Charlotte Tilbury

£ £25

Charlotte Tilbury Hypnotising pop shots

Read article Shop

Among the grand collection of Christmas throwbacks and limited-edition collections Charlotte loves to supply us with, it’s the iconic Pop Shots that take the cake, and the sell-out, hypnotising Pop Shots are officially back for the holiday season! The much-loved formula is back for a limited time only in 9 diamond-inspired shades. Developed with multi toned pearls for a kaleidoscopic finish, the colours cover pinks, purples, blues, greens, yellows, and metallics so every shade is accounted for. These eyeshadow palettes are packed with pigment and shimmer to ensure every party this Christmas will be merry and bright… and always Instagram ready.

Dior Beauty

£ £60

Diorshow Christmas limited edition

Read article Shop

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, Dior’s gift to us all is giving us the royal treatment with their new collection from the genius of Pietro Ruffo. Whether you’re into warm festive glows and gold motifs, or prefer a cooler, frosted evening vibe; the two new Christmas eyeshadow palettes both expertly entrap the spirit of the season while featuring completely different tones. The lipstick in the collection has also captured our hearts. The glitter infused liquid sequin lipstick, available in 10 shades, is the perfect product to turn heads at the work’s Christmas ‘do, and the best reason to be caught under the mistletoe.

Huda Beauty

£ £62

Huda Beauty Icy Nude Eyeshadow Palette

Read article Shop

Baby, its cold outside, and what better way to embrace the frosty air than through Huda Beauty’s newest holiday collection: Icy Nude. Holiday collections tend to focus on the reds, but at Huda Beauty; they’ve traded warm crackling fires for striking silvers, icy pinks, and deep mauves. In their final palette ever, Huda really has ended on a high with her stunning collection also featuring new lip gloss, blush filter, and pH face gloss to give your skin that winter wonderland, frostbitten glow.

Too Faced

£ £48

Too Faced You’re A Gem! 3-Piece Eye Makeup Set

Read article Shop

The newest limited-edition collection to join their eyeshadow dynasty are two new mini palettes inspired by gems and jewellery. The magenta focussed palette: ‘You’re A Gem’ features five new shades all bright and shining with hints of a complementary brown shade for contouring and contrasting. The other palette: ‘Precious Gems’ in gorgeous emerald packaging has a more delicate approach and features five more neutral tones, still with that Christmas sparkle, in a nude palette also complete with deep brown contouring shade.

Morphe

£ £22

Morphe Shade Thrower

Read article Shop

Give the gift of gossip this Christmas with Morphe’s newest collection: Holiday Drama. Bring the drama with the new eyeshadow palette, Shade Thrower, of 18 warm neutrals, soft pinks, and icy metallics in creamy matte and dazzling shimmer finishes. Or if you’d prefer, attract an audience with richly pigmented soft pink and copper shades, and two Molten Metal Eyeshadows—that can be applied wet or dry— plus 4 complementary matte shadows for melodramatic, multidimensional effects in their palette: Crowd Pleaser. Also featuring a new blush product, liquid lipsticks, and primers, this collection has everything you need to be the talk of the office the morning after the Christmas party.

Words by Isobel O’Connor

The post Latest in Beauty: Must-Have Releases To Put On Your Christmas List appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The collection, appropriately named ICON, will feature 10 bold red and classic nude shades. The lipsticks are made with a soft semi-matte, high-pigment formula, and incorporates hyaluronic acid along with vitamins C & E, to ensure a comfortable, smooth, lasting wear time. Knowing Riri, we are not surprised that Fenty Beauty went above and beyond, creating a collection with refillable packaging, for a more earth-conscious makeup routine.

The lipsticks will be available to purchase on February 4th, giving us enough time to find our perfect red or nude shade for Valentine’s Day. There is no one more iconic than Rihanna, and nothing more iconic than a red or nude lipstick.

Words By Julia Bastos

_{Photo Credit: Fenty Beauty}

The post Rihanna Announces A New Lipstick Collection: ICON appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Speaking on the name of the brand, Ariana said;

“I decided to name it r.e.m., because I feel like that song really encompasses a lot of my favourite parts of my sound sonically. And also, REM stands for rapid eye movement: focusing on dreams and focusing on the eyes, and eyes being kind of like our best way to articulate—better than you can with words sometimes.”

