Lipstick has been a beauty routine fixture for centuries, adding the dash of color and touch of confidence that goes with a single swipe across the lips. But we just might take it for granted and not appreciate the wild and wonderful history of lipstick. Few things have undergone the evolution that lipstick has, from its ancient origins to today’s virtually unlimited color palette.
The story of lipstick starts with the Egyptians, who created lip colors from natural pigments and minerals. They didn’t have the sophisticated cosmetic science we do today, yet they managed to concoct a base that adhered to lips and stood the test of time, all while playing with vibrant colors. Cleopatra herself could likely be classified as a lip aficionado, as she was known for using hues made from the best that nature had to offer. Throughout history, lipstick has been reimagined, revived, and reshaped, sometimes seen as a lowly primal need and, at other times, a high sign of decadent femininity. “Don’t put that on,” and “Oh my God, you have to put that on!” are two messages that lipstick is bound up with.
Now fast forward to today, and lipstick has become more versatile and accessible than ever. It is the more high-tech cousin of makeup, able to go anywhere and do anything. Thanks to innovation, there’s a shade, finish, and form for everyone—liquid matte, satin, gloss, and even glitter lipsticks. They exist in a veritable cornucopia of colors and textures, providing more opportunity to express oneself than ever before. Plus, today’s lipsticks are engineered with high-quality, good-for-you ingredients that nourish the lips; that means you really can have style and comfort all in one. Inclusivity has become a buzzword in beauty, and for good reason; brands have made a concerted effort to create shades of lipstick that suit women of all skin tones.
A Beauty Staple That Will Never Go Out of Style Lipstick has always been more than just color. It’s been a way to express oneself, a symbol of confidence, and sometimes, an act of rebellion. When one thinks about it, something as small as a lipstick tube has held a lot of power throughout the ages—coloring lips, yes, but also giving a shot of confidence and even a wink to tradition and trend. There’s just something about a tube of lipstick that has the capacity to continue charming the beauty world, season after season, and day after day.