Did you grow up with the Frog Prince or the Frog Princess? Not only I (and my whole generation, I think) grew up with the female version of this character but I don’t think I heard about the existence of the other one until I was in my late twenties. It’s especially surprising because we had other Brothers Grimm’s tales translated and published. It might be that the local version – The Princess Frog (or Tsarevna Frog) was one of the popular and loved folk tales: there were books, movies, animated films and predecessors of the modern audio-books – vinyl records. There even was a painting by the famous Russian neo-romanticism artist Viktor Vasnetsov.
Just in case anybody is curious, you can read The Frog Princess in English. For the rest I want to mention that, interestingly, there were no kisses involved as well even though, as you can see, the heroine of this tale is older than characters of Grimm’s version. But our folklore also had that kissing frog theme played out in many ways.
***
Lipstick Queen is one of my favorite brands: I love their quirky names and colors (I previously posted about Hello Sailor and Black Lace Rabbit), and I’m constantly on the look-out for their new products. So when last year I saw their Frog Prince lipstick (since then they’ve launched two more product in that line), I had to have it!
While I liked the idea of a green lipstick, and from my experience with the lipsticks mentioned above I knew that on lips they do not stay blue or black, I wasn’t sure what color I’ll get from that green beauty, so when I saw the holiday set of mini-lipsticks, one of which was Frog Prince, I leaped.
The first thought that went through my mind when I looked at the swatch was that mini-size was a good decision: with my pale complexion green lips would look rather unhealthy. But since it was in my hands I had to try it. The transformation was amazing! On my lips it became pink – sheer but with enough pigment. That frog clearly needed a kiss to reveal its true self. I can see more princes in my future.
And since I can’t show you the results of that transformation, at least I’ll leave you with the picture of Rusty trying to paw that frog.
Images: my own
Undina's Looking Glass 
Well, well, it just goes to show you can never judge a book by its cover – or a lipstick by its bullet. I don’t think I would have been brave enough to have got as far as buying a green lippy, though I was given a tiny pottery Frog Prince for Christmas as it happens. Or maybe it was a Frog King?
LikeLike
Just to be on the safe side, you should probably refrain from kissing that figurine (or putting it on your pillow) :)
LikeLike
I didn’t know about the Frog Princess, but I am glad to see equality in fairy stories.
The lipstick has been tempting me for a while, so I think I will have to buy it. Interestingly I used to have something similar in the late 70s (I think), so it proves that there is nothing new …..
If you kissed Rusty’s fur, what colour would it become I wonder?
Jillie
LikeLike
I wanted to say first that Rusty always stays the same color but then I realized that he actually gets more or less orange-y from time to time but I don’t know to what to attribute these transformations.
All sheer lipsticks from this brand that I’ve tried so far were of the type that I can’t imagine would look bad on anybody: they might not be “dramatic” enough for some wearers but, in general, they just give an additional hue to your natural lip color.
LikeLike
I can’t say that I know anything about lipstick…nor do I really care to. But you save my interest of the post by ending it with supermodel Rusty. What a great way to kick off the weekend :)
LikeLike
Thank you, Steve. Rusty appreciated the treat he got in your name :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of niche perfumeries in Poland carries Lipstick Queen. I haven’t seen them in flesh but they do look cute. I’d love a shirt in deep green color of Frog Prince lipstick. Funny how they change colors
LikeLike
Lipstick Queen is Etat Libre d’Orange of make-up world (but with less insulting names) :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here in Canada I was aware only of the prince and the kiss was necessary to represent both risk and trust.
I agree with Jillie about nothing new. There was and still is an inexpensive product like this on the market. Acts just like a mood ring, also a feature of the early 70s.
LikeLike
I remember color changing lipsticks in my early 20s, and I came across something like that recently as well. The difference is that I like “the whole package.” The first time I looked at that brand was because I liked the name “Hello Sailor” and was intrigued by the blue color. But then I also liked both how the lipstick looked and how it felt on my lips.
LikeLike
That is a gorgeous picture of Rusty, Undina. I enjoyed reading the Frog Princess story (had never heard of it before) and seeing that scary-looking green lipstick that turns such a delicate shade of pink.
I think you might be on your way to having a very unique lipstick collection.
Have you ever tried the somewhat famous Tangee lipstick? It is a clear lipstick that supposedly transforms to become the perfect shade to complement the wearer’s complexion. I have a feeling it’s probably the same shade on everyone, but still it would be fun to try it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He really enjoyed those small tubes.
I’m already eyeing two more of their strange shades. But Hello Sailor is my clear favorite: I’m on my third lipstick.
I think I read about Tangee lipstick before but I’ve never seen it and, I think, for now Lipstick Queen covers all of my “your lips but better” needs.
LikeLike
I am old and lazy so I don’t really have much lipstick or make up for that matter :)
But this one intrigued me….like another commenter mentioned above I do remember “mood” lipsticks in the late 1970s…the color was supposed to reveal what kind of “mood” you were in….interesting concept…
and happy whatever you celebrate (Easter, Passover, Spring, etc), Undina!!!!
LikeLike
Thank you, Lavender. Happy holidays to you too.
Nobody can be too old for a nice lipstick: my Grandma stopped using lipsticks in her 90s – only because she couldn’t see any longer (I still kept buying her colorless moisturizing ones).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it is more a case of I am lazy-LOL!
Chapstick is much easier to apply without a mirror :)
LikeLike
Popping in to say Happy Easter, Undina!
xxoo
chocolatemarzipan8
LikeLike
Thank you! Same to you. :)
LikeLike
What a cute and clever concept! I’m all for quirkiness in make-up and skincare.
I love all things fairy-tale and read the Grimm stories a year ago or so. I enjoy how, like in mythology, there are so many versions of the tales in folklore.
Happy Easter to you, your v.SO and dear Rusty! I wonder how long it took to get that perfect shot :)
LikeLike
While I was thinking about this post I went through several versions of each story.
When Rusty gets interested in something, I get about a minute to take all the pictures I need. If I happen to catch a good shot – I’m in luck :)
LikeLike
Ok, you made me do 2 things with this post: 1) check out Ulta (didn’t buy but I am eyeing that Frog Prince blush) and 2) pull out my MAC x The Simpson’s tie in Nacho Cheese Explosion Lip Gloss – it stays yellow goldish…all I can say is it’s a LOOK but not a look I would wear to the office. Nice post and that Rusty is adorable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had to look up what that Simpsons lip gloss was – probably not something I’d wear but yes, it’s a similar idea.
Rusty was properly rewarded for the participation :)
LikeLike
I have been wanting to try this little green item, but I was always wary of ending up with green lips, too. Sounds like a lot of fun. I’ll try a mini sometime soon.
LikeLike
Definitely not green, don’t be afraid to try :)
LikeLike
Love the lily pad dish. great touch!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thank you! Sometimes you take care of those small details, like the idea – but never sure if anybody but you actually noticed. I’m pleased you did.
LikeLike
Pingback: They Had me at “Hello” – and now “Goodbye” – Undina's Looking Glass