Red lipstick's history is a long and complicated tale of equating power, challenging supremacy, and facing death as a result. It has been a symbol for aristocracy and a sign of immorality by church members. However, it is difficult to believe that this scarlet phenomenon has survived a series of dark controversy and widespread hatred. It's like a difficult childhood that saw many trials and tribulations, but that led to an extraordinary adolescence. Here's the story of the iconic poster child of controversial social stigmas of 1600s society, from crushed rubies to beetle paste to infamous "Kiss of death". This is a success story that's worth sharing. A history that is nearly 5000 years old. What is the truth behind this immeasurable power? Red lipstick.
# THE BIRTH
It was surreal to discover that the universally beloved crimson, which is now a staple in every woman's bag, had a mysterious birth. The Sumerians invented red lipstick in southern Mesopotamia, a historical region. It all began with crushed gemstones and white led (yes, that dangerous metal). Cleopatra, the queen of ancient Egypt and well-known for her beauty and intelligence, also played an important role in the rise of red lipstick. Cleopatra allegedly asked her small entourage to hunt red ochre and flushed beetles to make her signature rouge. It is fascinating to learn that this organic, but brief-lived, formula may have been the beginning of the idea that'red pigment equals strength'.
EERIE BACKSTORY
The Church was firm in declaring that painting your face was a challenge for God and his work during the middle ages. The Church suggested that there was a connection to the devil, which eventually led to a ban on lipstick use. While the relationship between lipstick and church remained volatile, Elizabeth turned a cold shoulder towards this chaotic dispute. To make her thirst for beauty worse, she continued to cling to her lips with this deadly preparation every day. The world calls her the "Kiss of death" because of her obsession with red lips. It is unsettling to see that the original red lipstick formula was quite dangerous.
IN THE 18TH CENTURY
The 18th century was just around the corner and the idea of a ruby pout was being considered. Young girls and women would hide their lipsticks in private, fearing social judgement and being labeled as women of poor reputation. This was considered theatrical and reserved for courtesans or the stage, unless otherwise considered unusual and unnatural. Red lipstick formulas had moved away from pots and paints to red lipstick tubes and tinted sheets. This new kid on the block was not yet accepted by the rest of the world.
SECRET FORCE BEHIND FEMINISM
The suffragettes were the ones who brought red lipstick to the forefront of their first and most well-known public demonstration in New York City during the early 19th Century. Elizabeth Arden would make a visit to the streets and give out red lipsticks for marching suffragettes defending women's rights to vote. There was finally hope after centuries of patriarchy, and women savoring the color rogue in secret. Arden's brave and intelligent strategy brought attention to the revolutionary symbol of feminism, the red lipstick. This movement helped to pave the way for Hollywood icons Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna, and Taylor Swift to continue to fly the flag high. This cosmetic invention survived, and it still holds the title of highest-selling makeup product today.
NOTE TO RED: The end of this piece felt like the end of a long journey that was worth it. It was a relief from a monotonous life with deadlines, expectations and many bills to pay. This is the story of Red, a survivor who fought the hardest battles and emerged stronger than ever. She persevered because she knew that she had a part to play until the end. This being said, I would like to send a message to Red. Red, if your listening, I want to thank you for making our lives easier. You play an important role in our nerve-wracking dinner dates, girls nights out and times when getting out of bed is too difficult. Want the best liquid lipstick price visit LakmeIndia.
