You can tell which lipstick I’ve worn for the day—or even for the week—by simply looking at my dog’s forehead. Yes, you read that right. My small but mighty dachshund has become my unsuspecting beauty accessory, sporting my various shades of lipstick with what I like to think is pure pride. From coral to crimson, he wears my smooches like a little badge of honor, his fur a canvas of affection.

It happens like clockwork. I catch a glimpse of the lipstick mark on his forehead, and suddenly, I’m hit with a wave of delight. The sight of it tickles me so much that I can’t help but plant another kiss right there, sealing the evidence with even more lip color. It’s a cycle—one that neither of us seems eager to break. The more I see my lipstick on his forehead, the more I hug him, kiss him, and whisper sweet nonsense in his little ears.

It’s as if my dog has his own personal color swatch, changing shades based on my daily beauty mood. Some days he’s sporting a bold red like a dashing little prince, and other days, it’s a soft nude or a fun pink. Either way, he wears it well—at least, that’s what I tell myself.

To anyone else, he might look like a lipstick-dusted pup in need of a quick clean-up, but to me, he’s my walking, wagging, fur-coated reminder of the joy that comes from the small, silly moments of love.

Sure, the lipstick marks eventually fade, but the smiles they bring? Those last far longer. And if you ever wonder what shade I’m rocking, just check my dog’s forehead—you’ll know.