Lipstick Art History Part 2

Not only did the popularity of lipstick vary, but so did different trends and fashion styles. Especially during the 20th century when lipstick slowly, but surely, had taken a prominent place in daily life, due to the film industry and its movie stars, lipstick trends changed quickly.

From small pots of lip color which had to be brushed on, lipstick evolved into a push up tube in 1915 and was replaced by the swivel tube in 1923. During the 1920s the prices for lipstick went down substantially to where it was affordable for anyone and in 1949 the automated process of producing lipstick drove the price down even more.

With more women using lipstick, more demands for variety were made and in the early 1930s different lipstick colors made their introduction, followed by a long-lasting, non-smearing "kiss-proof" lipstick in 1950.

Deep red lipstick came back in during the 50s through Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, but the trend took a turn to white in 1964, followed by pale glosses in 1966, and unusual colors like light blue, sparkly navy blue, and lime green in the 1970s.

It didn't stop there. In 1973 lip glosses which smelled and tasted good hit the market and in 1977 black lipstick became the new rage thanks to the rock stars and punk and Goth subcultures.

It was soon followed by fluorescent lip colors in the 1980s and with the 90s, the introduction of lip stains found place. Semi-matte was the fashion until the late 1990s into the 21st century, when shiny, pearly shades took over.

Nowadays, the choice of colors in lipstick is enormous and so is the variety in lipsticks where lip care is concerned. From sunscreens to moisturizers and conditioners; take your pick!