History of red lipstick and how to wear it correctly

Red is a color that transmits many emotions. It is associated with and strives to represent strength, passion, love, fire, violence, and related events. So, it is undoubtedly a color full of intensity.

 

In addition to being a very striking color, you will immediately attract attention when you use it in an accessory, clothing, or just on your lips.

 

Wearing our red lips represents femininity and sensuality, so red lipstick and its power should never be underestimated. Therefore, let´s know the history of red lipstick and how to wear it properly.

 

History of red lipstick

 

Its first evidence is recorded in the year 5000 BC, in Mesopotamia, where women used a preparation made from precious stones that gave their lips a red hue.

 

Likewise, they prepared dyes obtained from powdered red rocks and white lead or fucus-algin, iodine, and manita bromine. However, this mixture was highly toxic and capable of causing illness and even death when used frequently. So the expression “the kiss of death” was born.

 

In Egypt, Cleopatra asked beetles and ants to be crushed so that the blood of these would obtain the desired red color and apply it to her lips.

 

In Japan, the geishas were in charge of preparing their own lipstick from the Carthamus tinctorius flower. From which they obtained an ink with the carmine emitted by the plant above.

 

A curious fact, but not very pleasant, was that ground fish scales were used to give shine. A practice that, thank goodness, is no longer used today.

 

Beginning of its commercialization and evolution

 

The Islamics were the first to market the product. But without success, given the country’s religious restrictions considering it associated with witchcraft.

 

Regarding its evolution, it is not surprising that, like many things, especially in the field of fashion, they have evolved and changed. So, throughout history, we have seen how lipstick was popularized in different regions of the world.

 

In England, Queen Elizabeth I popularized its use and powdered face. In France, it was a symbol of social status since its use was reserved for people belonging to high society. And it was limited to those who were peasants, poor, or prostitutes.

 

Red lipstick as a symbol of empowerment

 

Continuing with a bit of history, it is not surprising that the dictator Adolf Hitler refused to allow red lipstick to be used in the population. In response, the most iconic actresses in Hollywood took this as a staple of their beauty routine and as a symbol of protest.

 

During this period, the use of red lipstick became famous not only among actresses and celebrities. But also among ordinary women, housewives, and workers who had to be in charge of their homes while their husbands were at war. It was common to see them in their jobs with red lipstick, thus becoming a symbol of female empowerment.

 

The 20th century brought with it a revolution for red lipstick, which was already considered a basic necessity item during World War II, by Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister, having benefit over other cosmetics, obtaining permission to continue in circulation under the slogan “Beauty is your duty.”

 

How to choose the right red lipstick according to your skin type

 

It is essential to know that there is not only one type of red color in lipsticks. There is a diversity of shades of red which we have to use depending on our skin color. To know which is ideal for you, the first thing is to know your skin’s undertone. And thus, select the correct and perfect lipstick that accompanies your look.

 

White skin and cool undertone

 

To find out if your skin corresponds to the cold undertone, look at the color of your veins in the wrist area.

 

If their color is bluish, your skin is cold. If, on the contrary, they are green, then it corresponds to a warm tone.

 

Therefore, the right red for cold skin is one whose tone includes bluish nuances.

 

Medium Skin Tone

 

Here it is recommended to use red tones that are inclined to pink, which enhance the naturalness of the face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olive Skin

 

This skin tone tends to be yellow or, as its name indicates, olive, the perfect tone for those with orange pigments since they will be in charge of illuminating the face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golden Skin

 

This skin tone is the most privileged since it allows the use of pure red, which will help enhance the luminosity of the face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dark Skin

 

Now, in the case of dark skin, the most favorable reds are the darkest, such as burgundy or aubergine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to use red lipstick successfully

 

With these steps, you will achieve a flawless look:

 

• First of all, it is recommended to exfoliate the lips to remove dead skin.
• Next, it is necessary to apply a moisturizer once the lips have been exfoliated and thus soften them.
• Use a crayon or eyeliner pencil of the same color as the lipstick, and thus mark the contour and thus achieve a more precise finish.
• Fill in the rest with the same pencil or lipstick in the same shade.
• If you want to get volume, you can apply gloss over the lipstick.
• Otherwise, if you want a matte finish, you can use translucent powder on the base.
• Avoid dark shades if you have thin lips, as they will look thinner.
• Whenever you use red lipstick, try to make up your eyes in neutral or light tones to avoid overload. But wear dark eyeshadows if you want a more dramatic and sensual look.
• As you can see, wearing a red lipstick is an art and, without a doubt, an element that will empower you whenever you decide to use it. Just choose the one that best suits you, your skin, and your style.