The line has been curated to empower and inspire consumers to become their true creative selves through outer-worldly products. r.e.m.’s dream land has further been explored through the brand’s packaging designs, with futuristic metallic silver casing that emulates sci-fi energy. 

Ariana’s cat eyes and super glossy lips have become a renowned feature of her look, therefore we are so excited to dive into the line’s first installment: ‘Chapter One; Ultraviolet’, which comes complete with 12 products specifically focussing on lip and eye products. 

With ‘Chapter One’ Ariana has served a nostalgic vibe, bringing back lip tingling gloss, a trend that was thriving during the 90s and 2000s (the decades of Ariana’s childhood and teen years). The ‘Utmost Importance Plumping Lip Gloss’ gives a clear, high latex shine whilst bringing a warm tingling sensation to plump up those lips and perfect your pout. The second gloss of the line ‘On Your Collar Plumping Gloss’ comes in 9 shades, whilst providing hydration from a blend of passionfruit and apricot oils, and giving the same plumped perfect pout as the other gloss in the range. 

£ 12.65

r.e.m. beauty Utmost Importance Plumping Lip Gloss

Read article Shop

£ 16

r.e.m. beauty On Your Collar Plumping Lip Gloss

Read article Shop

“The glosses come in nine shades, and the names are all kind of nostalgic, like the ’90s: away messages, jelly sandals, and scrunchies. It was just like pulling for things that make us feel warm and nostalgic, because it makes me happy. This scent is, like, vanilla, minty, yummy, delicious scent, and it’s super plumping. I have to say it’s one of my favorite glosses I’ve ever seen in my life. The plump was very important to me, because I just remember being in middle school and having Lip Venom on.”

The range also comes with a matte lipstick (6 shades), and lip stain marker (4 shades) for anyone who isn’t a fan of the high shine gloss look. The ‘On Your Collar Matte Lipstick’ provides a creamy rich long lasting colour that stays in place throughout the day. The ‘Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker’ offers a long-lasting natural finish colour, providing a non drying comfortable feel that stays on throughout the day.

£ 14.14

r.e.m. beauty On Your Collar Matte Lipstick

Read article Shop

£ 11.91

r.e.m. beauty Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker

Read article Shop

The remaining 8 products are dedicated to the eyes, offering a line complete with lashes, eyeshadows, eyeliner and mascara. A highlight of the eye products is the liquid eyeshadows, coming in 21 shades to provide a shade for all to enjoy. The formulations are powerfully pigmented and easy to blend due to the creamy consistency. 

£ 15

r.e.m. beauty Midnight Shadows Matte Liquid Eyeshadow

Read article Shop

£ 18

r.e.m. beauty At The Borderline Eyeliner Marker

Read article Shop

£ 11.91

r.e.m. beauty Midnight Shadows Liquid Eyeshadow

Read article Shop

£ 11.16

r.e.m. beauty Flourishing Lengthening Mascara

Read article Shop

A staple of Ariana’s makeup look in the past few years has been her winged liner, and the eyeliner from r.e.m. hasn’t disappointed. The pen comes with a narrow tip, making it easier to execute a precise wing. 

“The at the borderline eyeliner marker is perfect for everything from a subtle, classic cat eye to a bolder, more graphic statement look. the fine tip is designed for maximum precision and detail.”

Stepping away from lips and eyes, Ariana also included Interstellar Pressed Powder Highlighters, coming in 10 different shades varying from a natural glow to intergalactic realness. 

£ 16.36

r.e.m. beauty Interstellar Highlighter Topper

Read article Shop

It’s safe to say r.e.m. beauty’s first product drop has lived up to the hype, and with Ariana announcing that ‘Chapter 2’ will consist of foundations and concealers, we look forward to the future of Grande in the beauty industry.

