National Lipstick Day
Pop on your brightest red, softest pink, darkest black or most daring color and let your lips do the talking for you… metaphorically, as well as literally.
For many women (some surveys suggest about 25%), leaving the house without lipstick is like leaving the house without clothing!
National Lipstick Day is here to show appreciation for and celebrate this little tube with a big impact.
How to Celebrate National Lipstick Day
Show off a little bit on National Lipstick Day by celebrating with some of these delightful ideas:
Buy a New Lipstick
In celebration of National Lipstick Day, this is the ideal time to show the world what those lips are made of. Head on over to a local cosmetics section of a department store, a specialty cosmetics store or even a drugstore to check out some new and different shades of lipstick.
From a traditional bright red to a subtle frosty pink, try on a new palette or an old favorite. Or get super inspired and go with a non-traditional lipstick color like green, blue or purple.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to the celebration and enjoyment of lipstick.
Enjoy Some Fun Lipstick Names
Cosmetics companies employ all sorts of clever folks who are coming up with some of the most interesting (and sometimes absurd!) names for the shades of their lipsticks. Choose from options like Pink Pigeon and Sweet Nectar, as well as Into the Madness or Unicorn Tears.
And why should the cosmetics companies have all of the fun when it comes to naming the colors of their lipsticks? Grab a friend and get creative with some delightful names in honor of National Lipstick Day!
Learn Fun Facts About Lipstick
Raise awareness and show appreciation for National Lipstick Day by learning and sharing a few fun facts about this delightful little color for the lips. Start with some of these bits of trivia:
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One of the most expensive lipsticks in the world was made by Couture Beauty with actual diamonds in it, selling for $14 million per tube.
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In 1912, suffragettes painted their lips as a sign of emancipation for women.
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MAC cosmetics chose to raise money to support those with HIV/AIDS and donated $380 million in 2015.
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The average woman spends more than $1500 on lipstick in her lifetime.
History of National Lipstick Day
For thousands of years, people have been interested in improving their appearance to make themselves more attractive, often using color to enhance their lips.
Depending on the culture and time of history, lipstick may have been made of various natural substances like roots and berries, or even crushed gemstones that were combined with oil and wax.
In modern times, seldom has so much controversy surrounded such a small tube. If anything, National Lipstick Day is intended to celebrate the prolific and gloriously glossy survival of that little stick of color that has, in some ways, been equated to a lethal stick of dynamite.
Whether it is seductively adding more pull to a pout, or scrawling a meaningful message on a mirror, lipstick has historically refused to be ignored.
Sarah Bernhardt created some epic scandal by applying lip rouge in public at the turn of the 20th century. And Queen Victoria considered makeup of any kind to be hugely impolite and intended only to mark the most impolite of women.
Yet, Winston Churchill found lipstick to be a wonderful morale booster and refused to limit its production during WWII.
It seems he shared the secret women (and some men) have known for at least 5,000 years. Lipstick adds color to character, so flaunt your brightest and make National Lipstick Day a huge, marvelously colorful event.
While the modern version of National Lipstick Day got its start in 2016 when beauty blogger and entrepreneur, Huda Kattan, put her support behind the day, that may not have been the beginning of it.
In fact, some sources show that this day honoring lipstick has been around as long as 70 years or more, when it got its start in the 1940s.
National Lipstick Day FAQs
Why was lipstick once considered dangerous in the 18th century?
In the 1700s, some lipsticks contained lead, which could cause serious health problems like poisoning.
At the time, makeup was associated with deceit, and a British law even suggested that women wearing lipstick could be accused of witchcraft or fraud.
These attitudes added a controversial layer to lipstick’s history.
What is the strangest lipstick-related superstition?
In some cultures, people believed that wearing red lipstick could ward off evil spirits.
This belief stemmed from the idea that the bold red color symbolized vitality and life, scaring away anything malevolent. While it’s less common today, similar ideas persist in some folklore.
How did lipstick impact movie stars in the early 1900s?
With the rise of silent films, actors needed bold makeup to stand out on screen.
Red lipstick became a staple because it enhanced their expressions and defined their features in black-and-white films. Stars like Clara Bow helped turn bold lips into a cultural phenomenon.
Why is blue lipstick significant in certain subcultures?
Blue lipstick became a hallmark in alternative communities, like goths and punks, during the 1980s.
It symbolized rebellion and a rejection of traditional beauty standards. Today, it continues as a bold statement in avant-garde fashion and art movements.
What are some eco-friendly lipstick innovations?
Brands now create lipsticks with biodegradable packaging, vegan formulas, and refillable cases.
For example, Guerlain’s Rouge G offers customizable cases that can be reused. This shift reflects growing consumer demand for sustainable beauty products.
What’s the history behind mood-changing lipsticks?
Mood lipsticks, which change color based on body temperature, were a 1970s trend.
They used thermochromic dyes that reacted to heat. Though seen as a novelty at the time, these lipsticks paved the way for modern customizable makeup innovations.
How do some Indigenous communities use natural lip tints?
Certain Indigenous groups create lip stains using plants like berries or annatto seeds.
These natural dyes are used not only for beauty but also for ceremonies. This practice reflects a deep connection to nature and ancestral traditions.
What’s the science behind long-lasting lipsticks?
Modern long-lasting lipsticks often contain silicone oils and polymers that bond to the lips.
These ingredients create a durable layer resistant to smudging. While effective, they require proper removal techniques to avoid dryness or irritation.
How do people celebrate National Lipstick Day uniquely around the world?
In some countries, people hold lipstick swap events to share and discover new shades.
Others host social media challenges, like recreating iconic lipstick looks from history. These global celebrations highlight the fun and creative aspects of the holiday.
What’s the connection between lipstick and power dressing?
Red lipstick became a symbol of power dressing in the 1980s, paired with sharp suits and bold accessories.
It conveyed confidence and authority, particularly among women entering male-dominated workplaces. This look remains a timeless emblem of empowerment.
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