It’s amazing to see just what one swipe of a great red lipstick can do.
Just look at the legendary Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna, Gwen Stefani, TayTay and of course, Rihanna (in that Super Bowl halftime show) to be transported to an exact time and place in your mind.
When I was younger, my mother wouldn’t leave the house without her lippy on. Call it her generation, but before stepping out the door, she’d swipe on a Revlon shimmery dark pink or burnt red lipstick plucked from the depths of her handbag and repeat to me the same sentiment every time: “You just never know when you’re going to meet the man of your dreams, Elise.” As if that one lipstick had the physical power to magic up (and lure in) Prince Charming out of thin air? Or more realistically, the English high street in my hometown.
But something definitely stuck. I’m now in my mid-thirties, and I can confirm that I never leave the house without either a lipstick, a liner, a tinted balm or gloss on my lips. Not because I crave the male gaze (the man of my dreams hasn’t yet stopped me in the street for my immaculate Ruby Woo application), but because it makes me feel put together. It makes me feel like a better, more badass version of me.
In beauty circles, it’s known as The Lipstick Effect, and it has fascinated psychologists and economists alike for years, claiming to be the beauty category’s leading economic indicator.
Think of it as a ‘little treat’. When times are tough, the weather is crap, the kids are playing up, the cost of living is ridiculous… what do you do? You buy a lipstick, of course. It refers to our tendency as consumers to purchase small luxury items, such as the humble lipstick, during times of stress, economic downturn, and financial uncertainty.
As it turns out, when it comes to a beauty trend, my mother actually knew instinctively what numerous researchers have now shown. Leading beauty and wellness marketplace expert Fresha recently analysed the global average monthly search volume across a huge list of makeup and beauty trends to unveil the most loved. And guess what? Red lips came out on top. With a staggering 134,180 monthly searches, the trend outranked both smokey eyes and glass skin by tens of thousands!
“With social media being notorious for developing fast-growing beauty trends, it’s interesting to see classics of the past like a bold red lip remain relevant and well-loved, becoming a standard practice for makeup enthusiasts,” says Fresha’s resident beauty expert and Senior Content Marketing Manager, Sophie Vongkhamsao.
But why red in particular? “Wearing lipstick can be a huge mood booster,” says Sarah Laidlaw, Priceline Hair & Makeup Director. “Firstly, because looking at ourselves with more ‘colour’ in our faces makes us instantly feel better. Secondly, because colour is an actual mood-altering thing. Red is a colour of action, power, and passion, so wearing a red lip can give you the feeling of confidence [and] a go-getter vibe,” she shared with The Australian Women’s Weekly.
With that said, it seems like the perfect reason to shout about these humble sticks, especially on their own special day, International Lipstick Day, July 29th!
Here are just a few brands doing great things this year, and how you can show your support (while rocking a fabulous pout) too…
01
REVLON Super Lustrous Lipsticks
$27.95 at Chemist Warehouse
As the #1 lip brand in both Australia and New Zealand, REVLON have partnered with Delta Goodrem and the Delta Goodrem Foundation to support their longstanding charity, Look Good Feel Better (LGFB).
Purchase any Super Lustrous lipstick (up until August 7th) exclusively at any Chemist Warehouse stores and know $2 will be going straight to the charity.
Image: Supplied
02
M·A·C Lipsticks
from $40 at MAC Cosmetics
Doing God’s work, M·A·C are flinging a FREE* full-size lipstick with any M·A·C purchase! But get in quick, this offer only stands from now until Monday 29th July. Choose from three of their most-loved neutral shades: ‘Like I was Saying’, ‘Crème In Your Coffee’ and ‘Spirit’.
03
Givenchy Le Rouge Interdit Cream Velvet Lipstick
$67 at Myer
What’s your boujee lippy missing? An equally boujee lipstick pouch to store it in, of course. Purchase $120 at Myer Sydney, Melbourne, or online and receive this stylish Givenchy Pouch too.
Image credit: Instagram
04
YSL Loveshine Wet Shine Lipstick
$66 at Adore Beauty
It’s their biggest launch of year and worn by Dua Lipa, Sophia Richie and Lara Worthington… need we go on? The iconic oil-infused lipstick now comes in 20 buildable shades.
Image credit: Instagram
05
Guerlain Rouge Velvet Lip Refill
$55 at David Jones
In support of sustainability (and the Olympics, ofc), we love a refillable beauty purchase, especially of the French kind. Nab yourself a Guerlain Rouge G Refill lipstick and you’ll now receive a special free Rouge G Case too.
