Red lipstick history as a symbol of power for women

Red lipstick is a major cosmetic element for many women and girls.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the red lipstick was synonymous with force and power, especially during the movement, the historic campaign for women's right to vote, as well as to run for election positions. They believed a peaceful protest and had enough connections to make up. While these women fought for their rights, red lipstick became part of their uniform. Brave red and shameless, it became symbolic of strength.

In order to gain more fame and attention for their affairs, some ladies placed lipstick on their public events. This was seen as the sign of the independent, emanimated woman, who was then thought to be quite scandalous. This action would result in censorship imposed by men and considerations for moral lack, for women who put red lipstick. ”Explains Gabriela Hernandez, a history of cosmetics and founder of Bésame Cosmetics.

The red lipstick prejudice has a continuation today, especially for colored women, who were often left out of the movement of Suffragette. Fashion historian Shelby Ivey Christie reflects on her dealings with the red lipstick as a woman in color: For me, red lipstick is about shifting the narrator about what red lipstick traditionally told black women. There's a long history of hyper-sexultation, which is reinforced by the cartoons of coloured women with exaggerated red lips. ”

Today, wearing the color of red lips produces the same feeling for all women using it regardless of history.

But of all colors, why is the color red that has such an historic connection to beauty? Gabriela adds: Red “is the color of life, natural blood that makes one look healthy and desirable. It existed centuries ago and still exists. The lipstick became a figurative form of protest itself. ”

After World War I, the number of qualified men decreased, and women were forced into the workforce. They made their own money and could afford cosmetics.“-show Gabriela. So beyond the expression of power through appearance, there was a symbol that women could buy something to grow beauty with money earned by themselves.

We continue to see red lip color in women who are in positions of power. Gabriela cites two women who are one example of this: “ - Margaret Thattcher, who served as prime minister of the United Kingdom and always held red lips, as well as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.