Red lipstick is a key cosmetic item for many women and girls.
In the early 20th century, red lipstick was synonymous with strength and power, especially during the Suffragette movement, a historic campaign for women's suffrage as well as running for office. They believed in a peaceful protest and had a lot to do with make-up. As these women fought for their rights, red lipstick became part of their uniform. Bold and 'shameless' red became a symbol of strength.
"In order to gain more fame and attention for their issues, some ladies put lipstick on their public events. This was seen as the sign of the independent, emancipated woman, who at the time was thought to be quite scandalous. This action would undermine the censorship imposed by men and the considerations for immorality, for women who wore red lipsticks. " -explains Gabriela Hernandez, cosmetics historian and founder of Bésame Cosmetics.
The prejudice against red lipstick continues today - especially for women of color, who were often left out of the 'Suffragette' movement. Fashion historian Shelby Ivey Christie reflects on her relationship with red lipstick as a woman of color: “For me, red lipstick is about shifting the narrative around what red lipstick traditionally told about women of color. "There is a long history of hyper-sexualization, reinforced by cartoons of women of color with exaggerated red lips."
Today, wearing red lip color evokes the same feeling for all women who use it regardless of history.
But of all the colors, why is red the color that has such a historical connection to beauty? Gabriela adds: "Red is the color of life, the natural blood that makes someone look healthy and desirable. This connotation existed centuries ago and still exists today. Lipstick became a figurative form of protest in itself. "
"After World War I, the number of skilled men decreased, and women were forced into the labor force. "They made their own money and could afford cosmetics, " says Gabriela. "Beyond the expression of power through appearance, it was a symbol that women had the opportunity to buy something to enhance their beauty with the money they earned."
We continue to see red lip color in women who are in powerful positions. Gabriela mentions two women who are an example of this: "Iron Lady" -Margaret Thatcher, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and always wore red lips, as well as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
