A swipe of crimson red lipstick epitomizes confidence, determination, power, glamour, sexiness, attractiveness, and power. During a time of uncertainty, its transformative power brings an unparalleled sense of strength and grounding. Alice Hart-Davis beautifully articulates this sentiment in Painting on a Brave Face, a powerful article describing the impact of red lipstick during difficult times.
The process of rebuilding lives in Bergen-Belsen, a former concentration camp, was helped by the unrequested delivery of red lipstick, that ultimately “started ‘to give [women] back their lost humanity”. During a time when people were starving and recovering from the brutalities of the Nazi invasion, red lipstick became a morale-booster, gave women of control, and allowed them to feel worthy and beautiful. No longer were they controlled by the “number tattooed on [their] arm.”
This article brings up an interestingly relevant phenomenon that surpasses World War II. Amidst the devastation of COVID-19, there are few things that we can control—the breadth of the virus, the length of quarantine, the possibility of contraction, and the impact on the economy. Though beauty regimens and self-care seem unimportant during a global pandemic, we can always apply a Scarlett red shield to our lips—serving as our protection, strength and hope for the future.
