The Red Lipstick Effect
4th March 2010
Dior, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana all put red lipstick on the spring/summer runways, beauty counters at Selfridges have record sales of ruby shades, and celebs like Cameron Diaz and Diane Kruger have been pouting in ravishing reds at award ceremonies - so what’s the red effect about?
'Red lipsticks are on the up because women want to feel sexy. It instantly changes your appearance, boosts, morale and sexuality,’ says David Walker-Smith, Beauty Director for Selfridges.
He’s commenting on the increased sales of red lippy that suggests British women are currently experiencing the ‘red lipstick effect’ - a recognised phenomenon that often occurs among women in uncertain or troubling times.
Last seen over in the States after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and first documented after the Great Depression of the 1930s, UK beauty counters have seen increased demand for lipsticks in red, ruby, crimson and cherry shades so much so that sales of rouge lippy in Selfridges rose by 35% over the last year.
It’s thought to be a reaction to the unstable economic crisis in the UK, as more women experience worries and stress. At the same time, due to financial concerns, women are trying to cut back on designer and clothing splurges, opting for smaller treats and little luxuries instead. And the perfect purchase in these circumstances? A gorgeous new lipstick in a bold, confidence boosting shade.
Whether by luck, magic or acute understanding all major beauty brands have responded to the craze by launching their boldest reds yet, from the deep shade seen on Georgia Jagger for Rimmel's spring/summer collection, to Scarlett Johansson's berry red for Dolce & Gabbana, and Chanel’s new Rouge Coco modeled by French singer and partner of Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis.
"We're going very big this spring, bold and bright, as was seen at all the shows," said a Dolce & Gabbana spokeswoman.
Selfridges 5 best-selling red lipsticks
1. Chanel's Passion from the Allure collection,
2. YSL's Rouge Volupte 17 Red Muse,
3. Dior's Serum Rouge Crimson Red,
4. Armani's Rouge d'Armani no. 400
5. Dolce & Gabbana's Ruby.
So that's why we all seem to have matching red lips in the office today...!
pics: Cameron Diaz at 67th Golden Globe Awards © HFPA
Diane Kruger at the Screen Actors Guild Awards 2010, Getty Images / image.net