
Lipstick — a small cosmetic product that packs a powerful punch. Whether it’s a bold red, a subtle nude, or a dramatic plum, lipstick has become a universal symbol of beauty, confidence, and style. But have you ever stopped to ask: “When was the first lipstick made?”
At Sundorika, where we offer a wide range of skincare and women’s beauty products, we believe understanding the origin and evolution of the items we use daily deepens our appreciation for them. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a time-traveling journey through the fascinating history of lipstick, from ancient civilizations to the modern-day beauty industry.
🌟 Table of Contents
- What is Lipstick? A Quick Overview
- When Was the First Lipstick Made?
- Lipstick in Ancient Civilizations
- Medieval Europe and the Decline of Lipstick
- The Renaissance and the Return of Lip Color
- Victorian Era: Lipstick in Hiding
- The Birth of Modern Lipstick: 19th & 20th Century
- Lipstick and Feminism: A Bold Statement
- Modern Lipstick Trends: Innovation & Diversity
- Lipstick Today: Beauty, Identity, and Industry
- Top Lipstick Picks at Sundorika
- Final Thoughts
💋 What is Lipstick? A Quick Overview
Lipstick is a cosmetic product typically used to add color, texture, and protection to the lips. It is usually made from a blend of waxes, oils, pigments, and emollients. While it may seem like a modern beauty invention, lipstick has ancient roots going back thousands of years.
So let’s answer the main question:
🕰️ When Was the First Lipstick Made?
Historians trace the first recorded use of lipstick to around 5,000 years ago in Ancient Mesopotamia. That’s right—lipstick has been around since approximately 3000 BCE. The first “lip colors” weren’t in tubes or containers but were crushed gemstones and minerals applied directly to the lips.
Lipstick has since evolved through many stages, reflecting changing cultures, social norms, and technological advancements.
🏛️ Lipstick in Ancient Civilizations
📍 Ancient Mesopotamia
Women in Sumerian culture, located in the region we now know as Iraq, were likely the first to create primitive lip color. They crushed semi-precious stones like carnelian and lapis lazuli to create shimmering powders. These powders were applied to lips and eyes to signify beauty, status, or even protection from spirits.
📍 Ancient Egypt
Perhaps the most famous lipstick icon in history is Queen Cleopatra. Egyptian royalty used a mixture of red ochre, carmine from crushed cochineal insects, and even fish scales to achieve a glimmering red color. Lipstick wasn’t just for aesthetics; it was also seen as magical or spiritual protection.
Lipstick formulations in ancient Egypt often contained toxic elements like lead, making beauty literally deadly at times.
📍 Ancient Greece and Rome
In ancient Greece, lipstick was originally worn by courtesans, and red lips were a symbol of seduction. Later, it became more widely accepted among noblewomen.
Romans developed more sophisticated lip color techniques, using red ochre, iron oxide, and beeswax. Lipstick, in Roman times, also had status implications and was worn by both men and women.
⚔️ Medieval Europe and the Decline of Lipstick
During the Middle Ages, lipstick use declined drastically in Europe. The Catholic Church associated makeup with immorality, sin, and vanity. Wearing lipstick was often linked with witchcraft or deception.
Despite this, some women discreetly used berries or herbal stains to add a natural tint to their lips. The era was defined by modesty and religious doctrine, and bold makeup was considered rebellious.
🎨 The Renaissance and the Return of Lip Color
In the Renaissance period, especially in Elizabethan England, lipstick made a modest comeback. Queen Elizabeth I made white faces and red lips fashionable again, using a mix of beeswax and plant-based dyes.
However, the look was still highly stylized, and lipstick remained largely reserved for royalty and the elite. Common women were discouraged from using cosmetics.
🎩 Victorian Era: Lipstick in Hiding
The Victorian age in the 19th century took a conservative approach to beauty. Women were expected to be naturally beautiful, and any attempt to “paint the face” was considered vulgar.
However, discreet beauty enhancements did exist. Beetroot juice and lip stains made from flowers were used in secret. Commercial lipsticks were rare and usually sold in small pots or paper-wrapped sticks.
The Birth of Modern Lipstick: 19th & 20th Century
The First Commercial Lipstick
The first commercially available lipstick was introduced in 1884 in Paris, by perfume company Guerlain. It was made from deer tallow, beeswax, and castor oil, wrapped in silk paper.
In 1915, Maurice Levy developed the first metal lipstick tube, creating the modern lipstick packaging we know today.
Hollywood’s Influence
In the 1920s and 1930s, silent film actresses like Clara Bow popularized the “cupid’s bow” red lips. Brands like Max Factor and Elizabeth Arden began marketing lipsticks to the masses.
Lipstick became a symbol of femininity, glamour, and freedom.
🚺 Lipstick and Feminism: A Bold Statement
During World War II, lipstick took on new meaning. Women wore it as a patriotic symbol, especially in colors like “Victory Red.” It was believed that lipstick boosted morale and confidence in both women and men.
In the 1970s and beyond, lipstick became a feminist statement. Wearing bold lip color was a way for women to reclaim power and challenge beauty standards.
💅 Modern Lipstick Trends: Innovation & Diversity
Today, lipstick is more than just a cosmetic. It’s a form of self-expression and a multi-billion-dollar industry. Modern trends include:
- Liquid lipsticks and lip tints
- Vegan and cruelty-free formulations
- Matte, glossy, satin, and shimmer finishes
- Long-lasting and transfer-proof lipsticks
- Inclusive shades for all skin tones
With technological innovation, modern lipsticks also include moisturizers, sunscreens, and anti-aging ingredients.
🌐 Lipstick Today: Beauty, Identity, and Industry
Lipstick continues to be one of the most popular beauty products worldwide. It holds cultural, political, and personal meanings. From red carpets to Zoom calls, it’s a quick way to feel put together and powerful.
At Sundorika, we understand the importance of high-quality, affordable beauty. Our lipstick collection reflects our commitment to diverse shades, innovative formulas, and stunning results.
💋 Top Lipstick Picks at Sundorika
Here are some of our customer favorites:
🔸 Magic Casa Crystal Jelly Lipstick
💖 Color-changing, hydrating, and perfect for daily wear
✅ Long-lasting | Moisturizing | Cute packaging
🔸 Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick Set
💄 Richly pigmented and smudge-proof
✅ Ideal for parties, weddings, or everyday glam
🔸 Waterproof Chinese Style Lipstick
🌸 Elegant, traditional, and deeply hydrating
✅ Cultural charm meets modern formula
👉 Shop Lipsticks Now: Visit Sundorika Lipstick Collection
💭 Final Thoughts
So, when was the first lipstick made? The answer goes back over 5,000 years, proving that beauty and self-expression are timeless pursuits. From the crushed gemstones of Mesopotamia to today’s high-tech lipsticks, the journey of lip color is one of innovation, symbolism, and empowerment.
At Sundorika, we celebrate this history with a carefully curated range of lipsticks and other beauty products designed to help every woman feel confident, beautiful, and unique.