Kat Von D is no stranger to infamy. This time, the spotlight shines on Underage Red, a shade from her line of Studded Kiss Lipsticks.

I’m perplexed. I saw the shade, I read the name, and that was that. Nothing to provoke me into thinking beyond that it was a nice colour. This sort of topic is something I typically avoid talking about on the blog because of how controversial it can be. However, I think the entire debacle is such poppycock that I had to share my opinion.

What sort of mind instantly thinks of underage sex and statutory rape when it sees the word “underage”, and on a lipstick?

When I think “underage”, I imagine my frustration at being denied so many things when I was younger, simply because I wasn’t 18 yet. I recall being defiant and rebellious and adventurous, with a devil-may-care attitude. I remember having the time of my life. Never once have I associated the word “underage” with pedophiles or any Lolita syndrome. So again, I ask you, what sort of twisted mind conjures up thoughts of sex with minors, exploitation and other inappropriate things??? To me, that’s where the real problem lies.

As some of you already know, my youngest is a girl and she turns 16 in May. You ask if I’m at all concerned that she may be sexualised, objectified, taken advantage of? Of course, I am, but I don’t see how that relates to names of cosmetics. If something as trivial as the name of a lipstick could sway convictions, then we are a very weak society indeed. How we raise her at home, the values we instil, the knowledge we share, the questions we answer, the debates we have, that’s what will keep her strong.

I realise this post could potentially unleash a flurry of opinions but hey, bring it. We’re all entitled.

Parting words, if you don’t like it, don’t buy it. It’s just a lipstick.

Love, Sheela

p/s Incidentally, I did purchase it.