For many women (like myself), there is no easier way to change up your wardrobe than to swipe on a new shade of lipstick. Here are some fun facts about your favorite makeup essential, and how you can even use it to feel better on the gloomiest of days. (True story).
1. In 1950, 98 percent of American women wore lipstick- more than those brushed their teeth! (96 percent.) Gross.
2. Lipstick sales increased during the economic downturn. In fact, they also tend to go up on rainy days.
3. At one time, some people thought wearing lipstick was an offense that should be punishable by law.
In 1915, a bill was introduced into Kansas legislature that would have made it a misdemeanor for a woman under the age of 44 to wear makeup because it “created a false impression.”
4. The term “generation gap” was coined because of lipstick.
The divide between young and old was so severe that the term “generation gap” was actually used to describe the disparity between the generation of daughters who embraced lipstick, and their mothers who still thought it was inappropriate.
5. Lipstick has a shelf life of 18 months to two years.
When it starts to smell waxy, it’s time say goodbye.
6. George Washington, the first president of the United States occasionally wore lipstick… and wigs and other makeup.
7. The first lipstick dates back 5,000 years ago.
Humans have always been vain.
8. Carmine, an ingredient found in most red shades, is made from the ground up body of a female beetle from South America.
Um. ew.
9. “Lippa sticka” is an Old English word dating back to 1000 A.D.
Can we go back to calling it that?
10. Lipstick was once an indicator of social rank.
During the time of the Roman Empire, even men wore lipstick to determine status.
