Tips and Inspiration
From Unilever Beauty Experts
As ubiquitous as the shade is, many women still shy away from wearing pink lipstick. Some think it gives off a juvenile, teeny-bopper vibe. Others are reminded of the frosted pinks of the ‘80s (and their acid wash/spandex/shoulder pads PTSD). There’s also a misconception that pink is difficult to wear and unflattering on most women, but there are ways to keep it modern and chic. Here’s how you can pull off pink lipstick, whatever the season or occasion.
What, Like It’s Hard?
If there’s anything to learn from Elle Woods (there’s a lot), it’s that wearing pink can be a major power move. As far as colors go, it’s traditionally an underdog — the last pick — when it comes to choosing symbols of strength, resilience, and competence. People too easily underestimate women who love pink, dismissing them as superficial and “girly,” as if it’s a flaw.
For the ultimate pink lipstick power move, look to the likes of Rihanna, who wears it unapologetically and in the most in-your-face way. Choose a pigmented, bold pink, like fuchsia, magenta, or hot pink. Fill in your lips with a lip liner that closely matches the color of your lips. This will help the color stick and prevent fading.
On Wednesdays We Wear Pink
Pink has always been a political color. In Mean Girls, the color was a tool to exclude people from a clique. This inspired a real-life hashtag, #PinkWednesdays, a campaign against bullying online and off. Women’s rights movements around the world also use it to unify communities in support of gender justice and equality.
Wearing pink lipstick for a cause is hardly about being pretty. Still, you’d want to look confident in it. If you’re unsure about wearing pink, try muted shades that are closer to nude or lip tones. These will complement your pink uniform instead of overpowering it. With a muted lipstick shade, you have more leeway to play up your eyes or skin.
Not a Barbie Girl
Did you know that the first Barbie did not wear pink? Launched in 1959, the first Barbie doll wore a black and white swimsuit and had black hair. According to the Smithsonian, people did not perceive pink as a "girl" color until after World War II. Even then, gender-neutral clothing was popular until the mid-'80s. These days, the power of pink lies in rebelling against these stereotypes — wearing pink because you love it, wearing pink for yourself.
Pink is a versatile color that will suit all personalities and styles. Even if you’re not a so-called “girly girl,” there’s a shade of pink lipstick for you. If you’re looking for one that’s not overly feminine, look for one in the range of dusty rose, coral, and blush. Make sure to apply Vaseline Petroleum Jelly at night to moisturize and nourish your lips.
There’s a pink lipstick shade for every occasion and personal style. Finding the right one for you can mean trying out different shades, but isn’t that what’s fun about wearing makeup? So go ahead and experiment to find your perfect pink match.
