The secret history of lipstick

I don’t know how many of you have read about the history of this symbol of femininity. The most important and mind blowing thing is that, for decades, it was considered to be the symbol of promiscuity and was prohibited to be worn in public.

Here, you can see the stages this lovely beauty item has been through:

About 5000 years ago, in ancient Mesopotamia, women used to crush gemstones and apply them as decoration on their faces, mainly around the eyes and lips

Ancient Egyptians extracted red dye from fucus-algin and some bromine but the dye resulted in serious illness

Later on, prostitutes used red dye to flag themselves as professionals in oral sex

During the Islamic Golden age, the notable arab cosmetologist Abu al-Quasim al –Zahrawi(man, that was hard to write!) invented solid lipstick which were solid perfumed sticks rolled and pressed in special molds. At this time, only upper class women and male actors wore make-up

This is a really good one: In 1770, a British law was proposed to the Parliament that a marriage should be annulled if the woman wore cosmetics (ha!) before her wedding day

At the end of the 19th century, Guerlain, a french cosmetic company began to manufacture lipstick. The commercial showed the lipstick covered in silk paper and it was made from deer tallow, castor oil and bees wax

Throughout the 19th and 20th century, dark red was one of the most popular shade (see Flapper girls, i honestly think it looks like crap, pardon my french). At this time, it was acceptable to wear lipstick in public and during lunch, but never at dinner (i wonder...why??!?!?!)

In 1930s, lipstick was seen as symbol of adult sexuality but teenage girls thought that it was just a symbol of womanhood. Of course, adults looked at it as it was a symbol of rebellion (parents, what did you expect, hihi!). A study from 1937 showed that around 50% of teenage girls fought with their parents over lipstick (i would have too!)

In 1960s, society changed it’s mind and associated it with femininity(finally!!!)

It has been for so long in our purses and we didn't even notice it's power or bother to search it's controversial history.

So ladies, go on right now and apply a layer of your favorite shade of lipstick, just because it makes you feel powerful and delicate at the same time.

Here's how you need to apply it, so that it will stay on your lips longer:

First things first: hydrate you lips then apply a thin layer of lip primer

Contour lips using a liner of the same shade as your lipstick. Why? Because it will not allow the lipstick to drip ;)

Apply the lipstick with a brush if you can, because it will adhere better

Take a napkin and place it on your lips. As you maintain it there, brush some powder on it. Now, your lips will have a matte finish

Repeat the step above 2-3 times.

If you want to have a matte finish but don't own a matte lipstick, have no fear, because we have a solution: Apply some eyeshadow over it! Yes, you read it correctly. Not only it will give you a beautiful matte finish but if you apply some white shimmery eyeshadow in the center of your lips, they will look plumper.

And last but not least, if you do not want to do all the steps above, use a lip stain. It will last for ages even if you drink or eat. But, careful with it because it dries up your lips and if you don't apply some balm over it, you will have grandma's lips. Scout's honor! :)

If you have any questions or want to talk more about this subject, let me know.

Please help me spread the word by liking/sharing this post.

Wish you a great and wonderful day ahead!

Cris ^ _ ^