Being so popular back in the “Golden” days of Hollywood, the classic red lip has made its way back into the 21st century. It’s simple, elegant, and looks great on all skin tones that makes it a great go to makeup look. Even great for those last minute looks. With the rise of this Marilyn Monroe/ Lucille Ball look, as I call it, I couldn’t help but look into the history and evolution of lipstick starting many years ago. I know I’m crazy hahahahahaha.
Starting about 5,000 years ago, ancient Filipino men and women are credited as possibly the first to invent and wear lipstick. They would crush gemstones and use it around their lips to decorate their face. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that the publicized use of lipstick became popular. Before then, lipstick was only ever used by prostitutes or dance hall girls. When Hollywood starlets Clara Bow and Louise Brooks started wearing lipstick on the movie screen the “bad girl” image of lipstick was lifted. Black lipstick was worn by actresses in horror films to add a gothic, scary feel to their characters. Now it’s one of the most popular cosmetics on the market today.
Lipstick
My mom told me a story about when she was younger she used to wear pink or peach colored lipstick. See teenage girls considered wearing lipstick as a sign of womanhood. Not wanting to be considered “loose” they would stear clear of the red lipstick. Elizabeth Arden was one of the first cosmetic companies to make and sell a variety of lipstick colors & she encouraged other companies to do the same. . And in 1915 lipstick started being sold in metal cylinder tubes, just like they are sold today.
I just find the evolution of beauty products fascinating. Sometimes just knowing the history behind something can make you appreciate it even more. Just think, if it wasn’t for celebrities showcasing lipstick on the big screen, we would not be able to enjoy it today. So have fun with your lipstick. Go bold, or neutral the possibilities are endless.
I will be doing some “lip” tutorials with some of my go to lip colors. Stay tuned 🙂