Throughout history, red lipstick has been far more than just a cosmetic choice—it has served as a striking symbol of power, rebellion, and resilience. From ancient queens to wartime workers, the simple act of painting one’s lips red has taken on profound cultural and political significance. Nowhere is this more apparent than during times of war, when red lipstick transcended vanity and became an emblem of strength, solidarity, and defiance.
The roots of red lipstick can be traced as far back as 3500 BC in ancient Sumer, where both men and women used crushed gemstones to decorate their lips. In Egypt, Cleopatra famously crafted her red lip tint from crushed carmine beetles mixed with ants and wax—a vivid display of both wealth and power. In those societies, red lips weren’t about beauty alone; they were a mark of status, seduction, and divine femininity.
As Dr. Rachel Weingarten, a noted beauty historian, explained to CNN Style, “Lipstick was a powerful status symbol. It told a story about who you were—and who you wanted to be.”
Centuries later, in the early 20th century, red lipstick made its next political leap—this time in the hands of women fighting for the right to vote. During the 1912 New York City Suffragette March, cosmetics mogul Elizabeth Arden famously distributed red lipsticks to women as they marched down Fifth Avenue. This act turned the bold red lip into a battle cry for equality and an overt rejection of traditional expectations for women to appear demure and invisible.
As National Geographic noted in its historical account, “Red lipstick became war paint for the suffragettes—a mark of liberation that stood out vividly against the grey tones of patriarchy.”
Red lipstick’s most iconic role came during World War II. At a time when much of the world was gripped by fear and uncertainty, the vibrant slash of red on women’s lips became a deliberate act of resistance.
The fascist regime of Adolf Hitler reportedly despised makeup, especially red lipstick, associating it with moral degeneracy and the “decay” of modern femininity. In stark opposition, Allied women embraced the color as a patriotic duty. In the United States, the government even worked with Elizabeth Arden to create “Victory Red,” a lipstick shade that matched the red accents on women’s military uniforms. Helena Rubinstein followed suit with “Regimental Red.”
“Wearing red lipstick became a uniform in itself,” said beauty curator Lucy Jane Santos. “It was about morale. If women looked strong, they felt strong. And that strength was contagious.”
Even during strict wartime rationing, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill ensured that lipstick production continued, famously declaring it “good for morale.” British women found ways to stain their lips with beet juice or homemade dyes when supplies ran out—testament to how deeply symbolic the red lip had become.
In the postwar era, red lipstick continued to serve as a dual symbol—both of feminine allure and inner strength. Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor glamorized the red lip, helping it remain popular through the 1950s and beyond.
Yet, its revolutionary roots endured. During the 2016 Women’s March, thousands of participants donned red lipstick as a unifying statement of female strength and defiance. In Chile and Nicaragua, protesters used red lips to speak out against authoritarianism and gender violence—proving the shade still holds powerful political weight.
What began in ancient courts and dusty battlefields has become a timeless statement. Red lipstick may seem like a small detail, but in the context of war and protest, it transforms into a bold declaration: We are still here. We are still strong. And we will be seen.
Today, as the world continues to navigate global conflicts, shifting gender dynamics, and renewed fights for equality, the legacy of red lipstick feels especially resonant. In an age where personal appearance is often politicized—and where women’s rights are once again in the spotlight—something as seemingly simple as red lipstick remains a powerful form of self-expression.
This spring, as we emerge into a season of renewal and social awakening, the red lip continues to serve not just as a fashion statement, but as a subtle act of courage. Whether worn in celebration, in protest, or simply out of personal pride, it connects modern wearers to a lineage of bold, resilient women who refused to be silenced.
Red lipstick is more than a color. It’s a reminder that visibility itself can be revolutionary.
