red dress and red lips

Red Dress Red Lipstick – Peak of Femininity and Sexiness

The combination of a red dress and red lipstick has been a classic and timeless look for women of all ages and styles. Red is a color that exudes power, confidence, and divine femininity, making it a popular choice for both fashion and beauty. Red lipstick has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, while red dresses have been a statement piece in fashion for decades. So whether you’re a fan of bold and daring looks or prefer a more subtle approach, it’s undeniable that the combo of red dress red lipstick can pull them all off.

History of Red Lipstick

Red lipsticks were first made in Mesopotamia over 5,000 years ago by crushing red stones. Later, lipsticks would be made from other materials like red algae and fish scales. The first molded lipsticks resembling what we use today were invented by Abu Al-Qasim Al-Zahrawi during the Islamic Golden Age.

Red lipsticks used to be used as an indicator of social status back then. In Ancient Greece, prostitutes were forced to wear red lipstick so they wouldn’t get mistaken for women from higher classes. In the 16th century of England, this shade was usually chosen by upper-class women but then, they got banned in the 17th century as they were a symbol of Witchcraft. Until the late 18th century, women were allowed to wear them again and red lipsticks were commercially produced for the first time in 1884.

Choosing the Right Shade of Red Lipstick

Choosing the right shade of red lipstick can be a daunting task, as there are countless options available in the market. However, finding the perfect shade for your skin tone and undertones can make all the difference in achieving a flawless red lip look.

Firstly, it’s important to identify your skin undertones. Warm undertones, usually found in individuals with yellow or golden complexion, work well with warm reds that have orange or brown undertones. On the other hand, cool undertones, found in individuals with pink or blue complexion, pair well with cool reds that have blue or purple undertones.

When choosing red lipsticks, it’s also important to consider your skin tone. Fair skin tones pair well with lighter red shades, while deeper shades work well with medium to darker skin tones. But this doesn’t mean fair skin tones can’t rock a deep red or darker skin tones can’t pull off a bright red. It’s all about finding the right shade that complements your individual features.

Lastly, the finish of the lipstick can also affect the overall look. Matte finishes offer a bold and long-lasting look, while glossy finishes offer a more subtle and moisturizing look.

Red Lips in different skin tones and shades

Photo from ELLE

How to Look Stunning in Red Dress and Red Lipstick

We all see red as a bold, passionate, sexy shade that can make everyone keep their eyes on you on a date night. If you want to pull off this hot, intense color but you’re struggling, we are here to provide you with our best tips.

Keep it simple: When wearing a red dress and red lipstick, keep the rest of your makeup and accessories simple to avoid overpowering the look. Minimal jewelry and a natural-looking makeup look can go well with this hot, powerful shade as they give you a very subtle hint of glamor without making you stand out too much.

Complement with neutral colors: As red is a very intense shade, you should choose to pair them with neutral-color, simple heels or accessories like a pair of black high heels or white, sparkling earrings.

Coordinate shades: If you’re wearing a bright red dress, consider pairing it with a brighter shade of red lipstick. Similarly, if you’re wearing a deeper shade of red dress, complete your look with a darker shade of red lipstick. You can also paint your nails in a similar color like choosing cherry red nail polish for a night out with the girls.

Consider the occasion: A red lip with red dress can be a little bit too much for casual, non-formal events, so consider the occasion when styling the look. An intense shade of red lipstick and body dress may be more suitable for a formal event, while a subtle red lip and dress may be more suitable for a daily outing.

Photo from Harper’s Bazaar

Tips for a Perfect Red Dress and Lipstick Outfit

Wearing red is probably a big challenge to many women as they’re afraid red might be too fierce for them so they usually hesitate when it comes to wearing red items. Red has been the girls’ best friend for decades, existing in every woman’s bags and closets for a quite long time in history. So why don’t you give Red a chance?

Prep your skin: Red lipstick can draw attention to imperfections, so make sure your skin is well-prepped before applying the lipstick. Exfoliate your lips and moisturize them before applying lipstick. Also, make sure your skin is well-hydrated and your foundation is blended well.

Use a lip liner: To prevent your red lipstick from smudging or bleeding, use a lip liner to outline your lips before applying lipstick. This will help define the shape of your lips and keep the lipstick in place as well as give your lips a thicker, plumper look.

Apply lipstick correctly: Apply the lipstick with a brush to get a more precise application. Start from the center of your lips and work your way outwards, making sure to fill in all the gaps. Remember to do it slowly since this step is very important. If you mess up, the smudge might get over other layers of makeup and even ruin your whole makeup process.

Choose the right lipstick: Depending on your preference, you can rock with all shades and brands of red lipstick. For a classic look, mac russian red or ruby woo can do their job really well. You can also wear red lipstick with glitter for a more shimmering, glittering look.

Dress appropriately: Red is a pretty risky color as they don’t go well with every occasion like black or white but it can be adjusted based on the shade and the design of the dress. If you’re going to a formal meeting, go for a dress that looks conventional and is available in a darker shade of red. For more partying, casual events, you can wear anything you want, from loose-fitting, comfortable to flattering, body red dress. As proms are coming, and many young girls want to rock in red, you should check out Blair Waldorf red dress for more inspiration because this outfit of hers is probably one of the most iconic looks ever.

