To the untrained eye, red lipstick might seem like just another makeup item. But beauty insiders and cultural historians know otherwise.
The red lipstick is a beauty icon which has consistently done more than just decorate faces, it has stirred conversation, sparked controversy, and become a powerful symbol of feminine autonomy and rebellion.
Far from being just cosmetic, red lipstick has carved out a cultural legacy. Across generations, eras, and aesthetics, it has signified strength, visibility, and a refusal to be ignored.
Red Lipstick in the Modern Era
In 2025, red lipstick is no longer just a beauty product, it’s a cultural signal. From TikTok tutorials to feminist callouts on Instagram Reels, creators now use red lipstick to digitally capture the feminine spirit. When paired with a matching suit for the office, or a mini skirt for date night, the red lipstick signals boldness and self-assurance in a world where confidence is often curated and filtered.
Beauty brands are recognising the power of red. No longer defined by Hollywood glamour or a sensual statement, red lipstick is a medium for brands to empower women for every occasion. Whether a first date, a job interview, or to make an Instagram photo statement to an ex, the red lipstick emboldens women all over the world.
The red lipstick is more than just a colour choice, or an application, it’s a statement.
Red Lipstick in the Past
Before the 1920’s red lipstick wasn’t considered “hot”, it was an immoral and defiant act. During the suffragette movement, a rise of red lipstick worn by women grew, namely, by Elizabeth Arden, a beauty mogul handing out red lipstick to women marching for women’s rights. Red lipstick was more than just a beauty product; it became a statement of solidarity between women and the modern evolution of femininity.
Women globally, joined the movement, to maintain their identity and reclaim their image in their own terms. Red lipstick became a notable statement for women, with Elizabeth Arden creating red lipstick colours such as “Montezuma Red”, to show support for women who were underestimated and deserved visibility.
Cultural Icons
As the evolution of red lipstick continued, it retained its identity of feminine self-expression. Classic Hollywood stars, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor used red lipstick as a symbol for bold glamour and being unapologetically yourself. Beyond the glamour, punk icons Debbie Harry and Siouxsie Sioux used red lipstick for raw authenticity with a retro spin.
Beyond the stars, red lipstick became a symbolism of growth and development, of girls becoming women. It signified to never underestimate the true power women always hold and always did. Revlon’s campaign in the 1950’s ‘Fire and Ice’ empowered women to wear makeup to feel sexy, whilst taking out the need for any male validation. No longer, was the male gaze considered in the application of lipstick but rather brought in a colourful sprit to women instead.
Red Lipstick now has adapted to women through every cycle of life. From the first application from a girl’s mothers beauty cabinet, to buying your first lipstick from Sephora to follow a YouTube makeup tutorial and to take control of any boardroom meeting. It’s adaptation over one’s life is continuous and ever evolving.
Where to Buy Your Next Red Lipstick
Red lipstick is a must have for every woman’s beauty bag, but important factors will come into play. What shade? What finish? What price point? Buy a red lipstick for your beauty bag to continue to define the symbol of femininity and defy societal expectations.
Best Red Lipsticks:
- MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo for a classic and vivid look: $40
- Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Love that Red for a lightweight, glamour finish: $28
- Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Red Carpet Red to steal the show: $54
- Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture the Slip Lipstick in Mystery Red keeping everyone on their toes: $75
Remember
Red lipstick is a way to show individual inner vibrancy, whilst embracing femininity. Today, feminism is about the choice to wear makeup or not, combining classic and contemporary visions.
