Lianna Albrizio, Assistant Editor 07.29.22
Beauty icons aren’t ones to give lip service. They put their words to action—emphasized with a few glides of rouge.
“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass lipstick,” said Gwyneth Paltrow.
“On a bad day, there’s always lipstick,” mused Audrey Hepburn.
“If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack,” quipped Coco Chanel.
On National Lipstick Day, July 29, beauty companies and nonprofits are helping women everywhere celebrate by harnessing their inner goddess with lipstick shades galore.
“Lipstick is powerful!” said Rachel Lockett, vice president of marketing at MAC Cosmetics. “It has the ability to not only make you look your best by enhancing your natural beauty, but also allows you to feel your best both emotionally and physically. It can give you that extra boost of confidence you didn’t know you needed, or be the key product in your signature look. Lipstick can be a gamechanger whether you’re in an upbeat, relaxed, happy or spunky mood, the power of lipstick can go a long way!”
Dating back to lipstick’s humble beginnings in ancient times, it was used by the Sumerians in crushed gemstone-form, beeswax in China, and berry-derived dyes in Greece. In the 16th Century, it was popularized by the porcelain-skinned Queen Elizabeth whose bright red lips added the perfect pop of color to her regal attire. Back then, lipstick was frowned up, often considered uncouth when worn by the general public who weren’t courtesans or stage actors. Today, it’s an emblem of confidence and pride, succeeding in serving as that certain “kick” to lift any woman’s spirits.
Find Your Fabulosity
Sheryl Kurland can attest. Flashback to fall 2015, the founder of Find Your Fabulosity, a nonprofit that leverages the power of lipstick to help victims of domestic abuse in women’s shelters across the US, had been holding volunteer workshops at the Faith House in Sanford, Florida. They were held in a small conference room where she would lecture a half-dozen women about healthy relationships.
“I looked at these women and saw beautiful women and they would talk as if they were the ugliest thing on Earth,” recalled Kurland.
As she thought hard about what she could do to help raise their self-esteem and make them realize their beauty, her mother’s voice came to her.
“When I was young, my mom would say, ‘If you want to feel better, put on a little lipstick.”
So, she went to the nearest Walmart, straight to the makeup aisle and picked up as many subtle Wet n’ Wild shades she could carry. At the closure of her next meeting, she unsealed a Ziplock bag with the lipsticks and poured them onto the table to the delight of the group.
“The room lit up like sunshine as bright as it could be,” Kurland recalled of the look on the women’s faces. “They were helping each other pick the right color and have normal, everyday conversations, not about the abuse.”
Two weeks later, Kurland went to pick up more as word traveled of the lipsticks available at the meeting, ultimately drawing more women into her sessions. When putting on the lipstick, the women experienced what Kurland called “a Cinderella moment” of transformation as if she assumed the role of the fairy godmother and waved a magical wand so they can see and treasure their true selves. The lipsticks were such a pleasant distraction that the women were asking her for bolder shades like red, hot pink and even purple. Soon, Kurland would bring in a spectrum of shades and glosses.
“I don’t want to be criticized into thinking lipstick is the answer,” said Kurland. “It’s that first step in the healing process to put on that pretty glide of color and look at yourself in the mirror for the first time and see someone who is worthy of a good life.”
Recognizing her calling, Kurland started the nonprofit, Find Your Fabulosity, the following year. The name was christened after the very moment the abused women rediscovered their fabulosity—a term Kurland defines as a woman’s inner and outer beauty.
Since the nonprofit’s formation six years ago, Find Your Fabulosity has sent lipsticks to almost 300 women’s shelters across the US—that’s reaching more than 80,000 domestic violence victims equating to over $1 million in lipstick. Makeup manufacturers have also donated to the nonprofit from City Color Cosmetics to Runway Rogue, The Beauty Crop, Tarte, Thrive Causemetics, Younique (donated via beauty blogger Natural Beauty by Melissa Rae) and JAFRA (donated via beauty blogger, “Honestly Jamie.”)
In honor of National Lipstick Day, Find Your Fabulosity is seeking to reach 100,000 women. The nonprofit is currently seeking monetary donations, which can be donated via the Find Your Fabulosity website.
