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The lipstick as an icon: A story in red
For centuries, lipstick has captivated us as a timeless beauty product. And among the many colors and shades, red doesn't just stand out. This lip color is a classic—with more facets than you might think. Its origins, its impact on religious groups, the psychological implications of its use, and its impact on women's self-determination fill countless meters of literature. And so, UND GRETEL naturally and deliberately developed the first TAGAROT lipstick in the iconic red.
Like many cosmetic accessories, the history of lipstick began in ancient times. The first known use of red lipstick goes back to Cleopatra, who is said to have produced her own reds: she had ants and beetles crushed to extract a powerful carmine pigment. Countless women after Cleopatra colored their lips to express a special social status and power. Feminist aspects have therefore always been inherent in red lipstick. The history of red lips is one of diverse attributions and fashions. In the 16th century, for example, Christian clergy equated any kind of makeup with devil worship, and lipstick disappeared from the scene for a time. It regained popularity under Queen Elizabeth I of England: her bright red lips against pale, white skin were extremely popular. A look that was once again associated with power and authority. Under Queen Victoria, the trend indicator plummeted back to zero, and bright red lipstick became associated with a dubious reputation. But what goes out of fashion eventually becomes trendy again. What is particularly worth mentioning about lipstick is its contribution to history and its role in feminism.
Lipstick, female empowerment and men
From the end of the 19th century, women campaigned for their right to vote. For example, the activists who gathered in New York in 1848 to fight for, among other things, their right to vote adopted red lipstick as part of their uniform. The look was feminine, bold, and daring. In an era when only a submissive wife and mother was considered a "true woman," it signaled strength and self-determination. The women's struggle lasted decades, and the "kissed lips" became a symbol of female independence and freedom.
Red lipstick always carries a message: Studies show that women with bold red lips are perceived as more confident and attractive. The color draws attention and emphasizes the expressiveness of a face. It's no wonder that red lipstick has survived every change in beauty ideals for millennia. Red lips are hot. But why? And does that apply to everyone? Or just to people who look good in everything anyway? Even science is exploring the extent to which colors play a role, and for whom.
The study "Does Red Lipstick Really Attract Men?" investigated whether men in a bar are more likely to notice women with red lips than women wearing other lipsticks. Female participants wearing red, brown, pink, or no lipstick sat in bars for an hour between 8:30 p.m. and midnight on busy nights in a French hotspot. The results showed that women with red lips were more often courted by men between the ages of 20 and 28, and the time between their arrival and the first approach was shorter. Was it the time of day, alcohol consumption, or other reasons that made this lipstick color more noticeable? Would women be perceived the same way while shopping or at a gas station? Other studies have suggested that the appeal of red lips actually lies in the color, not the surroundings.
And to what extent red lips play a role when a woman already looks very good, scientists investigated the color red in general. Based on studies that had shown that red can increase men's perception of female attractiveness, provided the woman does not have older, unattractive or masculine features, the team focused on the other end of the spectrum and changed the color of underwear on very beautiful models in three experiments. The results showed that women in red underwear were always rated better than those in green underwear. Overall, the results show that red can further increase the attractiveness of women who are already perceived as attractive and desirable. A similar result can be expected when it comes to red lipstick.
Lipsticks – much more than just color
Today, countless brands offer lipsticks in a wide variety of shades and formulations. UND GRETEL has the long-lasting TAGAROT lipstick as one of its hero products in its range – in 14 shades, as well as the matching LUSTEC lip liner, which supports the coverage of TAGAROT in 9 colors. Five of the TAGAROT shades are vegan lipsticks that are just as versatile as their other beautiful lipstick sisters. The application can be enhanced by first applying a matching LUSTEC lip liner to the entire area. For the finish, you can either stick with the chosen TAGAROT texture – in matte or glossy – or intensify the sparkle with a KNUTZEN gloss of your choice: the gloss line is the famous icing on the cake for giving lips a seductive finish. A special feature of all UND GRETEL makeup products is the pigment pairing and the possibility of using makeup in very different ways. Color layering is possible with all natural cosmetic products. For example, two red variations can create a few more shades! The existing color palette can be expanded to suit your individual needs.
TAGAROT lipsticks also make excellent blushes: simply dab a few drops of color on the cheeks, blend, and you're done. The TAGAROT Nourishing Balm provides additional glow and a plumping effect, with argan oil extract contributing its plumping effect and nourishing properties. A natural lipstick from UND GRETEL stays perfect all day long without losing its brilliance. The quality and HD performance of these long-lasting lipsticks are revolutionary in natural cosmetics and even meet the demands of professional makeup artists. Textures ranging from creamy to matte to glossy allow for a suitable choice for every skin color and every age. It's important to note that every skin tone needs its ideal shade of red. While women with fair skin often prefer red and pink lipsticks, women with dark skin often choose warm and bold lipsticks like orange or burgundy; copper tones also suit this skin type better than pale skin.
Age also plays a role. Because light, fresh colors flatter a youthful appearance, pastel lipsticks and lip glosses are particularly popular with teenagers and young adults. As women get older, they often opt for darker, bolder lipsticks, which they buy online or from one of our partner depots. Such shades create a more accentuated and elegant look. If you're not sure which UND GRETEL lipstick is right for you, just ask one of our expert Gretels. Because yes: Given the selection, buying lipstick online can be an overwhelming experience. The best lipstick a woman can have should both enhance her beauty and have nourishing properties. It should be a long-lasting lipstick with high coverage, yet still provide moisture and keep the lips supple. And the most beautiful lipstick is the one that also boosts self-confidence – then cosmetics are so much more than just a beauty product: they are an expression of self-worth and attitude.
Lipsticks as a statement – who am I?
The use of lipstick by men also has an interesting history that goes back a long way and is perhaps more relevant than ever. In the past, men wore lipstick for cultural or ritual reasons. In ancient Egypt, for example, men and women wore lipstick for aesthetic and religious reasons, as well as as a sign of status and power. In other cultures, men also wore lipstick on traditional occasions, and on the world's stages, it was and remains a central element of costume. Lipstick in red tones can help you adopt and embody a different personality. Today, the use of lipstick by men has transformed: It has become an accessory that celebrities and artists use to blur the boundaries of gender roles in fashion. Red lipstick is a powerful tool for making a confident and glamorous statement, and one that male role models also use to express their individuality and style. Overall, the application of lipstick is a fascinating aspect of beauty culture that has historically been constantly changing and adapting.