Hej, predivna! Spremna za malo ljepote i inspiracije?
Hey gorgeous! Ready for a little beauty and inspiration?
Is there any color more immediately impactful than red? It's more than just a shade; it's a statement. And on the cosmetics side, icons from Marilyn Monroe to Tunde Oyeneyin have cemented red lipstick as a confidence-inducing staple in our makeup bags.
But WHY do we put on a pop of red when we need a pick-me-up? Let’s take a look!
First, a mini-history lesson…
● Ancient Roots: Red pigments for cosmetics were often derived from precious or difficult-to-obtain materials, making them a sign of wealth and high social status. In ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt (think Cleopatra, who used crushed beetles and ants!), red lips were worn by both men and women to signify power and beauty.
● A Symbol of Rebellion: In stark contrast to periods where red lipstick was associated with promiscuity or low morals (like parts of ancient Greece or the Victorian era where makeup was often frowned upon for "respectable" women), it later became a potent symbol of defiance.
● Suffragettes: During the early 20th century, particularly in the women's suffrage movement, red lipstick became a symbol of liberation and protest. Women, including future brand founder Elizabeth Arden, reportedly handed out red lipsticks to marchers, cementing its association with female empowerment and a demand for change.
● World War II: Red lipstick experienced a resurgence during the Second World War. As Adolf Hitler famously disliked cosmetics, Allied governments (including the US and UK) encouraged women to wear red lipstick as an act of patriotism and resistance. "Victory Red" was even created by Elizabeth Arden for women in the military. It was a way for women to maintain morale, a sense of normalcy, and a quiet defiance in the face of adversity. It embodied the spirit of brave, hardworking women, most often represented by Rosie the Riveter.
And now a psychological perspective…
● Attention-Grabbing: Red is the color with the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum, making it the first color the human eye registers. It naturally draws the gaze, which can make the wearer feel more seen and impactful.
● Associations with Passion and Strength: Red is universally associated with strong emotions like passion, love, desire, urgency, and energy. In makeup, it transfers these powerful connotations to the wearer, making them appear more vibrant, assertive, and dynamic.
● Confidence Booster: Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that wearing red lipstick can genuinely boost a person's self-confidence (check out my post on how it can be an unexpected productivity hack as well! [INTERLINK ARTICLE]). This "lipstick effect" is a psychological phenomenon where the act of putting on bold makeup can positively impact one's mental state, leading to feelings of empowerment and self-assurance. When you feel powerful, it’s easier to act powerful!
Academics aside, red also goes hand-in-hand with how others perceive you.
● Commanding Presence: A red lip can instantly elevate a look, even with minimal other makeup. It projects an image of being put-together, intentional, and bold, which can translate into “confidence” in many settings.
● Memorability: The striking nature of a red lip makes a long-lasting impact. In a business context, this can contribute to leaving a noteworthy impression during presentations, meetings, or networking events. In essence, red lipstick's "power" status is a culmination of its rich history as a symbol of strength, its subtle psychological impact, and its ability to instantly project confidence and command attention. It's a small but mighty tool that has been embraced by powerful women throughout history and continues to be a go-to for those looking to make a statement.
Do idućeg puta — puse!
Until next time – kisses!