Lipstick , that small but powerful beauty product, has a history stretching back millennia, transforming from a simple pigment into a vibrant symbol of self-expression and empowerment. Beyond its cosmetic function, it has witnessed and played a part in key moments in history, reflecting social, political, and cultural shifts .
Join us on a journey through time to discover its surprising origin, its evolution throughout civilizations, and its impact on today's market.
Origins of lipstick
The history of lipstick is as ancient as it is fascinating, with its earliest traces dating back more than 5,000 years:
- Mesopotamia, the cradle of color: It was in this ancient civilization that the first records were found. Women created lip pigments by mixing red semiprecious stone powders with waxes, applying them to enhance their lips.
- Egypt and Cleopatra's Carmine: In ancient Egypt, the use of makeup was common for all genders. The legendary Queen Cleopatra popularized deep red, using carmine, a pigment derived from cochineal insects, mixed with beeswax and oils to create a protective balm.
- Greece and Rome: Status and Stigma: While in Ancient Greece red lipstick was primarily associated with sex workers (who could be punished for “posing as ladies” if they didn't wear it), it regained its prestige in the Roman Empire. Vibrant shades, in particular, indicated a higher social status , although some ingredients were dangerous.
- Queen Elizabeth I and the Royal Resurgence: In the 16th century , Queen Elizabeth I of England elevated the status of red lipstick. Her distinctive image, with a pale face and bright red lips, popularized it among the aristocracy, who even saw it as an amulet against evil spirits.
Historical transformations
- From witchcraft to rebellion: During the Middle Ages, Christianity demonized makeup, associating lipstick with "heresy" or "pacts with the devil." However, in the suffragette movement of 1912 , women reclaimed its meaning, marching through New York with red lips as a symbol of defiance and the fight for their rights, thanks to figures like Elizabeth Arden who distributed tubes of lipstick to the protesters.
- Red Lipstick in Wartime: During World War II , red lipstick took on an even deeper purpose. It was considered an “essential commodity” and even endorsed by Winston Churchill. Its aim was to boost the morale of troops, women in factories, and the general population. Shades like “combat red” became popular, and it is said that Hitler detested it.
- A modern symbol of empowerment: In modern times, lipstick, especially red, has endured as a timeless emblem of beauty, confidence, and power . Figures like Marilyn Monroe and Taylor Swift have kept it a fashion staple. Recent campaigns, such as #SoyPicoRojo in Nicaragua (2018) and the feminist protests in Chile (2019), have used red lipstick as a powerful statement against dictatorship and sexual violence, demonstrating its adaptability as a tool for autonomy.
The Mexican lipstick market: Figures that speak volumes
Mexico is positioning itself as a vibrant market for the cosmetics industry, and lipstick plays a fundamental role, according to data from the National Chamber and the Association of the Cosmetic and Home Care Products Industry (CANIPEC):
- Sales volume: In 2024 , 56.5 million units of lipsticks were sold in Mexico.
- Annual spending: Mexican consumers spent more than 11.4 billion pesos on lip products during 2024. Of this figure, 8.19 billion pesos were specifically allocated to lipsticks.
- Per capita consumption: Per capita spending on lipstick is 63 pesos per year.
- Color preferences: Reds , pinks, and nudes are the preferred colors among Mexican women.
- Sustained growth: In the last 10 years (2014-2024), lipstick sales experienced an 18.7% growth in value , driven largely by accessibility and the boom in catalog sales.
- Impact of the pandemic: The only exception to this growth was in 2020 , when there was a decrease in sales volume due to the widespread use of face masks. However, the market showed a strong recovery, with volume growth of 5.9% from 2021 to 2024 .
- Individual consumption: A woman can use between 640 and 960 lipsticks throughout her lifetime (an average of 10-15 lipsticks per year). Most women own between 5 and 10 lipsticks of different shades at the same time.
- Share of the makeup market: Of total makeup sales in Mexico, 22.2% corresponds to lipsticks.
- Lifetime spending on makeup: A woman spends around 300,000 pesos on makeup throughout her life, of which approximately 35,000 pesos are spent on lipsticks.
Foreign trade: Lipstick around the world
Lipstick also has a significant presence in Mexican international trade:
- Trade in 2024: Mexican exports of “Preparations for Lip Makeup” reached $31.1 million dollars (MDD) , while imports totaled $121.9 million USD .
- Main export destinations: Mexican lip products have their key markets in the United States, Guatemala, Germany, Belgium and Colombia.
Conclusion: A legacy of color and resilience
Since its invention over 5,000 years ago, lipstick has transcended its aesthetic function to become a powerful narrator of history and the evolution of women. It has been a symbol of status, rebellion, morality, and ultimately, empowerment and well-being. Its resilient presence in the Mexican market and its continuous adaptation to social changes demonstrate that this small object is much more than a simple cosmetic; it is a reflection of freedom, confidence, and boldness.
What does lipstick mean to you? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!