Rarely Known, This Is History And 5 Meanings Of Red Lipstick Color

Illustration (Cottonbro/Pexels)

Lipstick red is basic cosmetic for many women, be it to increase self-confidence or casual night accessories. However, the modern relationship between women and red lipstick is actually rooted in history.

Kettj kalinya, seorang fashion enthusiast, disadur dari laman NSSG Club, Selasa, 24 Oktober, memungkap sejarah serta arti dari warna lipstick merah.

Red lipstick has been synonymous with the glamorous meaning, strength, and seduction since centuries ago. Since about 2,500 BC. the queen of Sumeria Pu-Abi, the ruler of the city of Ur, began to shed light on her lips with a mixture of powder made of red rock and white lead she kept in the animal shell.

In the times of Sumeria, red lipstick showed social prestige, as was the case with ancient Egyptian society, where this lipstick was worn by kings and queens. Apparently, Cleopatra also used red lipstick to complete his makeup. In addition to red, lipstick colors are also worn, including orange, magenta, and dark blue. Lipsticks are applied to the lips using wetted small wood. Whereas in the Roman Empire era, red lipstick can be used all gender and applies as a status classification that distinguishes high-ranking officials and emperors.

Red lipstick has experienced its dark period in the Middle Ages, where this lip-reddening is associated with a mysterious, frightening, and often likened to the color of the devil. Therefore the church is ready to condemn anyone who dares to wear it. Anyone who violates will be punished is considered the reincarnation of the devil and forced to repent because he was misled by the sin cosmetics.

To avoid this problem, women are required to wear lipbars with softer colors such as soft pinks, while those who have the privilege of being able to use bright pink colors.

The social rehabilitation of red lipstick was carried out by Queen Elizabeth I of England, who proudly wore it in public and personally. She loves the mix of cochineal, egg whites, and Arab juice so much that she attributes magical powers to her.

The happy period of red lipstick is only short-lived, and when the royal stick falls into the hands of Queen Victoria, the beauty product is branded vulgar and disrespectful, a cosmetic that must be shunned. What's more, around 1770 when the British parliament proposed a new law, namely any woman who captivates a British man with red lipstick on her lips will be punished for witchcraft.

In the 19th century, red lipstick returned to fashion, brought by artist Sarah Bernhardt. However, it was Elizabeth Arden who gave her political power, raising it to a symbol of rebellion and women's empowerment.

In 1912, the founder of one of the world's leading cosmetic brands took to the streets in New York, while distributing lipstick, joining the voting rights movement to fight for their rights. In America and Britain, leaders of feminist movements such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Charlottemen Gilman began using bright red lips with the aim of intimidating men. To realize a kind of physical release from corset boundaries and male judgment. Since then, red lipstick reflects a tough feminity.

Lipstick red is one of Adolf Hitler's most hated things. Red lipstick is considered too libertine and sexy. For the dictator, the purity of the Arya race means a natural face without makeup. Therefore, women in Allied countries began to wear it as a sign of rebellion against Nazism and fascism. Its patriotic meaning is such that when lipstick prices are sold expensive, women paint their lips with bit juice.

In 1941 and during World War II, red lipstick became mandatory for women who registered in the US Army. At that time Helena Rubinstein created the Red Regimental, the British brand Cyclax introduced the Auxiliary Red color, and Elizabeth Arden launched Victory Red. Arden was assigned by the US government to make lipstick and nail polish for women on duty in the Marine Corps and create a Montezuma Red color that reflects their uniform red line.

After British troops released the Belsen-Belsen concentration camp on April 15, 1945, the British Red Cross sent a box of red lipstick. A small move to help women recover, return to normalcy and restore their individuality and dignity.

Since the end of the war, the history of red lipstick has always increased thanks to diva like Marilyn Monroe, Betty Page, and Liz Taylor who cannot live without her. The same thing happened to politicians such as Margaret Thatcher, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or activist Marversusn Chow who took to the streets against the dictatorship of Nicaragua and faced army interrogators with bright red lips, inspiring men and women in his country to protest against the policy.