The Power of Red Lipstick

Ever since I started wearing makeup, I've had a love-hate relationship with red lipstick. I mean, when it comes to makeup, there is no bigger statement than red lips. The look is stunning, attention-grabbing, and a timeless classic. But could a 5', fair-skinned girl pull it off? I wasn't sure then, but I am now.

Some History of the Red Lip

In the early 20th century, red lipstick was synonymous with power and strength, especially during the suffrage movement.

"There could not be a more perfect symbol of suffragettes than red lipstick, because it's not just powerful, it's female," said Rachel Felder, author of "Red Lipstick: An Ode to a Beauty Icon". "Suffragettes were about female strength, not just strength."

The classic Rosie the Riveter poster created for Westinghouse by Pittsburgh artist J. Howard Miller.

Red lips had their bold second act of defiance during World War II. J. Howard Miller's illustration of Rosie the Riveter, the cultural icon who was used to recruit and empower American female factory workers, had cherry-daubed lips.

And let's not forget Taylor Swift's defining feature, her ever-present red lips. According to a WWD report, Taylor Swift'srecord-breaking re-released album has caused a spike in Google searches for red lipstick.

With a history like that, it's no wonder that the red pout is so popular, perhaps the biggest difficulty that we face today is which shade of red to choose.

Wear it Like a Queen

When a woman feels regal, she feels confident, and nothing is sexier than a confident woman. Red lips help you bring out your inner queen. Cleopatra reddened her lips, so did Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II.

By wearing red lips, you are tapping into all women who came before you, bold, defiant, and feminine. A red lip has an immediate impact and makes a statement. Everyone who wears a red lip makes it their own.

So now, instead of shying away from wearing a red lip, I embrace it. When I reach for the red lipstick, it's usually because I need a morale booster, a pick me up, or some help overcoming an obstacle. It has an immediate positive effect on my mood. It's just a bit of added courage to take on the world like a queen.

If you're looking to rule the world like a queen, here are some of my personal favorites.