Unlike many a beauty trend, red lipstick has stood the test of time.
Believe it or not, people started wearing lipstick five thousand years ago. In ancient Samaria, the Sumerians would crush gems and decorate their faces with the powder; specifically, around their eyes and lips.
Other cultures, all across the Middle East, North Africa, and India, used plants and fruits to create make-up - and red lipstick, in particular. Some ingredients could be harmful. Some of the plants used to create the red color in lipstick were later found to be toxic or deadly. Despite these dangers, lipstick continued as a status symbol.
Egypt is where the manufacturing of lipstick became what it is today. It was there that the color of carmine, extracted from cochineal insects, became popular.
The deep red carmine color today comes in many different shades. Interestingly, "carmine" has not influenced the way that "lipstick" is said in different languages. Most are a direct translation of "lip" and "color" or "stick."
* interestingly this comes from the French word "cosmetique," shortened