MAC Cosmetics’ Three-Day Promotion
MAC Cosmetics is holding a three-day promotion from July 29 to July 31 wherever MAC is sold. This includes a Buy One, Get One Free on all lipsticks (bullets and liquid lip) in MAC stores and all retail partners. On MacCosmetics.com, the brand is also hosting a Buy One, Get One Free on lipstick bullets in varieties including matte, satin, amplified, creamsheen, retro matte lipstick plus free prep and prime lip when customers spend $50.
“With just over 200 shades and seven finishes, National Lipstick Day is a celebration that is near and dear to our heart and all MAC lovers,” said Lockett. “From iconic classics like Ruby Woo to cult favorites like Velvet Teddy and our Viva Glam charitable lipsticks, it is no wonder why we sell 1 MAC lipstick per second worldwide.”
Ruby Woo, what Lockett describes a “universal blue-red,” reigns as the brand’s most popular lipstick shade for the past three years.
For optimal application, and in consultation with MAC makeup artists, the MAC Lip Scruptious, a sugar-based exfoliator that gently buffs away dry flaky skin with formula-enhanced hydrating and nourishing conditioners. The Prep + Prime Lip—a color-free base that adds light moisture—smooths and refines lips, improving lips’ appearance. Finally, she recommends choosing a color that makes consumers feel their “absolute best.” Cult-favorite Velvet Teddy can do wonders on most skin tones and “Oh Baby” Lipglass if the consumer seeks a lip gloss over a lipstick.
Covergirl’s New Colors
New from Covergirl is the Simply Ageless Moisture Renew Core Lipstick. Infused with hyaluronic complex, coconut oil and Vitamin E, shades provide a burst of vivid color, moisture and volumized lips without feathering or bleeding into lines. Twelve shades span the color spectrum from Special Espresso, to Darling Mocha, Caring Blush, Gracious Pink and Brave Burgundy and Precious Mauve. Retails for $7.99 to $11.99.
Exhibitionist Crème, by Covergirl, launched in January this year with 12 new shades totaling 60. The dermatologist-tested formula contains a conditioning complex of shea butter, avocado and coconut oil with up to 24 hours of hydration. It is available in four finishes: cream, demi-matte, ultra-matte and metallic and retails for $5.99 to $9.99.
Outlast All-Day Lip Color + Top Coat, also by Covergirl, provides a long-lasting lip color in a two-step formula that offers brilliant color and shine for up to 24 hours with the top coat providing instant moisture and soft, shiny lips. Outlast All-Day Lip Color + Top Coat retails for $7.99-$10.99. Another offering from Covergirl providing all-day wear is the Outlast Ultimate Liquid Lipstick. The smudge-proof vegan formula provides a matte wear, is transfer-resistant and retails for $7.99-$10.99.
For users who prefer a matte and velvety finish, Rimmel London’s Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick’s formula merges pure pigments, blur-effect powders and balm-like conditioners yielding a soft, matte finish with a buildable effect in 11 shades from Peach Petal to Hollywood Red. Retails for $6.99.
Clinique’s Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss to Launch in August
Clinique has also rounded up its popular shades. For a sheer finish, Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is a Tik-Tok favorite, offering a cross between a lipstick and gloss in a flattering raisin shade. For a matte finish, its Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer yields a creamy matte tone that won’t dry out lips. For those seeking to channel Taylor Swift, Pop Reds creates the perfect red lip. Set for an August launch, Clinique’s Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss provides for hydration and shimmer for a glossy look. For a modern-velvet finish that lasts for hours, Pop Lip Colour + Primer can do the trick. For moisturization, the Dramatically Different Lipstick Shaping Lip Colour combines rich color and hydrating skincare into one for a smoother pout with each use.
Launched in 1971, Black Honey was a unique cross between a lip gloss and stick. Decades later, the shade has regained popularity with a new generation thanks to TikTok. Now, consumers will have a chance to win the perennially sold-out shade with the brand’s #BlackHoneySweepstakes. Open from July 29 to August 4, Clinique will select 51 winners (in honor of the company’s 51 years) to receive two tubes of Black Honey and one Clinique.com gift card.
In addition to the giveaway, Clinique is collaborating with two makeup artists and nine beauty influencers to create celebratory looks featuring the coveted shade. Clinique chose lip artists Jazmina (TikTok: @missjazminad) and Ryan Kelly (IG: @ryankellymua) to create exclusive lip art designs using the popular shade.
