Who Invented Lipstick? The Bold Makeup Classic

Pinpointing the exact inventor of lipstick is nearly impossible. Historical evidence shows that the practice of coloring the lips began thousands of years ago, making lipstick one of the oldest cosmetic tools in human civilization.

The Origins of Lip Color: Ancient Civilizations
Lipstick-like substances were used as far back as 5,000 years ago. In ancient Mesopotamia, women crushed precious gemstones into powders and applied them to their lips — arguably the earliest known form of lip color.

Meanwhile, women in the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 3000 BCE) used natural red dyes to paint their lips, though the exact composition of these dyes remains a mystery. In ancient Egypt, lip color was more refined — royal figures like Cleopatra wore lipstick made from beetle carmine and ant extracts, while other formulas mixed iodine and bromine, both of which were quite toxic by today’s standards.

Importantly, in these societies, lipstick was often a symbol of status, worn by the wealthy and elite.

Lipstick in Medieval and Renaissance Europe
Lipstick disappeared from mainstream use during the Middle Ages, when it was associated with witchcraft or immorality. The Catholic Church frowned upon makeup, and women who wore lipstick were often considered to be prostitutes or associated with the Devil.

However, by the 16th century, lipstick returned to fashion, thanks in large part to Queen Elizabeth I of England, who popularized pale skin paired with vivid red lips. During her reign, lip color was made from beeswax and natural dyes.

In contrast, under Queen Victoria, lipstick became taboo again and was largely confined to stage performers and actresses.

The Birth of Modern Lipstick
The lipstick we recognize today began to emerge in 1884 in Paris, where the first commercial lipsticks were encased in silk wrappers and made from castor oil, beeswax, and deer tallow.

By the 1920s, bold lip colors like black returned to popularity, especially among Hollywood’s silent film actresses. A key innovation came in the 1930s when the push-up lipstick tube was introduced in the United States — transforming lipstick into a convenient everyday cosmetic.

In the 1940s, the rotating lipstick tube made lipstick even more accessible. By the end of World War II, it had become a staple item in women’s beauty routines across the Western world.

From Toxic to Natural: Changing Ingredients Over Time
Early lipstick often contained dangerous substances like lead or bromine compounds. Over time, safer and more diverse ingredients became the norm.

Modern lipsticks are made using:

• Waxes (for structure)
• Oils and emollients (for smooth application)
• Color pigments
• Fragrances or flavoring agents

More recently, organic lipstick formulas — free from artificial dyes or preservatives — have gained popularity. These use natural ingredients like castor oil, shea butter, and plant-based waxes, similar to early lip color recipes from centuries ago.