Words By Nadia Clasper

_{Photo Credit: r.e.m. beauty Instagram}

The post Ariana Grande Reaches For The Stars With New Makeup Line ‘r.e.m. beauty’ appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Both Beauty advisors were flown out to Huda’s headquarters in Dubai to work with the founder Huda Kattan to develop the liquid matt product. Shades were picked not just on their personal preferences, but also their insider knowledge from working behind the counter and their ability to tell what the consumer wants. Kattan explained: ‘Our BA’s (beauty advisors) are there and they are hustling and working so hard to make all of your dreams come true. It was really special for us to bring them home to Dubai, and to let them get their hands dirty and be involved in the PD (product design) process.’

Queen of Sheba created by Harrods beauty advisor Bilkis, is a cool pink tone. In a recent Instagram, Huda Kattan proudly explains the packaging, which is a line drawing of the iconic storefront with the lipstick displayed through the middle. This was particularly special for Kattan, as Harrods was the first retailer to welcome Huda Beauty to the UK.  

Over on their Instagram, Sana talks about her ‘perfect red’ shade which took 2 years to create, dubbed Girl on Fire. ‘Beauty is all about exploring you, I feel like this is where beauty truly lies’ she explained, ‘this shade represents light and radiance, which is what my name means.’

Both colours are hailed as ‘fit for royalty’ and when asked about what makes these lipsticks so special Kattan elucidates ‘that they came straight from the heart of Sana and Bilkis. Everything we create is from the heart, and it was awesome to see the same philosophy instilled in these beautiful women. They were made by powerful women to be worn by powerful beauty-lovers!’

The two limited edition shades are available now. 

£ 18

Huda Beauty Girl On Fire Liquid Matte lipstick

Read article Shop

£ 18

Huda Beauty Queen Of Sheba Liquid Matte Lipstick

Read article Shop

Words By Rosina

The post Huda Beauty Has Released Two New Liquid Matte Shades with Beauty Advisors From Harrods and Selfridges appeared first on Voir Fashion.

There are not many things as exciting as a good collaboration in the beauty community. The idea of two brands that you equally adore joining forces to create a product that you feel was designed especially for you is like a warm embrace. Makeup Revolution—famous for the vibrant pigments and cruelty-free formulas—are no stranger to a collaboration. The iconic brand is renowned for partnering with many influencers, and brands, to deliver a diverse and inclusive line of products. Here are our top ten picks!

Friends

It took all of one second for us to completely lose it when this collab dropped. Once we spotted the statement purple wall and trademark the gold frame, we knew it could only mean one thing: Friends! The Friends collaboration is a warm and nostalgic hug from the ’90s. The colours featured in the shadow palettes are almost as fun as the names given to them. The collab has a huge range that includes lipstick, lip-gloss, eyeshadow palettes and accessories. They even have a range of scrunchies; the ultimate 90’s must-have!

Makeup Revolution X Friends Collaboration via Makeup Revolution website

Patricia Bright

(£20.00)

This fashion and lifestyle YouTuber collaborated with the brand to launch an array of amazingly pigmented palettes. One standout product for us is ‘Revolution X Patricia Bright Rich In Eyeshadow Colour Palette’ (£20.00). The pigments are beyond amazing and the choice of colour—and variation of finishes—are so varied and versatile.

Tammi Clarke

(£10.00)

We were super excited as soon as the ‘Tammi’ collab was announced. The beauty influencer launched a huge selection of tropical-inspired palettes and lip products. The ‘Makeup Revolution x Tammi Lip Set’(£10.00)—inspired by a glowing night sky—features two deep, rich lip gloss’ and one lip liner.

Alexis Stone

(£10.00)

The UK based drag artist, and makeup extraordinaire, satisfied our frosted dreams with the ‘Revolution X Alexis Stone The Transformation Palette’ (£10.00). This palette is designed to assist with creating a seamless transition between shades and giving you a shimmering finished look.

Jack Emory

(£3.00)

The ‘Revolution X Jack Palette’ (£3.00). reflects the artist’s minimal attraction to packaging and simplicity perfectly. The single palette has a huge spectrum of shades; however, it does feature a shade of blue that can only be described as simply outstanding.

Belle Jorden

(£5.00)

This collaboration is home to a palette that is nothing less than divine. The ‘Makeup Obsession X Belle Jorden Eyeshadow Palette’ (£5.00) has a glamorous and romantic feel to the selection of shades chosen. This palette is the perfect autumnal addition to any makeup collection.

