Lipstick & Liberation

A stroke of lipstick can be beyond a simple tool for beauty. It can be a tool for empowerment, transformation, and encouragement. For a long time, lipstick has been a lot more than a cosmetic. It has stood strong as a declaration of defiance, resilience as well as confidence. From the days of Cleopatra from ancient Egypt, bold lipstick has been essential in transforming narratives on feminism and power. Being one of the indomitable rulers in history, she made her makeup for more than aesthetics. It was a grand political move. Bold red lips defined her as a powerful and dominant leader in the society that undermined females.

In recent centuries, lipstick has become a symbol of liberation and defiance for women against the unfair and unfortunate society. Lipsticks brought them ahead of the restrictions and sent a message of challenge. Patriarchal rulers and dictators banned lipsticks time and again. Yet women rose up to prove beauty, strength, and resilience will never be pushed down. Studies have also shown that lipstick enhances self-confidence and creates a feeling of empowerment and self-assurance. Lipsticks are a ritual similar to that of armour before the battle. Interviews, public talks or even outings, lipsticks have been instant confidence boosters to help women work out their readiness to take on challenges. Lipsticks link not just how women feel about themselves but also how the world views them. Lipsticks are currently a booming economic force with employment opportunities, entrepreneurial ventures and financial independence. In fact, many brands led by women have revolutionised the industry. Icons like Marilyn Monroe, have been known due to their preferences for lipsticks that associate them with power, confidence as well as leadership. Women and lipsticks are never about seeking validation, but about self-expression and making a statement.

Lipsticks aren’t simply beauty trends, but identity. Women, cis or trans, every single one of them wears lipstick to assert their identity. It is personal and cultural. It has been a journey throughout history, war and politics to prove empowerment. Till today, lipstick remains a powerful force to remind us of our voices and our choices.

Girl, you are wearing your power!!

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