The Red Menace: How Lipstick Changed the Face of American Historyby Ilise S. Carter delivers exactly what it advertises. This extensively researched
(25% of the pages are research notes), short (less than 200 pages) book delivers
a history of feminism and civil rights from the point of view of lipstick with some
nods to technology (patented lipstick dispensers) and war (metal lipstick tubes
vs World War II rationing). A fun nostalgic (so much name-dropping) journey for
anyone who wore lipstick or kissed someone who did.
During the 19th century, “the press seemed to suggest
that [lipstick] was fine for the socialite who had the time and resources to
become adept at cosmetic use and social graces but still a problem for the
everyday American gal, who should continue to rely on grit and piety.”
In the 1930s, “I’ve been told by employers and employment agencies
that a girl’s appearance matters more than brains, brawn, fidelity. If a girl
isn’t smart enough to get herself up cleverly and keep herself so—she’s just
out of date on modern employment ethics as far as women are concerned, which
couples efficiency with personal appearances.”
During World War II, “The Barbara Gould brand reminded women that ‘Metal
for lipstick cases is restricted, and soon there will be no more containers. It
is patriotic as well as economical to save your present lipstick cases and buy
refills.’”
Post-war 1940s, “It wasn’t enough to be good at your job, you had
to look flawless doing it.”
Covid and fashion: “Take the old, gendered favorite: fancy shoes.
Dress shoe sales, high heels, in particular, have tanked—dropping 71 percent
during the second quarter of 2020.”
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