Today, lipstick is an integral part of an everyday look, a way to emphasize individuality and style. But few people know that there is a centuries-old history behind this familiar cosmetics. How did the idea of lip coloring come about? Who invented the first modern lipstick? And what unique components make modern formulas so perfect? Let’s figure it out.

Ancient roots:

Egypt and Mesopotamia The history of lipstick begins in Ancient Egypt. Women (and even men) used a mixture of crushed carmine beetles and an ant egg to create a bright red shade on their lips. In Mesopotamia, women decorated their lips with gemstone powder. For them, it was not only a matter of beauty, but also of status.

The Middle Ages:

Prohibitions and Prejudices In the Middle Ages, the Christian Church condemned the use of makeup, considering it a manifestation of sin. Red lipstick was associated with witchcraft and uncleanness. Nevertheless, the ladies of high society secretly continued to put on lipstick.

The birth of modern lipstick:

Modern lipstick, as we know it today, appeared thanks to the French perfumer Guillaume Dubois in 1884. His rouge à lèvres was a mixture of castor oil, beeswax and deer fat, packaged in silk paper. Lipstick quickly gained popularity, and since then its mass production has begun.

The key components of modern lipstick:

Today, the formulations of lipsticks are impressive in the variety and quality of the ingredients.

Here are some cool components that can be found in the composition:

1. Hyaluronic acid – provides hydration and makes lips smoother and more voluminous.

2. Shea butter and avocado oil – nourishes and softens the lips, protecting them from drying out.

3. Peptides and antioxidants – fight the signs of aging and create a “volume” effect.

4. New generation pigments – provide color fastness and saturation.

From ancient traditions to innovative formulas, lipstick has come a long way, turning from a status symbol into a mandatory element of a cosmetic bag. Her story proves that makeup has always been not only a matter of beauty, but also self-expression.