Jake Jamie

(£8.00)

One of our hero products from the Jake Jamie collab is the ‘Revolution Skincare X Jake – Jamie Watermelon Hydrating Face Mask’ (£8.00). The superfood-infused mask delivers hydration and moisture to ensure the juiciest skin for the perfect makeup result.

Sebile

(£4.00)

The Sebile collab has an amazing selection of products—lip products being an absolute winner. The ‘Revolution X Sebile Reborn Matte Liquid Lipstick’ (£4.00) has amazing coverage and a great selection of pigments.

Sophie (SophDoesNails)

(£4.00)

If you love pastel colours, glowy skin and all things cute, you need to get your hands on the ‘Soph Highlighter Palette’ (£4.00). The palette claims to “do it all”, and has a huge selection of varied shimmering shades.

Natalia Siwiec

(£4.00)

One can never turn away a highlighter that is described as “silky smooth”; ‘Revolution Pro Nath Highlighter Magic Glow’ (£4.00) is just this. The peachy marbled compact creates the most beautiful and shimmering result with minimal effort.

There are not many things as exciting as a good collaboration in the beauty community. The idea of two brands that you equally adore joining forces to create a product that you feel was designed especially for you is like a warm embrace. Makeup Revolution—famous for the vibrant pigments and cruelty-free formulas—are no stranger to collaboration. The iconic brand is renowned for partnering with many influencers, and brands, to deliver a diverse and inclusive line of products. Here are our top ten picks!

The Friends & Makeup Revolution collaboration is available on their website now, and the brand has even hinted that there will be more ‘Friends’ products dropping soon.

Words by Luke Nolan

Graphics by Frances Scott

The post Makeup Revolution: ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’, Alexis Stone and Our Top 10 Collabs appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Barcelona-born superstar Rosalía is the latest icon to be added to the M.A.C Cosmetics hall of fame as the ambassador of 2020’s Viva Glam life-changing lipstick.

The Grammy award-winning singer took to Instagram to express her excitement to be the inspiration and muse behind this year’s campaign—its 26th year active. She shared, “This campaign has inspired me since I was a young girl because 100% of the lipstick selling price goes towards local organizations to help those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, supporting women and girls and helping the LGBTQIA+ community.”

M.A.C. has been using Viva Glam as a method of raising awareness and funds for the rights of women & girls, the LGBTQIA+ community and, perhaps most notably, to raise funds for organisations supporting people diagnosed with HIV and Aids. 100% of the proceeds are donated to these causes, and this year $10 million from the fund will go to front line workers, to support them during the pandemic of COVID-19.

This new shade seems extremely versatile and a perfect shade to add to your collection as we enter into the Autumnal months. Look fantastic while supporting a great cause. It’s a win-win, for sure. As a pioneer for originality, self-expression and empowering women through her art, it’s no surprise that Rosalía joins the many faces before her (Lady Gaga, Arianna Grande, Nicki Minaj and many more) to be this year’s Viva Glam ambassador.

The latest Viva Glam lipstick, titled VG26, is an orange-red shade with a matte finish. The vibrant shade reflects the icon’s music style: a vivid blend of flamenco, pop, and electronic. You can see how the new shade looks on you—before its global release—by using M.A.C.’s online try-on feature. The lipstick retails at £17.50 and is now available for pre-order.

Words by Luke Nolan

The post Rosalía is the Latest Face of M.A.C Viva Glam appeared first on Voir Fashion.

A few years ago, liquid lipsticks re-defined the make-up game – but now they are truly coming into their own. Now what we look for in a lip product isn’t just the usual colour and texture, but its ability to stay put under a mask.

We have compiled a wide-ranging selection – from lip tints to paints to creams – so that you don’t need to compromise your look for in the need for a long-lasting and no-transfer lip colour.

Fenty Beauty

Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Colour in Unbutton

£20.oo

Our first pick is Rihanna’s beauty brand’s lip paint – with 12-hour staying power while boasting a soft matte finish, this should stay put under a mask with no problem. Famous for its long-wearing comfort, a soft neutral peach colour is perfect for long late summer days to sweep you into autumn.

