Why Liptember Matters to Me

When I think back, Liptember was always quietly in my world. I remember walking into Chemist Warehouse and spotting those little $5 Liptember lipsticks sitting at the counter. I’d often grab one on my way out, not really thinking much of it at the time — just a fun colour, a small purchase. But I think deep down, the cause resonated with me long before I even realised it. Fast forward a few years, and Liptember became so much more than just a lipstick at the checkout.

The Pivot Point

I had already been making buttons for several years. Without even knowing it, they were helping my overthinking mind. They were a little task, something fun, something easy, something to keep my hands busy. They gave me a connection with the outside world that wasn’t all about numbers and taxes. And although my daughter wore the creations, it was also time away from the busyness of family life. Some me-time with other adults when I attended local markets.

I joined SeneGence in late 2019, just before the world turned upside down. By March 2020 we were all in lockdown, kids were homeschooling, and life felt overwhelming. Then came our virtual PIT event in July 2020. We had to “Pivot.” We had to show up differently. We had to try something new.

So I started going live on Facebook (so scary) almost every single day. Most of the time, no one was even watching. But it gave me purpose: a way to show up, do something fun, and connect with women who were also stuck at home, craving a little lightness in the middle of the chaos. Makeup and skincare became my daily vehicle for joy.

And then came September. Liptember. Thirty days of lipstick, thirty days of conversation. It was the perfect challenge: a way to try colours I wouldn’t normally wear, create daily content, and most importantly, support women’s mental health when we all needed it the most.

Why I Keep Coming Back

Now, years later, Liptember is woven into the fabric of my business and my heart. It’s not just about the lipstick. It’s about the women behind the cause. The stories women are willing to share in order to help others. Their personal battles that bring tears to your eyes. The mums balancing everything, the women quietly carrying heavy mental loads, the friends who check in on each other when times get tough.

For me, Liptember is a reminder that showing up matters. That a swipe of lipstick can be more than just makeup. It can be a conversation starter, a confidence boost, even a small act of defiance against the hard days.

This Year

This September, I’ll once again be wearing 30 different lip colours in 30 days. I’ll do so for the women that can’t. For those participating in the cause, BUT they hit that hard day when they just can’t. I’ll show up for them and keep the conversation going. I’ll be sharing them on my socials, raising funds, and (hopefully!) raising spirits too.

If you’d like to follow along:

• Keep an eye on my Brooke’s Beaute Box Facebook page where I’ll post each day’s colour.

• Help me choose each days colour by voting on the daily “This or That” post on Facebook. I love seeing what shades you’re drawn to.

• And if you’d like to support the cause directly, you can donate here or check out my limited edition Liptember Boxes coming soon. They are a mix of lip colours and handmade buttons, created especially for this campaign.

Liptember has become my way of blending colour, confidence, and conversations that matter. I hope you’ll join me again this year.