On International Women’s Day, I often find myself reflecting on how far we’ve come and how much remains to be celebrated. One timeless symbol of femininity, power, and self-expression that resonates deeply with me is red lipstick. It’s more than just a beauty trend—it’s a powerful tool of self-assertion with a rich and fascinating history behind it.
Red lipstick has been controversial, adored, and reborn time and time again, transforming into an emblem of female strength, independence, and rebellion. From defiance against oppressive norms to becoming a staple of Hollywood glamour, red lipstick’s journey mirrors the history of women’s liberation and identity.
The Early Struggles: Red Lips and Rebellion
There was a time when wearing red lipstick wasn’t just a beauty choice—it was considered an act of defiance. In fact, it was once outlawed, dismissed as a sign of sin, and even tried for witchcraft. Imagine a time when a woman’s boldest beauty choice could lead to accusations of immorality. For centuries, society believed that red lips undermined class divides and questioned women’s virtue.
It wasn’t until the late 1800s that red lipstick became a symbol of rebellion. French actress Sarah Bernhardt was among the first to flaunt this powerful red shade in public, sparking controversy and, admittedly, a bit of a beauty revolution. But it wasn’t until the early 1900s, when the suffragettes marched the streets of New York in 1912, that red lipstick really took on its historical significance. It became the visual symbol of women’s fight for freedom, signaling a bold stance against centuries of male authority.
The Power of Red During World War II
As time marched on, red lipstick became intertwined with resilience and unity. During World War II, women were encouraged to wear red lipstick as part of their contribution to the war effort. Advertisements like “Victory Red” and “Auxiliary Red” urged women to embrace the color not just as a beauty choice but as a civic duty. Red lipstick became synonymous with courage, strength, and patriotism. In the face of adversity, it was a subtle but undeniable way for women to assert their confidence and defy the odds.
The Hollywood Glamour Era
After the war, red lipstick cemented itself as a staple in beauty routines worldwide. Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor helped elevate the color to legendary status. By the mid-20th century, red lips weren’t just a trend—they were a mark of glamour, sophistication, and power. Vogue hailed it as “the most important cosmetic for women,” and it became a symbol of femininity that every woman could embrace, regardless of her background or status.
But the impact of red lipstick didn’t just stay within the confines of Hollywood. It permeated everyday life, becoming part of the beauty culture for millions of women across the globe. It wasn’t just about looking good; it was about feeling good. It was a way to project confidence, take control of one’s image, and speak volumes without saying a word.
A Modern Symbol: From Selena to Frida
Fast forward to the 1990s, and red lipstick found itself reimagined by Latina icon Selena Quintanilla. When Selena performed her hit “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” she wasn’t just showcasing her incredible voice; she was radiating empowerment through her iconic red lips. She represented femininity in her most authentic form, blending her Latin roots with the universal dream of success in the U.S.
And let’s not forget other legendary women who made red lipstick their signature, like Frida Kahlo, whose unapologetic beauty and bold self-expression resonate today. Icons like Celia Cruz and my own grandmother continue to inspire me, showing that red lipstick is not just a shade—it’s an enduring symbol of identity, strength, and culture.
My Personal Red Lipstick Journey
For me, the story of red lipstick is deeply personal. Growing up, I watched my mom apply her signature red lipstick every day. She wasn’t tied to one specific brand—what mattered was the color and the mood it evoked. I remember the vivid shades she’d wear—an orange-coral for a pop of warmth, a bright red for confidence, and a deep blood red, especially around the holidays. Even now, she still applies red lipstick daily, but with a nod to pinks, blending new shades into her classic look.
In my early twenties, I ventured into the world of red lipstick myself. A Sephora saleswoman once suggested a bold red from Givenchy, and to my surprise, it looked fantastic on me. From that moment, I was hooked. I went from subtle nude glosses and ballet-class minimalism to embracing the confidence that came with wearing a statement red. And without fail, whenever I wore it, compliments would pour in.
I can still remember the day I revisited that same Givenchy red lipstick, years later, as I was styling looks for my blog. I applied it, looked into the mirror, and felt an immediate boost in confidence. It wasn’t just about the color—it was about how it made me feel. It’s a feeling I carry with me every day now. Whether I’m wearing a deep red or a lighter stain, I rarely leave the house without something on my lips. It’s like a tradition, passed down from my mom, that I continue with pride.
Red Lipstick Today: A Symbol of Empowerment
Red lipstick isn’t just about looking good—it’s about embodying confidence and taking ownership of your presence. When I wear red lipstick, it’s not just a cosmetic choice; it’s an announcement. It’s a bold declaration of self-assurance and female empowerment. As Christian Louboutin famously said, “When a woman wears red lips, it means she is confident. She is taking control of how others perceive her, and that message is very powerful. It is also a fierce signal to say, ‘Look at my face.’”
Red lipstick is my way of saying I’m here. I’m confident, I’m strong, and I’m unapologetically me. Whether it’s an homage to the women who fought for our freedoms or a daily ritual to express my own power, red lipstick continues to be more than just a beauty staple—it’s a way to connect with history, celebrate femininity, and embrace my own identity.
And so, I ask: Why red lipstick? Because it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, how much we still have to fight for, and how beautiful it is to wear our power boldly—one swipe at a time.