NYX

Soft Matte Lip Cream in Beijing

£6.00

NYX soft matte lip creams are a handbag staple. They are infused with beeswax, which makes them not only easy to apply but also to layer (if you wanted to up the intensity of the colour mid-way through the day) as the hydration prevents that ‘flakey’ feeling of many liquid lipsticks. There is a beautiful array of colours to choose from, but we have gone with the classic ‘Beijing’ for a dusty mauve tone.

Benefit

Benetint

£15.50

Benetint is the perfect product for those sworn off liquid lipsticks. Benetint has a very different texture to your usual liquid lipstick, while still having a brilliant staying power. A light layer will give you the level of sheer pigmentation of a gloss – but the coverage is buildable. This lip stain is not to be underestimated – it can be layered from a natural rosy glow to a fully pigmented cherry red.

Charlotte Tilbury

Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk

£25.00

Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution lipstick is the only true ‘lipstick’ in this collection: though not quite as long-wearing as other liquid lipsticks and stains, this product is matte, non-transferable and known to last a lot longer than your usual lipstick. ‘Pillow Talk’ is their classic sell-out shade: a soft rosy pink that compliments all skin tones and pairs perfectly with summer sunsets.

Dior

‘Dior Addict’ Lip Tattoo in Natural Cranberry

£28.00

Dior’s lip tattoo is a tried and tested miracle – it truly lasts all day and feels like you aren’t wearing anything. The formula has nothing cakey or heavy to it; this doesn’t only make this product very comfortable to wear all day but also means that colour as deep and rich as ‘Natural Cranberry’ can sink into a natural hue. Like Benetint, this can be buffed out into a reddish tint, or layered to a stronger September berry.

Too Faced

Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Social Fatigue

£19.00

The final pick of this compilation is Too Faced’s Melted Matte lipstick – an infamous formula back with popular demand with a wider range of colours. Our choice – ‘Social Fatigue’ – is a beautiful deep peach copper shade. A few hints of orange that will come into their own as autumnal colorways deepen, but also a shade that tones beautifully with pastel summery hues. This liquid lipstick will stay tight all day – and its moisturising ingredients of Avocado Oil and Hyaluronic Filling Spheres will keep your lips plumped and smooth.

Words by Allegra Campbell Boreham

Graphics by Georgia Walters

The post Voir’s Top Lip-Product Must-Have’s That Won’t Budge Under a Mask appeared first on Voir Fashion.

In its 26-year history of bringing us timeless streetwear drops and showering our town in its iconic red and white logo, Supreme New York, the hype fashion brand, has collaborated with the most sought-after luxury make-up artist, the visionary Pat McGrath.

Synonymous with Supreme’s history of turning everyday items into a limited-edition piece, the iconic duo are launching a red with a blue under-tone matte lipstick. Housed in Supremes iconic white-on-red colour palette and embossed with a pair of McGrath gold lips. The perfect emergence of both of the brand’s famous labels.

Named as an ‘iconic red’ by McGrath herself, the new shade will be released in McGrath’s signature MatteTrance formula in a singular shade, appropriately named “Supreme”. While featured in a Matte formula, we are not seeing any dry pouts here. Named as a ‘high-intensity hydrating pigment’ it will give concentrated colour on the lips that won’t be going anywhere. Better yet, it’s will be incorporated as part of the brand’s Fall/Winter2020 collaboration. So, expect to see a lot of red lips on the catwalk this season.

Unsurprisingly, the new drop has created a frenzy for the beauty community across social who are burning to get their hands on the latest drop. While @supremenewyork has kept quite across their Insta, @patmcgrathreal has broadcasted her feed with images and cultured teaser videos expressing the meaning behind the new bold lipstick.

Supreme is iconic for their hot- releases, never failing to sell out in a number of days, so we expect nothing less for this collab. This launch will go far beyond just another collector’s item. It will last in time as Supremes first-ever beauty collaboration.

