Are we Hyperfixating Enough?

Like obsessing over something ever hurt somebody.

Well, you clicked. What’s this place all about, anyway? Consider Always A Lip a quick note on my current hyperfixations, stream of consciousness and general outlooks on beauty, fashion and wellness. I’m inspired by a variety of topics every day and all at once, on a mission to discover if I have ADHD, and trying to improve every day - even when it feels like I’m failing or flailing.

Always A Lip means two things - and if you know me, you know I love a double entendre. While I’m no Kendrick Lamar when it comes to writing, Always a Lip refers to my two decades of beauty writing (at ELLE Canada, Canadian Living, FASHION, Today’s Parent, et more) and obvious love of lipstick. In another way, Always a Lip speaks to having and honing your own voice. Whether it’s the distinctive way you talk, how you share your swirling feelings with a friend, or stand up for what’s right — you have a voice; use it. With the world feeling upside down, it’s more important than ever to speak and speak up. And if you stand for nothing? You’ll fall for it all. This newsletter will be my own way of getting a few thoughts out of my own head and into the world, whether they’re efficiency tools, mood boosters or hyperfixations. Let’s go. Lately I’m…

Lifting Up

Ass-lifting jeans are the stuff of ‘90s supermodel dreams, and I’m finally in a place with my wardrobe where I want fewer, but better pieces. More cheek raising, non-stretch denim plays a key part. It helps me sit up straighter, stand taller, and hold in my core. I also want to become a denim girlie who effortlessly pairs white t-shirts and crisp button downs with perfect ballets and Mary Janes. Like Batman, except I’m a 40-yr-old Mum living in the suburbs and working downtown at a très chic fashion marketing job. In a search to find a mid-to-low rise, classically blue straight leg, I posted this Reel to my community, and got some incredible leads. A few days later, my friend Laura - who already owns an impressive denim collection but appreciates good denim - rode sidecar on this mission, and the first stop was Reformation’s Yorkville store. While we went High-Needs-Elder-Millenial on Nicole, our store associate, who most certainly locked 10,000 steps during the appointment, I was reminded of a lesson: trust in the youth. Of the several pairs I tried, Nicole pulled The Pair- the exquisite Charlee Low-Rise Straight in Clearly. The Cary and Val came second and third; I’ll own them all eventually. Charlie delivered on butt lift, straight leg and didn’t even need to be hemmed—showing off and saving me money right there. Deep but not dark, the Clearly wash is iconically cool in that they read almost like vintage Levi’s, but they are so fresh without the contrast stitching. But if that’s not your speed, the brand assures me more washes are coming. The Cloquet and Colorado washes (avail in the other styles I tried) are also so, so good. Click to see the try-on Reel.

Getting Flushed

Glow Recipe’s Dew Drops hooked me upon first pat down - luminous, dewy skin sans sparkle, with a satisfying pump and zero pilling. I have finally rehabbed my Millennial brain that previously believed shine was deeply tragic, and this base serum helps prep my skin for a day ahead of super hydrated skin. The brand has recently launched a serum blush, which is the easiest-to-blend blush I have ever tried. Use your finger, your fave dense-bristled brush — or hey, have your toddler pat it on your cheeks. There’s enough dry time that you can course correct their “help” and blend to your liking once they’ve left the room. I can’t wait to see how it wears with a tinted moisturizer and higher humidity come summer.

Feeling L’Orange

In the depths of January’s 87 days of darkness, I was offered an opportunity to try Orange Theory Fitness for three months. The closest location to me is within literal walking distance, so there wasn’t an excuse even I as a justification queen could muster up. I’m nearly 4 months at publication date, completely addicted (did I mention I hyperfixate?) and impressed with this portal into my local community. I’ve met some new friends and reconnected with some old ones. The suburbs can be a very lonely place, and running into the same, super happy people several times a week has been a shot in the arm. The highlight? Under those orange lights, my identity, overwhelm, to-do list and and and… go mute. I’m here for me, I’m competing against myself and turning down the dial of personal mental noise. The workouts change every single day, so I’m always kept on my toes, and I leave with more dopamine and serotonin overload than I know what to do with.

Pumping Up My Coffee

It’s the year of Getting Enough Protein (did protein pick up kale’s PR firm?) and I am here for getting 20-30 grams in my first meal. I’ve long been a fan of protein iced coffees (usually adding a Fairlife Chocolate —a hyper fixation in the summer of 2023 and 2024—over espresso and ice), but it had yet to didn’t occur to me to add to my hot coffee. After hearing that fasted exercise (read: not eating before working out) isn’t great for women, Dr. Stacy Sims share an easy shortcut that never leaves me feeling nauseous: Whisk protein powder into the creamer or milk, then pour the hot coffee over it, and stir to combine— otherwise it's a chunky, sloshy mess. Share your fave protein powders with me, I’m currently trialling a few.

Hyperfixations
I’m still bopping to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime show when I need a second boost after my protein coffee, and dreaming about the 4-12 TruFru double-choc-dunked raspberries I’ll be eating after my kids are in bed.

Up Next Time…

Mood-boosting creatine, the best grown-up vanilla fragrances, and keeping a lid on things.