and Neosporin for when I’m chapped.

(You can read about Kat here, or see all of Kat’s posts here).

Chantecaille Lip Chic Lipstick

I realized after I got this one that I had meant to order their Lip Veil, which looked more like a tinted balm instead of a lipstick — but I’m not mad about my mistake because I love this one. It goes on nourishing and very balmy, to be honest, with a good color payoff but it’s got a bit of sheerness with only one coat. Love. It’s $45 at Nordstrom; if memory serves I bought it on sale so it was closer to $36. (Today 7/29 it’s even lower — down to $33. I just may have to try the color Foxglove, and I think I’ll try Baobob in Lip Veil, down to $41.)

Kulfi Lassi Lips Long-Staining Moisturizing Lip Oil

This Kulfi lip stain is a newer favorite and a bit of a deeper color than I normally go for, but I feel like it wears really evenly. (I also have the similar product from Violette and I kind of prefer this one, I feel like it has better color to start and wears better, but maybe I just chose the wrong color for the Violette one (caramel). The Kulfi lip stain is $24 at Sephora.

Merrit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick

I bought and kept a few very similar lipsticks a year or two ago and honestly I’m still happily switching between them — so it’s a close call between this one, Charlotte Tilsbury’s Hyaluronic HappyKiss lipstick in PillowTalk, and Lancôme Lip Idôle Squalane-12 Butterglow™ Hydrating Lip Balm in Mauve-Tivation… but I think the Merit one takes the prize. It glides on smoothly but definitely feels and wears like a lipstick; compared to the shinier finishes of the other two this one is more subdued. But I feel like it’s the perfect shade of pink, at least for me. (I spent waaaaaay too long debating back then between this color and another pink (Sunday) back then, but I preferred the satin finish much more than the matte. More recently, the brand was kind enough to send me a few products, including their Baby Pink, another satin. Both are great shades, but there’s just something about Millenial Pink that I love more!

(Today 7/29 the Charlotte Tilbury one is 30% off, and the Lancôme is 40% off at Nordstrom — Lancôme is also on sale at Sephora, Amazon, and Lancôme.com!!)

Elizabeth’s Favorite LipstAINS & GLosses

I am not a huge lipstick wearer, mostly because traditional lipsticks remind me of getting dolled up for dance recitals as a little kid and hating the feeling of the 1980s Cover Girl products. Today, I prefer a lip stain with some balm or gloss to add a little moisture.

Here are my favorites…

(You can read all of Elizabeth’s posts here.)

Wonderskin Blading Lip Stain

This lip stain was the rare social media-influenced purchase that I haven’t regretted. I put this blue-hued lip stain on while I’m finishing the rest of my makeup and wipe it off for a stain that lasts pretty well for a few hours. I like the “Romance” color for a shade that’s a slightly better version of my natural lips. 

The stain is $22 at Nordstrom and comes in 16 shades — but it’s on sale today 7/29 at Sephora!

Benefit Benetint

For me, this is the OG of lipstains. I have one in my car, one in my purse, and one in my bathroom at all times. In a pinch, it can also double as blush. I like the original rose color, but I’ve also been wearing the “pink lemonade” shade this summer. If I put it on in the morning and layer lip balm over the top, it usually lasts me until lunchtime before fading. 

The stain is $28 at Nordstrom and comes in eight different shades. 

Summer Fridays Lip Balm

I picked up this lip balm on a whim while I was waiting on line at Sephora recently and I really enjoy using it. I’m usually an Aquaphor or Vaseline girl, so this makes me feel just a little bit fancier. I’ll probably go back to my typical favorites when it runs out (or when I lose it), but I do like the scent and it does a great job hydrating my lips after applying lip stain. 

The balm is $24 at Sephora and comes in 11 different flavors and finishes. 

Ann’s Favorite Lipsticks

National Lipstick Day is a holiday I can get behind! To properly celebrate, I’m going to treat myself to a few new tubes…

(You can read all of Ann’s posts at CorporetteMoms here!)

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

Many long-lasting lipsticks make the trade-off between staying power and dryness — not this bestseller from Maybelline. With thousands of five-star reviews, Maybelline’s Super Stay Matte Ink delivers rich, saturated color for up to sixteen hours without smudging or transferring. The waterproof, thin film formula ensures flexible wear without flakes. At just over $10 at Target, it’s also a bargain — you can try a few of the over two dozen shades available. 

e.l.f. Plumping Gloss

e.l.f.’s Lip Plumping Gloss is my tween’s pick — she likes the sheer color, allowance-friendly price point, and smooth finish. This high shine gloss moisturizes lips with vitamin E and coconut oil. It also has a soothing, cooling sensation that’s refreshing for summer. You can find this lip gloss at Ulta or on Amazon for less than the cost of a DC Metro ride. 