Words by Clare Stephenson

Graphics by Clare Stephenson

The post Supreme x Pat McGrath: A Merge in Fashion and Beauty Brings Us A Timeless Lipstick Launch appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Whether you have a V day date or a Galentines date, you’re 100% going to need the perfect red lip… it’s basically the rule of Valentines.

The iconic red lip is known for making a person feel sexy and powerful… can’t find the right one? Well, we’ve written you a list of the most perfect red lipsticks ranging from high-end prices to drugstore gems.

From creams to mattes, we’ve got you covered to make those lips irresistible this Feb 14th.

Dior Rouge Lipstick ‘999’ £30

ICONIC. This stunning red came out in 1974 and was the first lipstick on the Dior runway; Does it get much more classic than that?!

Estēe Lauder Envy Lipstick ‘Rebellious Rose’ £27

So, this is the only lipstick which isn’t actually a classic red, it’s a rosey-pinky-red and is perfect if you’re a little scared of the ‘red red’ look, it’s a tad toned down. It’s a stunning long-lasting lipstick for a cream which means it won’t be too drying on the lips. Lauder’s #1 worldwide best-selling shade… try it to see why!

Givenchy Encre Interdite Lip Ink ‘Radical Red’ £26.50

This beauty is 24hr wear and won’t transfer (I feel like you literally can’t ask for more for a lippy on V Day… you know what I mean) and has a rich red-red intense colour to really make those lips pop and look irresistible.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips Liquid Lipstick ‘Screen Siren’ £25

Not to mention CT is KILLING the industry right now, but her lipsticks are to-die-for. This non-crack formula is made with nourishing beeswax and is buildable enough to get that crisp perfect strong pigmentation lip. Not to mention it’s fade-proof… so those lips will keep your date intrigued all night, or your Galentine will be trying to sneak a try of it when you’re not looking.

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick ‘Ruby Woo’ £17.50

I mean we all know MAC is iconic for their lipsticks and the most iconic shade ‘Ruby Woo’. I’m telling you this red is s-t-u-n-n-ing. The colour payoff is so intense and gorgeous, no wonder it’s a worldwide bestseller.

Burt’s Bees Moisturising Lipstick ‘Scarlet Soaked’ £9.99

If you’re looking for more of a natural product this is the best shout for you. 100% natural and full of moisturising ingredients such as beeswax, moringa oil, raspberry seed oil and vitamin E. There is no chance of dry lips after putting this on let me assure you! It is more of a sheer formula, but you can build it up a tad to add colour.

Revlon Super Lustrous Cream Lipstick ‘Fire and Ice’ £7.99

Again ICONIC. This lipstick was first introduced in 1952, and 68 years on it’s still a bestseller! In all fairness, it probably is more suited to a fairer complexion, but man is this glossy for a cream formula.

Maybelline Color Sensational ‘Ruby For Me’ £6.99

Now, in my opinion, this is probably all round the best choice here. Not only does this lipstick include honey nectar which leaves such a sensuous finish, but it was tested and proved to work on 50 different skin tones! So you just know it will look sickening on you.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream ‘Amsterdam’ £6

So, I have always been a huge fan of NYX lips; the price is insane and the product really compares to the higher end brands. This is just another example, a velvety smooth lightweight and creamy formula with a stunning colour…no wonder it’s such a fan fav.

E.L.F Matte Lip Color ‘Rich Red’ £4.50

I mean for £4.50 you really don’t have an excuse to not try this one out! I’ve spent more on freaking chocolate bars. Not only is it cheap as chips, but it includes vitamins A, C and E which is going to give you a healthy moisturised matte lip. It’s also super easy to apply as it’s basically a small crayon applicator.

Better get down there and grab what you have your eyes on before they’re gone! This totally proves that you do not need to splash out for a good lip product (although luxury is luxury right..?).

Words by Sophie Smiler

Graphics by Araceli Alonso

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The post The 10 Shades of Red You Need to Know About appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Red lipstick has dominated beauty sales as the best-selling colour for decades. The classic colour symbolises power, affluence, glamour, sexuality and rebellion all at the same time. It’s political – check out Netflix’s seminal documentary Knock Down the House if you don’t know what I mean. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore red lipstick throughout her campaigning, and it became notoriously synonymous with her feminism and politics and her successful climb into the White House. It symbolised her refusal to comply with typical conventions that women in power should wear neutral and inoffensive colours to avoid scrutiny, and attempt to blend in to the mass of anodyne grey and black suits that inevitably surround her.

