5 WAYS WEARING LIPSTICK CAN MAKE YOUR DAY

Ever hear the saying “ A little mascara and lipstick goes a long way?” That’s the power of lipstick! Lipstick can lift your spirits! It can make you feel attractive even on your darkest days! Lipstick is a mood booster, especially when you find that perfect shade!

Have you heard of the “Lipstick Index” coined by economic barometer Leonard Lauder? The lipstick index was a phrase Lauder noted stating that lipstick sales tend to soar in tough times. History has proven that even during recessions, people will substitute the purchase of big-ticket items for smaller luxuries.

In 1912, Elizabeth Arden handed out red lipstick to suffragettes when she saw them march past her salon on Fifth Ave declaring Women's Right To Vote. The suffragettes adopted red lipstick as part of their uniform, which has become a traditional symbol of feminism and is carried on today by political progressives such as Alexandria Ocasio Cortez who's sapphire lips have become part of her political attire. Back in the Great Depression of the 1930s, when industrial production slowed down, sales of cosmetics rose. Take that recession!

During World War II, women wore lipstick as an act of patriotism, not only because Hitler despised it but because it became a morale booster for the women working in the factories while their husbands were at war. The Government decreed all dressing rooms and ladies bathrooms remain stocked with tubes of color until the war was over. In 2020, the lipstick index couldn't take flight as the COVID-19 pandemic hit the beauty industry hard. Due to mandatory face coverings, lipstick sales soured, leaving little room to showcase our enhanced lips.

Nonetheless, resilient women found ways to be creative during the pandemic and continued to wear lipstick via daily online work ZOOM meetings, facetime gatherings with friends and family, and virtual dates. Companies have even found creative solutions for lipstick and masks to coexist like transparent or mesh masks and smudge-proof matte lipstick.

Here are the 5 ways wearing Lipstick can make your day!

1. LIPSTICK SPEAKS A LOT ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY

Although you may have dozens of colors in your makeup bag, there are 2–3 colors you will use the most depending on how you are feeling or who you want to be that day. Anyone channeling RuPaul? Slay!

2. LIPSTICK DEFINES YOUR LOOK AND BRIGHTENS YOUR SMILE

Wearing lipstick enhances your look, whether it's about looking credible in a professional setting or to “bring sexy back” for date night; if you choose your lipstick shade correctly, it can enhance your complexion.

(* BEAUTY TIP: Women with cool undertones, such as blues and purples, help to reduce the yellow tint of the teeth; you should avoid warm tones if you are wearing lipstick to brighten your smile*)

3. LIPSTICK IS A MOOD ENHANCER

Women who wear lipstick feel more confident and empowered. It also lifts our spirits during tough times and can make us feel in control. Lipstick also boosts our femininity, which is felt by all those we encounter. Get it, Girl!

4. LIPSTICK CAN IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE

Say what?! That’s right! Studies have shown according to L’oreal, that women who wear lipstick daily have better posture than women who don’t. They call this act “stretching” which improves coordination, balance and can make you stand taller! Stretch those lipstick arms ladies!

5. LIPSTICK PROVIDES HYDRATION

Chapped lips anyone? Lipsticks contain some form of a moisturizing additive such as Castor oil and Vitamin E which are made to keep lips hydrated and help preserve the natural state of your lips. Check out lipsticks that have antioxidants and Castor Oil. Pucker up!

Need I say more? How will you wear your lipstick today?

Jaime Brown is a Boston-based freelance wine and beauty writer and content creator with a passion for all things Rosè and Red Lipstick. In addition to Food & Wine Magazine, she's contributed to Apartment Therapy, The Daily Beast's SCOUTED, Archer Roose Wine, and her blog Lipstick and Rosay. You can find her on socials IG:@rosaywithjaime & @swedishjealousy |Twitter: @jaimejbrown | lipstickandrosay.com