Lipstick has played an iconic role in the beauty industry and has a cultural, and historical significance. For centuries, lipstick has been a beloved cosmetic product that has certainly been the main character in our make-up bags, used to enhance one’s beauty and individuality.
From bold and bright to subtle and natural, every era has had its trend, the 20s came in with the iconic reds, introducing the famous ‘’cupid’s bow’’ lip shape. A symbol of confidence for a number of women.
The 60s ushered in a revolution of vibrant and bold colours with distinctive creativity. Bright shades such as purple, blue, and green gained popularity, highlighting the disco culture movement of the time.
In the 90’s the glossy lip look was a go to, focusing on natural and effortless beauty and embracing individuality as well as comfort. Lining lips with a deep dark brown colour gained most of its popularity during this era.
The 2000s and 2010s saw a return of the bright and bold looks, with a twist - lipstick trends shifted from glossy to a matte finish but still maintaining the statement-making look with different shades.
In more recent years, lipstick trends have seen a dynamic shift, influenced by celebrities and social media, shades like deep purples, electric blues, and neon pinks have made a resurgence and are still making a statement, reflecting a move towards self-expression and confidence.
IOL spoke to SAFTA (South African Film and Television Awards) award-winning make-up artist, Musa Mnisi, who shares a few tips about the latest trends to go for whether you are the bold or subtle type:
Be Bold
A bold look will always make a statement, so don’t be shy to go extra.
‘’Right now, everyone is thinking out of the box, there’s more to explore when it comes to boldness,’’ says Mnisi.
Try different colours and undertones
Nude does not have to be boring, pair it with a brown lip liner or add some clear gloss for that extra shine.
Going Green
He also shares that another notable trend in the beauty industry is the focus on clean beauty and sustainability The products that go into making lipstick have become a concern to consumers who are seeking lipsticks made with natural ingredients.
Evolving with the times, the lipstick industry is making significant changes towards sustainability by adopting eco-friendly practices, utilising more natural ingredients while promoting transparency and consumer education.
This proves that while the trends have made a come-back, there has been an addition of eco-friendly values, promoting less harsh products compared to the olden days.
As the demand for sustainable beauty products continues to grow, more brands are likely to follow suit, contributing to a greener and more ethical future.
National Lipstick Day not only celebrates the allure and diversity of lipstick, but also highlights the ever evolving trends that keep this popular cosmetic exciting and relevant.
IOL Lifestyle