For centuries, women have been striving to find the most suitable shade of red for their lips. And what might the verdict be? Crimson, scarlet, cherry, ruby, vermilion, coral, maroon, rose... the list goes on and on!

The history of how luminous, red lips became a trend is a long and winding road starting all the way from ancient Egypt with Cleopatra using crushed beetles to enhance her lips. As for the superior women of the 1700s, makeup was more for ‘ladies of the evening’ than any of the other civilized women.

During the 1920s, the production of films in monochromatic color impelled film stars to use dark lip hues in order to simulate a red tint. Marilyn Monroe, the classic beauty queen of the 1950s (and other starlets) helped escalate the lipstick wear that’s remarkably popular today. From Monroe to Taylor Swift, the red lip trademark has rocketed within the last 6 decades!

From crushing beetles to the first metal lipstick tube, the creamy lather of velvety, red lipstick has come a long way. But why wear such a scarlet pout? Since the dawn of times, women have used the application of makeup as a way to increase confidence and feel self-empowerment. Cosmetics have given women the ability to express what they truly feel without having to utter even a syllable. A sweep of vibrant red and a stroke of mascara have enough power to erase any doubt one may possess and instantly gift us with courage.

A red lip has the power to allow a woman to feel bold and beautiful even on her worst days. Makeup is a form of expression and the declaration of womanhood. Nevertheless, not every woman is in dire need of cosmetics. But, those who choose to wear it do, because they feel something they perhaps lack. A newfound strength? Gumption? Invincibility? The possibilities are endless.