Blair Waldorf in her iconic red dress

Photo from Only Natural Diamond

For the girls who love to look feminine while being all fierce, powerful and passionate, red is your color. The key to pulling off this special color is knowing your undertone as well as your interests so you can choose the shade that can complement your skin and the style of the dress. Don’t hesitate to try a new color, be wild, be fierce, be passionate like the color red.

THE HISTORY AND TUTORIAL OF AUTHENTIC 1940S MAKEUP

1940s makeup is one of the most “vintage” looks, and is rather simple to recreate. There was a push for all things natural, unlike the 1930s and 1950s, which favored reshaping eyebrows and contouring the face. 1940s makeup enhanced natural beauty with just a few tools.

During the war, European women dealt with huge cosmetics shortages, since petroleum and alcohol – some of the main ingredients in makeup at the time – were used for the war effort. When makeup ran out, women turned to home remedies to substitute, such as using beetroot juice to stain lips and petroleum jelly to darken lashes and shape eyebrows.

In the United States, cosmetics continued to be manufactured throughout the war and were seen by the government as a morale booster for the busy women on the home front. Women were encouraged to wear makeup all the time to hide sadness and attract men, even while at work. Athletes even wore makeup. Color films had a big impact on the market, as women could now imitate the shades worn by Hollywood starlets. By 1948, between 80 and 90 percent of women wore lipstick, two thirds wore rouge, and a quarter wore eye makeup.

The 1940s makeup look exudes classic sophistication and is surprisingly easy to recreate. The emphasis was on a flawless, fresh-faced appearance—natural, never overly done. Less was definitely more, which worked out well, especially during the war years when many women had to make do with fewer products and resources.

Although the final result seems simple, a woman’s 1940s makeup routine could take some time—quick five-minute makeup wasn’t a thing! The process began with applying and blending thick foundation. Women were encouraged to shape their face with both light and dark shades of foundation—darker tones could be used to contour areas like a large nose, broad forehead, or square jaw, while lighter shades on the cheeks would add a fuller, plumper appearance.

Next, eye shadow was applied, followed by moist rouge. This was often used not only for color but also for subtle shaping, always ensuring the look remained natural. Afterward, a generous application of powder was pressed into the face with a large velour or wool puff. The powder was applied heavily to ensure a matte finish, covering the entire face. Excess powder was then brushed away with a powder brush to reveal a smooth, polished look.

If the moist rouge needed extra reinforcement, a powdered version was applied on top of the powder. The final steps included defining the eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil, applying mascara for fuller lashes, and finishing with the signature bold lipstick.

What You’ll Need:

  • Foundation: Choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone.
  • Powder: Loose powder that matches your skin tone to set the foundation.
  • Cream Rouge: Go for a rose-pink cream rouge (avoid powder if possible, unless that’s all you have).
  • Eyebrow Pencil: Choose a pencil that matches your natural brow color, or one shade darker than your hair.
  • Eye Shadow: (Optional, for evening wear) Use matte shadows that match your eye color—avoid shimmer.
  • Mascara: Dark brown or black mascara, or you can even use petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) for a more subtle lash effect.
  • Lipstick: A classic, matte red lipstick for that bold, vintage look.

1940s Foundation and Powder

Foundations in the 1940s were quite different from today’s lightweight options. There were fewer shades available, and most foundations had a pinkish tint, which worked well for white women, but wasn’t always suitable for women of color. Many Black women, for instance, either mixed their own makeup or often went without powder.

Foundations during this time were much thicker and creamier compared to today’s formulations. Liquid foundations as we know them didn’t exist, and the creamier formulas helped provide a fuller coverage. Face powder, which was essential, was used to set the foundation and keep the face matte throughout the day. It matched the skin tone but was also used to help the foundation adhere better to the face—foundation alone would often cause powder to slip off.

The foundation and powder were extended down the neck and onto the blouse or dress line, as it was common for the foundation shade to not perfectly match the skin on the rest of the body. This helped create a seamless, blended look.

Tip: For a smooth application, lightly coat your face with baby oil (or mineral oil) before applying foundation. This helps create a smooth base and allows the foundation to blend more easily.

1940S FACE POWDER

Powders should match your natural skin tone as much as possible. Light shades kept a woman looking fresh and youthful, while a slightly bronzed shade added a sun kissed glow, popular with movie stars. Almost all makeup lines carried a sun kissed color or two.

If you are over 40, your skin is prone to yellowing, in which case a powder with a pink tinge will work better for you.  To apply, use a puff to dust your face all over and then brush from the neck up to the forehead. Only brush down once to finish and smooth out face fuzz.

Tip: A fluffy face puff makes a difference. Don’t use compressed powder with a flat pad for early 1940s looks. Pan-cake compressed makeup came out in the mid 1940s with big success. To women who could afford it, it provided more coverage applied in less time. Just remember to always brush up, never down.

