Age of Enlightenment
The attitude of the ruling stratum of society towards red lips has noticeably deteriorated. The British government passed a law that officially banned lipstick, and its owner was accused of witchcraft. A similar trend was observed in America. Some states have introduced an official annulment procedure if a woman wears red lipstick without the consent of the man.
The beginning of the 19th century was marked by the birth of an absolute trend for red lipstick. In 1860, the French brand Guerlain launched the first lipstick production, which included grapefruit extract mixed with butter and beeswax. Theatrical actress Sarah Bernard dared to appear in public with a bright lip color, which caused a storm of disapproving reviews. The free use of lipstick was still not welcomed in society, but Bernard's act became a turning point in the history of the existence of cosmetics.
20th century
Society has finally begun to accept bright lipstick. According to artist Madeleine Marsh, author of a book on female beauty from the Victorian era to the present (Compacts and Cosmetics), the first and most famous turning point for red lipstick was the 1912 protest organized by suffragettes: women painted their lips bright red and took to the streets of New York. After that, red lipstick became a real symbol of rebellion against the infringement of the civil rights of women.
During World War II, cosmetics manufacturers created red lipstick campaigns that urged women to "do their civic duty." So, in the post-war period, bright lipstick was already an integral part of the style of every American woman.
And although the 1970s saw a decline in the popularity of red in favor of more natural shades, with the advent of the era of disco glamor, cherry-toned lipstick returned to fashion. Today, the red color on the lips is one of the most powerful symbols of female beauty and sexuality. Despite his difficult past, he survived to our time and became a constant favorite among women.