Red lipstick has been around for centuries. Cleopatra wore a red lip made from the colour of crushed beetles; it was a symbol of decadence and affluence because of the volume of beetles needed to create the tint. Her subjects wore a more rust toned, less regal colour made from the less excessive ground stones. (She also invented black cat-eye winged liner, AND was the ruler of Egypt – woman’s a badass.) Queen Elizabeth I wore red lipstick to ‘ward off evil spirits’ and was buried with her lips caked in the lead-lined rouge. Lipstick was banned in 1920s New York by men who feared that women might use it to poison them. Red lipstick was worn during times of adversity; during WWII colours like ‘Victory Red’ were manufactured and the cherry pop was even given to female survivors upon emancipation from concentration camps in an attempt to help normalise them and give women a sense of femininity back.

More recently, the vermilion shade has hit headlines again, this time for its intensely political motivations. Worn by the suffragettes in the early 20thcentury, it became tantamount to feminism, subversion, rebellion and politics. Earlier this year, more than 100 Congresswomen took to the international stage wearing all white outfits at the State of the Union address in homage to the white of their feminist mothers, and striking red lips were also hugely popular with its female patronages.

November 2018 was a historic month for women in politics. More women won seats in Congress than ever before: 92 in the House and 10 in the Senate. These included the first Native American and first Muslim woman ever elected into Congress who stood proudly alongside the two youngest Congress members to ever serve, one of whom was fierce New Yorker Ocasio-Cortez, with her suffragette inspired white suit, notorious gold hoops and bold ruby lipstick.

It is commonplace to downplay the importance of sartorial and beauty choices with women in politics, either relegating them to frivolity or unimportance. But they are still a marked and loaded choice, and one that often comes with deliberate repercussions, in an effort to stand out rather than falling by the wayside in comparison to the blander male counterparts. While, admittedly, their choice of lipstick is, as Racked journalist Cheryl Wischover dubbed, the ‘least important thing about them’, it has captured the eyes and hearts of many spectators and therefore is worth examining.

Make-up is often referred to as ‘war paint’, first coined during the Thatcherite premiership, where women, coupled with padded shoulders to create masculine silhouettes, went into the workplace to do battle with their male colleagues. We live in a society where women are expected to look ‘presentable’ which usually means some time spent in front of the mirror before heading off to work; in fact, some jobs contractually oblige women to wear make-up (and high heels) to work. Make-up has also caused some controversy as being anti-feminist, with some condoning this view, believing that capitulating to and perpetuating the patriarchal view of how a woman should look and doing so does nothing for the cause, only objectifying ourselves for the male gaze.

Women are consistently scrutinised for their appearance, much more so than men. Donald Trump has played a large role in encouraging this kind of rhetoric; let’s journey back to when he mocked fellow presidential contender Carly Fiorina. “Look at that face,” Trump trumpeted. “Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?!” He added, “I mean, she’s a woman, and I’m not s’posed to say bad things, but really, folks, come on. Are we serious?”

Gross.

‘Loose Lips Sink Ships’ first appeared in WWII propaganda posters under the guise of protection when really it was a tactic of censorship and hypervigilance. The sentiment urged you to ‘keep mum’ during the wartime effort but now it can be rebranded as the record-breaking, glass-ceiling smashing modern wartime effort of an equal and well-represented society where all voices are loud, brash and demanding. A red lip imbues a sense of power, without limitation, interstellar – as powerfully illustrated by Voir’s beauty editorial Rocket Girl by Jen Wilding, helping you discover your shooting star alter ego.

The first red lipstick was produced by Guerlain, named ‘Ne M’Oubliez Pas’ – don’t forget me. Be rebellious, be formidable, be sexy. Be all these things – and be unforgettable.

Your puckered pout is powerful. Paint on that red and get to work.

Kisses x

By Lizzy Greenwood

Artwork: Sasha Green

The post Red Lips Sink Ships appeared first on Voir Fashion.