Lipstick is not just cosmetic. This is a symbol. Gesture. Fetish. As long as there is flirting, eroticism and seduction in our lives, she will remain in the spotlight.
Perhaps no other makeup product has such a long history as lipstick. Probably, the idea of creating a decorative lip product arose at the moment when an ancient woman decided to become more attractive. It’s no secret that most of the classic canons of beauty correspond to those features that reflect the fertility of a woman: lush breasts, rounded hips, and so on. Bright lips were an indicator of good blood circulation, and hence health, but at the same time they were a sign of sexual arousal and could not help attracting the attention of men. “I love the gesture with which girls paint their lips. He is very erotic. Unlike powdering or applying mascara, the slow movement of lipstick just fascinates me. Even if this is done by an unfamiliar and not very attractive lady,” says Alexander, 26, photo editor. Perhaps that is why “powdering the nose” is supposed to be in the ladies’ rooms, while public tinting of the lips with etiquette is not forbidden.
Gender self-determination
Lipstick is the first make-up product that falls into the hands of girls. “They are fascinated watching how mom paints her lips, perceiving this movement as purely feminine. In the same way, boys watch their father shave. These two everyday gestures serve as a starting point for becoming aware of one’s gender,” explains psychotherapist Lucy Beresford. In clothes, such elements will be women’s heels and a men’s tie. So when a little girl stealthily takes her mother’s lipstick and paints it on her face, she unconsciously defines herself as a woman. In adolescence, lipstick becomes a symbol of growing up and freedom of expression. “I want to be noticed, I’m not afraid when people look at me” – this is the message that we broadcast every time we paint our lips brightly.
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Brilliantly? Not at all
In the late 90s, gloss became the main means of lip makeup. There was a generation of so-called glossy-girls who considered lipstick something outdated. But in recent years the situation has changed.
“Lip gloss is absolutely asexual! Yes, yes, I know that glossy lips are a hint that they were invitingly drawn with the tip of the tongue. But there is nothing sexual in the very texture of the gloss: it does not hold, it spreads, it looks artificial, and even sticky, exclaims Nicolas Degennes, Givenchy makeup art director. “Ask the men who kiss you how much they have to endure while they lick this glue in an attempt to get to the very lips!” However, in fairness, we note that the latest generation of glitter has become noticeably better. Nevertheless, now most brands have relied on lipstick.
Checkmate
Moreover, if for everyday meetings its translucent, radiant shades are still welcome, then for the evening stylists strongly recommend purchasing a matte and at the same time bright remedy. This combination of properties is back in fashion today after many years of disgrace. “Cycling is inevitable,” says Lloyd Simmonds, creative director of make-up at Yves Saint Laurent. “When passion for one style becomes excessive, it is replaced by something opposite.” Linda Cantello, international makeup artist Giorgio Armani, agrees: “Matte lips were only relevant in the 1950s and 1990s. They have not had time to get bored yet, and I am sure that matte shades have a great future. ”
In the past, matte lipsticks quickly went out of fashion: they dried out the lips and made them visually thinner. Now, manufacturers have learned how to make products with a comfortable texture and an inner glow, thanks to which the color on the lips comes to life, making them more voluminous and attractive. So, apparently, lipstick only intends to strengthen its position and will be in fashion for a long time to come.