[productsample/affiliatelinks] New York Times journalist, Rachel Felder, was given access to couture beauty archives in order to write this ode to the most iconic of cosmetics – the red lipstick.
It covers the history and political dynamics of the red lipstick – for example, the suffragette movement. Elizabeth Arden famously gave out red lipsticks to a passing march as a mark of women’s rights solidarity.
Citations of famous red lipstick wearers appear throughout the book – Diana Vreeland, Paloma Picasso and Marilyn Monroe to name a few – as well as some old formulas. If we go back to ancient China, for example, vermillion mixed with animal blood and animal fat gave a nicely wearable product, apparently!
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If you love your lippies, I can’t see how you wouldn’t enjoy this brief meander through its past, present and future. It’s not a long read by any means, and best devoured when you have some time to yourself, preferably with a glass of bubbles beside you, wearing your best very red. At £18.99 it’s got coffee table class with a gold cover; a great girlfriend gift especially if you add in a lipstick from one of the brands mentioned – Guerlain, Revlon, Dior, Chanel – take your pick! It’s HERE.
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4 comments
It is one of the small tragedies of my life that I don’t suit red lipstick. I’m hoping to do a Doris Apfel and wear it every day when I’m 80.
Iris Apfel
I’m a bit late to the party. Just as everyone above has said with fear of the red. I tried again a few days ago, with a Lancome freeby. I think I’m finally of an age, having reached my 60s. As DH said ‘its now or never’ wish me well.
I DO wish you well! I am sure you look wonderful – if you find it a bit too much, you can mix it with some balm to take the pigment down a bit. x