“Your eyes open the widow of your soul; your kiss unlocks the door to your heart.” - Dr. Anita Miranda

The Color of Riches: A Journey Through Lipstick History

Makeup, an ancient symbol of status and distinction, traces its roots back to early civilizations where only the elite adorned themselves with its vibrant hues. Back then, natural sources like henna, clay, and insects formed the palette for beauty and status.

In Sumerian culture, raw materials were crushed for a color/stain applied to lips, cheeks, and eyes. Mesopotamian women utilized ground jewels for a shimmery effect, a practice still echoed by a few brands today. Egyptians, famous for their kohl winged eyeliner, embraced a striking red lip using Cochineal insects—an ingredient persisting in modern lipsticks.

As civilizations evolved, makeup became universal, adorning men, women, and even children. In Medieval times, red lips were deemed unholy, leading women to resort to biting and pinching for a naturally reddish appeal. The era of Queen Elizabeth saw the trend of pale white skin paired with red lips, often portrayed in historical portraits.

The birth of lipstick as we know it dates back to 1880 when the French company Guerlain commercially produced lipstick made from beeswax, castor oil, and deer tallow. Over time, lipstick transitioned from silk-wrapped colors to cylindrical cases and swivel-up tubes, mirroring today's diverse lipstick varieties.

In modern times, beauty companies democratized lipstick, making it accessible even during wartime. The '80s brought bold hues like siren red, while environmental consciousness in the next decade shifted focus to natural sources, spearheaded by makeup maven Bobbi Brown.

Today's lipstick market is a kaleidoscope of colors, propelled by celebrity-endorsed brands, bloggers, and influencers. The spectrum ranges from nudes and matte finishes to daring shades like those seen in Fenty Beauty. Every tube of lipstick carries a rich history, and as you choose your shade, you become part of that narrative. Dive deeper into the story with lip print readings from the Official Lipstick Lip Print Reader—because history looks different on everyone's lips. Have you had your kiss today? Ask the Kiss Whisperer.