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Series · The Scandalous History of Makeup
The Scandalous History of Lipstick
Long wear lipstick that actually stays on is so hard to find. It fades by lunch, feathers, dries out your lips, or disappears by dinner. I tested three long wear lipsticks to see which ones really last on mature lips over 40 — and the history behind lipstick is wilder than you think. Queen Puabi wore it 5,000 years ago in Mesopotamia, Cleopatra made her crimson from crushed cochineal bugs, Parliament tried to ban it in the 1600s, and in WWII a bold red lip was a patriotic duty.
Who It's For
Women over 40 who want a long wearing lipstick that survives lunch and dinner on mature lips — and love a good beauty history story.
Why It Works
Pairing a long-wear formula with the right lip liner keeps color from fading, feathering, or drying out — the same reason a bold lip has stayed powerful for 5,000 years. These are the shades I'd reach for through the holiday season, from parties to family dinners.
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Products in This Post — 5 items
Your Questions, Answered
What lipstick lasts all day on mature lips?
I tested three long wear lipsticks on my lips over 40: MAC M·A·Cximal Silky Matte in Cool Teddy, Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in Reach High, and Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in 130. Pairing any of them with a creamy lip liner keeps the color from fading, feathering or disappearing by dinner.
Who first wore lipstick?
Queen Puabi of Ur wore lip color about 5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, which is one of the earliest records of lipstick.
What did Cleopatra use for lipstick?
Cleopatra's famous crimson was made from crushed cochineal bugs, which created a deep red pigment.
Was lipstick ever banned?
Yes. In the 1600s, the English Parliament tried to ban lipstick. Centuries later, during WWII, a bold red lip was treated as a patriotic duty.
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