Violette Lip Nectar

I’m a sucker for anything French. Violette’s Lip Nectar is an Allure Best of Beauty award winner. This stain saturates your lips with a rich pigment in a high shine finish. The hydrating formula includes time-tested ingredients like squalane, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Sephora carries six shades (I like Rose de Moab, a warm caramel) and each one is $29. 

(VioletteFR.com has 15% off lipsets today!)

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

(Thanks, readers, for your patience with our tech problems this morning!)

This classic J.Crew cashmere tee has been around for ages, but this polka dot version is a fun new twist. Folks have complained that the quality of the cashmere has been unreliable recently, but this style has great reviews for softness and quality.

With a boxy cut like this one, I would pair it with some slim-fitting trousers to balance out the proportions for the office, but I might lean into the boxiness and add some wide-leg denim for the weekend.

The sweater is $148 at J.Crew, but there are several other colors on sale, starting at $123.99. It comes in sizes XXS-3X. 

Psst – Nordstrom has lipstick as their “daily deal” and there are a ton of great deals — I have two Chantecaille ones in my cart, but also options from Westman Atelier, Charlotte Tilbury, Lancome, NARS, MAC, Clinique, Valentino, and more.

Sales of note for 7/19:

• Nordstrom – The Anniversary Sale has started! Here’s our big roundup of the best workwear, as well as everything we’ve selected thus far. Don’t forget to check to see if their daily beauty deal is a good one for you – e.g., 7/23 Lancome; 7/24 YSL; 7/29 up to 40% off select lip products; 7/31 Bobbi Brown; 8/1 Jo Malone
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
• Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
• J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Lululemon – Summer sale!
• Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added)
• M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Talbots – Red Door Sale! Prices start at $15
• Theory – End of season sale is on!

Packing for our hiking trip to Gstaad was a completely new kind of style challenge for me. I need proper shoes and practical layers for long days on the trail, but I also want to feel pulled together when we stop for lunch or walk through town afterward. I’m building each look around that shift, mixing functional pieces with color, texture, and a few unexpected details. 

Below are four outfit ideas inspired by what I packed, and you can watch the full packing video here to see everything styled together.

Alpine Stripes

The long-walk outfit, the one that starts in cool morning air and ends with sleeves pushed up along the path. The striped polo knit sets the tone, the lightweight jacket handles the early chill, and the yellow sneakers do the real work while keeping things bright. The stripe on the socks is a small, intentional finishing touch.

Trail To Town

Easy lunch-after-the-walk energy. White cropped pants and a bright tee keep it fresh, while the denim shirt offers enough weight for shade or a cooler start. The bucket hat and scarf add functional personality, keeping the sun off my face and neck. I’d change into the red slides once the hiking is done.

Color Climb

Orange shorts, a violet tank, and a patchwork fleece bring an alpine-sport spirit, while the sneakers, cap, and socks ensure I’m ready for a real climb. Who says hiking gear has to be neutral? Even a mountain is a place to play with color.

Forecast Proof

A look for the forecast that refuses to commit. A red jacket over stripes gives the outfit snap, and the backpack holds whatever needs to stay close if the temperature drops or the sun comes back. The yellow sneakers keep the color moving, and SPF is the accessory I’d never skip for a full day outside in the mountains.

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you were to get this necklace in actual diamonds, it would probably cost six figures… but this inexpensive faux version from Electric Picks is a lot of fun for vacation or a night out.

I still remember, on one of my first visits to NYC as a teenager, a friend and I stopped at Tiffany’s, just for kicks — and our eyes popped at a necklace verrrrry similar to this one. The price tag was more than all four years of our college education (which back then was a low low price of $28k per year). Many years later at brunch, I met a friend’s mom, who was… wearing a similar necklace. I complemented her on it, and she told me she’d gotten it for herself as a reward for surviving an expensive and grueling mountain climbing vacation.

This is all a long way of saying… real necklaces like this do exist, and people do wear them outside of gala situations. But I think the fake version is a lot more fun if you don’t want to be constantly worried about losing it somewhere!

This version of the necklace is $118 and a best-seller at Electric Picks, a new-to-me brand for affordable jewelry. If you want something more understated, I also really like this “Double Take” necklace.

(The brand Nadri is another great one for faux jewelry! If you’d like to consider the real thing, the Victoria line at Tiffany’s looks very similar.)

