Discover how the red dab on your lips evolved into the beautiful thing it is today.
Lipstick has a long history dating back to ancient times. Lipstick isn’t new.
However, some formulations may be. These lipsticks have advanced so that we can personalize our looks according to our skin tones and colors. Many brands have undergone processing stages to achieve perfect shades and pigmentation. Modern lipsticks contain many fruits, flavors, essential oils, and other ingredients to nourish and hydrate your lips. There are many shades of lipstick on the market. These range from a dominant red lipstick to a neutral shade lipstick. You can also choose from a matte or shimmery finish that will make them glowy and blend well with your skin. Please continue reading to learn more about their evolution.
These are some quotes that highlight their power:
Coco Chanel: “If you feel sad, put more lipstick on and attack.”
Elizabeth Taylor: “Take a sip, apply lipstick, and get yourself together.”
To me, beauty is being comfortable in your skin. This, or a red lipstick that is bold and vibrant.” – Gwyneth Paltrow.
Let’s now discuss the History of Lipstick.
Makeup was an ancient status symbol. Both men and women used to apply makeup. Makeup was not only beautiful but also had medicinal properties. Sumerian civilization is credited with being the first to use lipsticks. The natural ingredients that gave rise to the stain were fruits, henna, and clay rust. The Mesopotamian women were a bit more extravagant and used precious jewels ground to enhance their lips.
The first true lipstick lovers were Egyptians. They were known for their striking shades of purple and black. Carmine dye can still be found in lipsticks and other products. But, Egyptians used dangerous substances such as lead and a mixture of bromine man-nite iodine that could cause serious illnesses or even death.
Only in the Greek Empire was lipstick use associated with prostitution. Prostitutes were required to wear darker lips by law.
Abulcasis, an Arab scientist, invented solid lipstick in 9 AD. His first invention was a stock to apply perfume, which could then be pressed into molds. He also tried it with different colors and created solid lipstick.
The church banned lipstick to use and any other makeup after the birth of Christianity and different puritanical beliefs. Red lips were linked to Satan worship, and lipstick-wearing women were considered witches and sorcerers. Only prostitutes wore colored lips. However, lip salves were very popular and accepted. Women secretly added color to the creams to make their lips appear redder.
Red lipstick was popularized again during Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Although she popularized red lips and pale skin, it was only available to actors and actresses on the stage. Actors and prostitutes could still use lipstick for three centuries.
Guerlain, a French perfume company, was the first to produce lipstick commercially. The lipstick was made from deer tallow, beeswax, and castor oils. It was then wrapped in silk paper.
