Lip makeup—especially lipstick—is more than a cosmetic product. It’s a cultural artifact, a political tool, and a personal statement. Across centuries and continents, lipstick has sparked controversy, influenced revolutions, and redefined beauty standards. From being condemned as sorcery in the 1700s to symbolizing female empowerment today, the journey of lip makeup is a vivid mirror of societal change.
In this article, we explore the untold history of lip makeup: its origins, its battles, and its evolution into a feminist icon.
Ancient Origins of Lip Coloring
Lipstick’s roots date back over 5,000 years. Ancient Sumerians were among the first to use crushed gemstones to decorate their lips. Egyptians like Cleopatra famously used crushed carmine beetles mixed with wax to tint their lips red—a symbol of status and seduction.
Lip Coloring in Different Ancient Civilizations:
- Mesopotamia: Crushed semi-precious stones.
- Egypt: Carmine beetles and red ochre.
- Greece and Rome: Natural pigments, often frowned upon unless used by prostitutes.
- China: Beeswax and floral extracts were used as early as 500 BCE.
These early applications weren’t just about beauty—they conveyed class, power, and sometimes religious devotion.
The Middle Ages: A Sinful Vanity
With the rise of Christianity in Europe, vanity was equated with sin. By the Middle Ages, lip color was discouraged or outright banned. Red lips were associated with immoral women, witches, and even the devil himself.
Lipstick as Heresy:
- Lip color was considered a form of deception.
- Women wearing it were suspected of practicing witchcraft.
- Inquisitions and local laws sometimes included lipstick as evidence of moral corruption.
Despite the taboo, some aristocrats secretly wore tinted balms, and prostitutes continued to use lip color to attract clientele.
The 1700s: Lipstick, Witchcraft, and the Law
The 18th century was a turning point. In 1770, the British Parliament passed a law stating that women who seduced men into marriage using cosmetics could be tried for witchcraft.
“All women… who shall seduce or betray into matrimony any of His Majesty’s subjects by the use of scents, paints, cosmetic washes… shall incur the penalty of the law now in force against witchcraft.” — British Parliament Act, 1770
Lipstick became both a weapon and a curse. It was feared for its power to manipulate and yet desired for its allure.
The Victorian Era: Lip Color in Shadows
Queen Victoria famously detested makeup, calling it “impolite” and “vulgar.” During the 19th century, respectable women avoided lipstick. It was associated with actresses, prostitutes, and rebels.
Hidden Beauty:
- Homemade balms and beetroot stains were used in private.
- Public application of lipstick was scandalous.
- Brands like Guerlain began to market subtle lip products to the upper class.
Despite societal disdain, lip coloring survived in underground beauty circles.
The Early 1900s: Lipstick as Rebellion
With the rise of the suffragette movement, lipstick became a political tool. Elizabeth Arden famously handed out red lipstick to marching women during protests for the right to vote.
The Lipstick Effect:
- Suffragettes used red lipstick as a symbol of boldness.
- It became a mark of modern, independent women.
- Magazines began promoting lip makeup as part of “the new woman” identity.
By 1920, lipstick was no longer taboo. Women wore it proudly as part of everyday life.
World Wars and Post-War Glamour
Lipstick During Wartime:
- In WWII, lipstick was considered morale-boosting.
- Allied governments encouraged its use to uplift spirits.
- Brands like Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden created “Victory Red” lipsticks.
After the war, lipstick was synonymous with glamour. Marilyn Monroe’s iconic red lips set beauty standards for generations.
1960s to 1980s: Feminism and Counterculture
The second-wave feminist movement of the 1960s created mixed views about makeup. Some feminists rejected it as a tool of the patriarchy, while others embraced it as self-expression.
The Rise of Diverse Lip Statements:
- Hippies favored natural lip balms.
- Punk rockers wore black and dark purple lips as rebellion.
- Brands introduced wider color ranges and targeted younger audiences.
This era solidified lipstick’s versatility: from beauty staple to countercultural symbol.
1990s to Early 2000s: Pop Culture & Globalization
Lipstick exploded as a global phenomenon in the 1990s, driven by media, celebrities, and globalization. Supermodels, MTV, and pop stars set trends that rippled worldwide.
Iconic Lip Moments:
- Brown lipstick trends of the ’90s (thanks to icons like Drew Barrymore).
- High-shine glosses of the 2000s (Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera).
- Lipstick as branding: MAC’s Viva Glam campaigns funded HIV research.
Lipstick became more than personal style—it was a medium for messaging.
2010s to Present: Inclusivity, Identity, and Empowerment
In the past decade, lip makeup has embraced diversity, gender fluidity, and inclusivity. Brands now offer shades for every skin tone, and lip products are marketed beyond binary genders.
Modern Lipstick Movements:
- Fenty Beauty broke barriers by offering inclusive color ranges.
- Men and nonbinary people feature in lipstick ads.
- TikTok and Instagram allow anyone to become a lip trendsetter.
- Bold shades signal pride, protest, or personal power.
Lipstick Feminism:
- Embracing femininity as strength.
- Using makeup for self-expression, not validation.
- Celebrating all choices—whether to wear lipstick or not.
Lipstick is no longer about covering up; it’s about standing out.
LipSutra: Lip Plumper Serum and the Future of Lip Beauty
As lip makeup continues to evolve, innovations in skincare and beauty science drive the industry forward. One example is LipSutra: Lip Plumper Serum, which merges science with nature.
LipSutra offers a plant-based, irritation-free formula designed to plump and hydrate lips naturally. With growing awareness around clean beauty and effective formulations, products like LipSutra exemplify the next generation of lip care: performance-driven, ethical, and inclusive.
The Cultural Power of Lipstick
Lip makeup has never just been about aesthetics. It’s been a mask, a mirror, a megaphone. It has expressed sexuality, rebellion, class, confidence, and protest.
Key Takeaways:
- Lipstick has shifted from taboo to trendsetting.
- It reflects women’s agency and societal roles.
- Today, lip color is a canvas for everyone—across all identities.
From whispered witchcraft accusations to global makeup empires, the story of lip makeup is one of transformation and empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When was lipstick first invented?
Lipstick dates back over 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, where natural ingredients were used to color the lips.
2. Why was lipstick considered witchcraft?
In the 1700s, lipstick was seen as a tool of seduction and deception. Some laws even allowed women to be tried for witchcraft if they used makeup to attract men into marriage.
3. How did lipstick become a feminist symbol?
Suffragettes in the early 1900s used red lipstick as a symbol of defiance and empowerment. Today, it’s seen as a form of self-expression and identity.
4. What is lipstick feminism?
Lipstick feminism is the idea that women can embrace traditionally feminine things like makeup while still advocating for gender equality and empowerment.
5. What makes LipSutra different from traditional lip products?
LipSutra focuses on clean, plant-based ingredients that offer visible results without irritation. It’s part of the growing trend toward ethical and scientifically backed beauty.
Conclusion: Lipstick as a Legacy
From ancient royalty to suffragette marches, from rock concerts to beauty counters, lip makeup has been part of the human story for centuries. It’s a symbol of resilience, rebellion, and reinvention.
As we move forward, lipstick remains more than a beauty product—it’s a statement of who we are and who we choose to be.
A single swipe of color can carry thousands of years of history, struggle, and pride. That is the true power of lip makeup.