Sales of note for 7/19:

• Nordstrom – The Anniversary Sale has started! Here’s our big roundup of the best workwear, as well as everything we’ve selected thus far. Don’t forget to check to see if their daily beauty deal is a good one for you – e.g., 7/23 Lancome; 7/24 YSL; 7/29 up to 40% off select lip products; 7/31 Bobbi Brown; 8/1 Jo Malone
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
• Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
• J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Lululemon – Summer sale!
• Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added)
• M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Talbots – Red Door Sale! Prices start at $15
• Theory – End of season sale is on!

Outfit Details: Liberowe Top (last seen here), Julia Amory Pareo (more colors, similar here), Miu Miu Flats (similar here and here), Valentino Bag, Bottega Veneta Sunglasses

If there’s one thing that’s always on rotation for me summer after summer, it’s a printed skirt. Whether it’s an intricate border, printed panels, a knot at the waist, or an unexpected color, these are the pieces my whole summer look tends to get grounded in. 

And there are so many variations. A wrap feels ready for the water without staying there. A printed column shape takes a white tee to dinner. A fuller cotton A-line has that market-to-lunch ease that feels so quintessentially summer.

The print doesn’t need to be the loudest part of the outfit, especially when it has the right placement. It can trace a hem, frame the hips, fall in tiers, or swing with each step. The right print does the work without asking for much above it, so a tank suddenly has a reason or a bikini top becomes part of the look.

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Stock photo via Deposit Photos / ra2studio.

President Obama was famous for preferring navy or gray suits in order to reduce decision fatigue, and we talked about it a lot back then — but I don’t think we’ve discussed it in more recent years! Readers, I’d love to hear all those little choices you’ve made with the goal (or result) of reducing decision fatigue.

We got into this a bit with our discussion of executive functioning skills, as well as my suggestions over the years to have a “default outfit” for work for days when you’re exhausted or overwhelmed in other areas, and recently discussed micro-habits for workdays like leaving a quick note on your desk at the end of the day with your top 3 priorities for tomorrow so that Morning You doesn’t have to think about it.

Super small choices I’ve made that reduce decision fatigue for me include things like these:

Morning Routines

• I put on workout clothes first thing in the morning when it’s time to take my kid to school – I don’t have to fuss over what to wear and I’m already in clothes for when it’s time to work out.
• I sometimes vary my makeup (particularly eye shadow and lips) but otherwise I tend to use the exact same things every day. I do this with skincare also — I feel like part of my problem whenever I try to add a new serum or something to the routine is that it forces me to reexamine the rest of the routine. I hadn’t thought about that as forcing me to make a decision but it’s so much easier to stick with my peptides + Vitamin C + moisturizer + sunscreen routine in the morning.

Money

• I pay all of the bills on one day of the month, and have ones that are the exact same amount every month set to autopay
• I think readers here (Senior Attorney?) have advised to “trust the Costco buyers” and I’ve used that a lot for bigger purchases where I might have otherwise gotten research paralysis (television, laptop, a new mattress)
• I’ve written a lot about my automated savings and automated investing — it took a bit of time to set up in the beginning but now it’s something I don’t even have to think about, and can adjust up or down easily as needed.

Other

• I try to schedule follow-up appointments when leaving the appointment (it also helps my general dislike of the telephone!)
• I tend to eat a pretty repetitive diet for breakfast and lunch
• I check the Corporette analytics once a month, and not any time else
• (I guess one of the things I like about romance novels is that they’re usually written in a series, so there’s an easy decision for what to read next!)

Some of this comes down to habits, too — I try to go to the gym immediately after school drop-off so that it has to be a choice to not go, but I suppose in addition to tricking my brain and removing willpower I’m also taking away the need to make a decision. When am I going to the gym? After school drop-off.

Habit stacking is another tool I use a lot, and I suppose it also comes down to eliminating decision fatigue. For example, I try to do small exercises like squats while brushing my teeth or applying skincare things.

(Another example here, albeit one that I don’t do — repeating vacations is a great way to reduce decision fatigue. One of my girlfriends does this — she and her family had a great time at a specific resort a while back and now every year she books that same resort early. She saves money and doesn’t have to think too hard about where/what/when to go.

Looking at my lists, some of these eliminate choices (default outfit, default breakfast) — whereas others eliminate reconsidering choices (like what goes where in my skincare routine).

Readers, what decisions have you made once so you don’t have to keep making them? What defaults, routines, subscriptions, or habits have meaningfully reduced the number of little decisions you make every day?

Further reading:’

• Here’s What Decision Fatigue Does to Your Brain—and How to Protect Your Energy [Real Simple]
• Decision Fatigue and What to Do About It [Psychology Today]
• Simple Rules for Escaping Infinite Decisions [WSJ] (gift link)
• 8 Signs of Decision Fatigue and How To Cope [Cleveland Clinic]