Beauty influencers Emira D’Spain, Trevor Barrett; Tashi Rodriguez; Monica Ravichandran; Suzan Dabas; Ohemaa Bonsu; Whitney Madueke; Brook Aienpajouh; and more also created one-of-a-kind lip looks unique to their own style.
Bossy Cosmetics, SeneGence and Black Radiance
According to a Harvard University study, students who wore lipstick while taking an exam experienced increased academic achievement.
Bossy Cosmetics,’ Power Woman Essential Liquid Lipstick in Bravery ($25) can help elicit those invincible vibes. The bright fuchsia color is dedicated to all women who “do it afraid”—who believe in authenticity, not perfection, and don’t allow fear to hinder them from taking calculated risks.
But school isn’t back in session just yet. Seeing as there’s a remaining full month of summer to be enjoyed and to look dazzling. SeneGence’s Desert Sands LipSense Collection ($70) contains a limited-edition set of the Blaze LipSense, Sunstone LipSense and the Dazzling Dune LipSense. The trio, which are stored in a duochrome bag, are perfect for summer travels or a quick touch-up. Waterproof and smudge-resistant, the highly-pigmented shades provide long-lasting wear for up to 18 hours.
Continuing with summer makeup looks is Black Radiance’s Perfect Tone Lip Color in Hibiscus. Retailing for $2.29, the Vitamin E formula provides long-lasting hydration and a smooth application for a buttery-soft finish.
Tined Lip Balms from Eco Lips
Apart from the rich color imparted from traditional lipstick, the Eco Lips Brazilian Vegan Lip Tint Collection offers just a hint of color for a pretty day look. The tints come in five colors: Bold, a deep rosewood with hints of burgundy and mahogany; Blessed, a rouge-pink that goes on soft and rosy; Blissful, a soft, dusty rose yielding a barely-there flush; Brave, a strong muted pink-red with a hint of purple; and Brazen, a tawny burnt sienna color with reddish undertones.
Ethically-sourced, the new line is Fair Trade Certified Babaçu & Pracaxi oils with Cupuaçu Butter sourced from the tropical areas around the Brazilian Amazon with nourishing, moisturizing and protectant properties. The luxurious, creamy formula leaves a satin finish with a fruity and floral passion fruit flavor.
Vice Lip Bond by Urban Decay
Consumers can unlock their star power with Urban Decay’s Vice Lip Bond in Unbreakable ($25). The new, long-lasting liquid lip’s launch was celebrated on July 13 with Euphoria’s Chloe Cherry, who showed off the lip color at The Jane Hotel in New York City. The full-lipped actress paired the shade with glittery, smokey eyes and a red-and-black tulle outfit from Noir Kei Ninomiya (a look Cherry describes a “skirt turned dress”), Christian Louboutin combat heeled boots, with her blonde hair in a slicked-back cascading low braid. Available in 12 shades, the smudge-, water- and transfer-resistant vegan formula lasts up to 16 hours imparting intense color with a shiny, glazed finish.
Lancôme’s BOGO Free Offer
Lovers of Lancome's Juicy Tubes, L'Absolu Drama Ink Liqui Lipstick and L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick can buy one lipstick or gloss and the get the second one free this National Lipstick Day. For any $50 lipstick purchase, customers will receive a gift with purchase of a Galatea Confort on Lancome-usa.com.
The Juicy Tubes ($20) with ultra-high shine and hours of lasting hydrating for lusciously juicy lips is formulated with Vitamin E for lasting comfort and shine. Available in 13 shades and three glossy finishes.
L’Absolu Drama Ink Liquid Lipstick ($28) has a highly-pigmented and comfortable formula. The ultra-thin, weightless lip ink leaves lips saturated in vibrant color. The formula is infused with rose extract, which leaves lips feeling soft, nurtured,and comfortable all-day. Available in 13 high-impact shades.
L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick ($32) is a newly-enhanced lipstick with highly-pigmented shades and an infusion of hydration and antioxidants that provide color and comfort in just one swipe. Formulated with hydrating rose ingredients, Lancôme’s signature grand rose extract and hyaluronic acid. Available in 39 vibrant shades – some named after the brand's all-star ambassadresses.