I don’t wear vivid red lipstick. I wish I could, but I don’t think it’s a very good look on me. But that didn’t stop me from oohing and aahing over the 1920s collection from Besame Cosmetics. I like the Noir Red shade best. It reminds me of the fictional “High Society Scarlet” mentioned in my novel–the favorite shade of Marjorie’s flapper roommate, Dot. Either of those vivid reds would look well on Dot, with her strong coloring.
(Yes, as a matter of fact Dot does bear an astonishing resemblance to Louise Brooks! 😉 )
In the 1920s, wearing makeup became acceptable for the first time for women were weren’t acting on the stage. While their older sisters may have dusted on a bit of powder or pinched their cheeks to bring up the color, some Roaring Twenties women took makeup to ghoulish extremes, showing that they were, indeed, wearing makeup in public–and how! Companies like Helena Rubinstein, Maybelline, Max Factor, and Revlon made names for themselves in that decade, due to the popularity of their products.
Not only were lips colored dark, but they were also drawn into an exaggerated shape called “bee stung” or “cupids-bow,” shown here on actress Evelyn Brent:
Another time period that favored strong red lips was the 1940s. My mom recalled, as a teenager, going with her sisters to have a professional photograph taken as a gift for their mother. The photographer advised the girls to wipe off their dark red lipstick, because it would make their lips look black in the black-and-white photograph.
What’s your preference for lip color: dark, bright, pale–or nothing more colorful than Chapstick?
Happy Sparkling!
Jennifer
I love bright colored lipstick!! They are so much fun and brighten up the face on a dull day.
I was told in early high school that a beautiful face with out lipstick is like a beautiful painting without a frame. I don’t always wear it, but I think of this often.
Bright colors with a good tan — neutral colors for work — I wonder why someone hasn’t invented mood lipstick — you know, like a mood ring? I’d buy it!
Wet & Wild used to make a color changing lipstick. A lady coworker was putting on green lipstck, which caught my attention, but when applied to warm lips turned rosey/fuschia.
I have trouble wearing lipstick. Even when it looks great at home, by the time I get where I’m going, there’s nothing left. I forget to carry it with me, or I carry it but then forget to touch it up. I am a lipstick failure.
I like pinks and rose colors. Adds a bit of brightness.