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2500 BCE
First Documented Lip Tint
The first documented instance of tinting ones lips for cosmetic purposes dates back to 2500 BC with Queen Puabi of Ur. These lip tints were made by grinding red rocks and white lead. Quickly, this was adopted by her people and widespread. Shafer, S. (2006, May 19). The history of lipstick regulation in western seats of power. Harvard Law School.https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/10018966/Schaffer06.html?sequence=2 -
Period: 221 BCE to 206
Qin Dynasty
Women would paint their lipstick using dots. A similar method is seen in modern day "hanfu" makeup. Nursall, A. (2016, Jan. 4). An (abridged) history of red lipstick. The Toast. https://the-toast.net/2016/01/04/history-of-red-lipstick/ -
150 BCE
Romans Wear Lipstick To Signal Wealth
During the years leading to the Pax Romana, lipstick was worn by the wealthy, regardless of sex, to advertise their wealth. The poorer would often tint their lips with wine Lipsticks were still made with lead, however, so the poor were healthier in the end. Shafer, S. (2006, May 19). The history of lipstick regulation in western seats of power. Harvard Law School.https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/10018966/Schaffer06.html?sequence=2 -
Period: 581 to 907
Sui & Tang Dynasties
Women painted their lips in the shape of cherries. Materials used included beeswax, and pigments included things such as crushed flowers and even blood. (A welcomed break from all the lead of this era.) Nursall, A. (2016, Jan. 4). An (abridged) history of red lipstick. The Toast. https://the-toast.net/2016/01/04/history-of-red-lipstick/ -
Jan 15, 1559
Lip Rouge Used by Queen Elizabeth 1
Queen Elizabeth 1 was an avid user of lip rouge throughout her reign, believing it was capable of preventing death and healing the body. Like many products of her time, her rouge included lead. She would apply it when she felt ill or needed comfort, likely exasperating her illness. Nursall, A. (2016, Jan. 4). An (abridged) history of red lipstick. The Toast. https://the-toast.net/2016/01/04/history-of-red-lipstick/ -
Passing of Queen Elizabeth 1 Leads to Taboo
When Queen Elizabeth passed in 1603, wearing such products immediately accrued negative associations and became taboo. It was nearly outlawed in the following century. Nursall, A. (2016, Jan. 4). An (abridged) history of red lipstick. The Toast. https://the-toast.net/2016/01/04/history-of-red-lipstick/ -
First Classic Twist-Up Lipstick Tube
The invention of the twist-up lipstick tube made the application of lipstick on the go significantly easier, as well as more sanitary. This greatly contributed to the rise of commercially sold lipstick, as well as everyday use. Nursall, A. (2016, Jan. 4). An (abridged) history of red lipstick. The Toast. https://the-toast.net/2016/01/04/history-of-red-lipstick/ -
Period: to
The Era of the Red Lip
Red lipstick, though timeless, has cemented itself as an iconic part of this periods fashion. Nursall, A. (2016, Jan. 4). An (Abridged) History of red lipstick. The Toast. https://the-toast.net/2016/01/04/history-of-red-lipstick/ -
Patent on Twist-Up Lipstick
James Bruce Mason Jr patented the swivel-up lipstick, what most modern Americans imagine when they hear the word "lipstick", in 1923. This happens just as the market for lipstick is exploding in the 20's, leading into the era of red lipsticks. -
Lipstick Used In Protest of Nazism
Hitler was known for his dislike of lipstick products. Women during this period would dawn their most vivid reds in protest, further solidifying the color in history. Pyvovarov, S., & Spirin, Y. (2022, June 19). Red lipstick was a symbol of womenʼs struggle for their rights, and during World War II it also became a weapon for victory over Nazism, as it was hated by Hitler — a story in archival photos. Babel. https://babel.ua -
U.S. Army Women Required To Wear Red Lipstick
In the 1940s, american women who fought in the war wore a shade of lipstick known as "Victory Red." This was a vivid red that symbolized the strength and will power of the United States Army, and is part of why red lipstick is associated with power even today. Palumbo, J. (2020, Mar. 12) Empowering, alluring, degenerate? the evolution of red lipstick. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/style/article/red-lipstick-history-beauty/index.html -
MAC Creates First Matte Lipstick
Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo under the company MAC create the first formula for a matte lipstick. This revolutionized lipstick formulas and set course for modern day lip products. M.K. (2020, Jan. 25). History of makeup part 1: lipstick. Cameo Beauty Academy. https://www.cameobeautyacademy.com/blog/main/history-of-makeup-part-1-lipstick/ -
Nicaraguan Protesters Wear Red Lipstick in Support of Anti-Government Protestors
Marlén Chow, an activist against the Nicaraguan government, wore red lipstick in an act of defiance against her arrest. In support, thousands of activists posted to social media in vivid reds out of support. This is a modern example of how red lipstick stands as a historical symbol of defiance. Palumbo, J. (2020, Mar. 12) Empowering, alluring, degenerate? the evolution of red lipstick. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/style/article/red-lipstick-history-beauty/index.html