The History WHY Women Wear Lipstick
Throughout history, women have always worn lipstick to make themselves more noticeable and attractive. Lipstick draws attention to the lips and makes them stand out. Lips are considered a sensual part of the body, and highlighting them can make women more attractive to the opposite sex. Some women may wear lipstick to feel better about their appearance. Other women enjoy the ability to express their unique artistic style. Colors and ingredients have changed over the centuries, but the purpose for wearing lipstick remains the same: to express inner beauty with outer self. The wonderful thing about lipstick is the sheer variety and versatility in color and composition.
The first reported use of lipstick goes way back to 3500 B.C. when the queen of ancient Sumeria used white lead and crushed red rocks to color her lips. Men and women of Egypt used lipstick as a status symbol. Women in ancient Greece often wore red lipstick. The use of lipstick was even criticized by the Church in the middle ages, but trendsetters like Queen Elizabeth wore a mixture of cochineal, egg whites, gum Arabic and milk. Some people in past times believed lipstick had magical properties and could also prevent illness or death.
As the centuries went on, the use of lipstick became more common as women strove to look their best. Lipstick became a symbol of female emancipation in the early 1900s, bolstered by the endorsement of the suffragettes. The swivel tube, used today by the majority of lipstick brands, was invented in 1923 by James Bruce Mason, Jr.
Colors and lipstick materials continued to change as make-up became more common for women. By the 1970s, bright colored lipstick was a symbol of sexual and social rebellion. In the 1980s red was the “it” color. Super stars like Madonna were known for wearing red lipstick, and the public followed suit. In the 1990s, natural colors and ingredients became common. By the start of the 2000s, lipstick represented over $9.4 billion in sales for the cosmetic industry.
But why do women wear lipstick? As to why lipstick is perceived as attractive, there are several theories. One is that full lips are subconsciously connected to fertility and beauty. Actresses like Angelina Jolie and Lisa Rinna, who are known for their very full lips, are considered among the most beautiful women in the world. Others may say it is the passion for color, art, and independence via expression of self. For Julie Hewett, lipsticks are a focal part of her professional makeup career. When Julie does makeup for hollywood celebrities, she does the lips first!
Whatever the reason, conscious or subconscious, lipstick has been used throughout the ages to enhance and draw attention to lips, thus adding to a woman’s overall attractiveness and ability to express individuality. Julie Hewett is known throughout the world for her incredible line of the best lipstick. Shop today, and thank you for reading, we hope you enjoyed our blog!