1940s Blush

In the 1940s, blush (referred to as rouge) was applied sparingly to create a natural, rosy glow. The shades of rouge were limited, typically ranging from peach and coral to raspberry tones, with darker shades for those with bronze or deeper skin tones. Cream rouge (moist rouge) was the preferred choice, giving a more natural look, and was often blended directly into the foundation. Powdered rouges were also used lightly over the cheeks to give a soft flush.

Although rouge was an important part of the look, it wasn’t strictly necessary for achieving the 1940s style. You could still achieve the desired effect without it.

Tip: If you can’t find cream rouge, a light matte lipstick in a pink or peach shade works well. Simply apply it with your fingers, dab it on the cheeks, and blend it in until it seamlessly matches your skin tone.

Cream or liquid rouges were sometimes found in theatrical costume makeup stores and, in modern times, can be found in some makeup brands on platforms like Amazon.

1940s Eyebrows

The 1940s eyebrows were a continuation of the 1930s style, with thin, beautifully arched brows being the key feature. Eyebrows were kept natural-looking, with only stray hairs removed to maintain a soft, even arch. The arch itself was well-groomed but not overly thin—most women didn’t over-pluck.

Eyebrows were often defined with a pencil that was slightly darker than the hair color, or some women simply applied a bit of petroleum jelly to keep the brows in place and enhance their natural shape. For daywear, this softer look was more common, while in the evening, brows might be more defined.

As the decade progressed, the full, more defined brows of the late ’40s began to take hold, but they were never as thick as modern-day brows.

1940s Eye Makeup

Eye makeup in the 1940s was quite minimal, especially during the daytime. Most women wore just a light coat of mascara, often in dark brown or black. Some even used petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to achieve a subtle lash definition. Mascara came in different forms—liquid, paste, or cake—often built up by adding a little water or spit to the cake to get the desired consistency. Mascara was applied to both the upper and lower lashes for a fuller look.

For evening looks, eye shadow could be used, but only in neutral tones. The colors were typically chosen to match the eye color—blue-grey for blue eyes, grey for green eyes, and brown for brown or hazel eyes. The eyeshadow was applied in a single color, blended from the lash line up to the brow for an elegant and simple look. No smoky eyes or contouring here—just one shade blended well. For evening looks, sometimes silver or gold was added to create a little extra glamour.

Eyeliner wasn’t commonly used in the early 1940s; it was considered too harsh and “fake-looking.” It didn’t make an appearance until the late ’40s, and even then, it was applied only to the top lash line.

1940s Lipstick

Lips were the focal point of 1940s makeup, especially during the war years, when red lipstick was seen as a mood booster. Lipstick shades varied from bluish reds to orange-toned reds, but they were all red! Bright pinks weren’t worn until the 1950s, so reds were a constant. In the fall, red lipstick tended to get darker, and in the spring, it lightened up a bit.

Most lipsticks of the time were matte, and women were advised to moisturize their lips before applying. After applying lipstick, they would often blot their lips with a tissue to ensure the color stayed put. By 1948, lipstick pencils were introduced, allowing for a more precise application and a perfect outline around the lips.

The ideal lip shape was full and even, with a smooth contour on the top and bottom lips. The “Hunter’s Bow” lip shape, popularized by Joan Crawford, involved slightly over-drawing the lips to make them appear plumper. However, actresses like Lauren Bacall and Ingrid Bergman embraced their naturally thin lips and didn’t over-draw them.

Tip: To achieve a perfectly shaped lip, start with the cupid’s bow and draw the pencil out to the corners of the mouth. Fill in with lipstick and gently rub your lips together to ensure an even finish. Touch up any uneven spots on the bottom lip.

1940s Fingernail Polish

In the 1940s, nails were always neatly trimmed, often filed into a long oval shape. During wartime, nails were kept a bit shorter for safety, but they were still manicured regularly. Cuticles were carefully trimmed and moisturized for a polished look.

Nail polish in the ’40s was almost always red, and matching your nails to your lipstick was the norm. Other shades like pink, coral, rose, and burgundy were also popular. A clear topcoat was always used for durability, and some women embraced the “half-moon” style, where the base of the nail (around the cuticle) was left unpainted.

Tip: To create a half-moon shape on your nails, apply paper reinforcements to the base of each nail, aligning the top of the hole with the cuticle. Paint your nails, then remove the reinforcements before the polish fully dries for a neat, vintage look.

1940s Makeup Products to Buy Today

To create an authentic 1940s look today, you don’t need a complicated routine. A bit of face powder, black mascara, well-defined brows, and red lipstick will give you that classic, vintage style. Modern makeup tends to have more shine and glitter, but for a true 1940s look, opt for matte products—especially for your lips, cheeks, and eyes.

Tip: Many modern makeup lines offer matte formulas, but brands like Revlon and Max Factor (which were popular in the 1940s) still offer products that capture that vintage style. Besame is another brand that specializes in recreating vintage makeup colors and formulas from the ’40s.

For a more subtle daytime look, keep your makeup light—just a dusting of powder, a touch of blush, and a swipe of mascara. For a more dramatic evening or pinup style, go heavier on the lipstick and mascara, and use a little more rouge for that retro glam.