the evolutionary shade
The "It" Shades
The Cultural Transmutation
1920s Tangee & Chanel Rouge Allure (Original)
The birth of the "Cupid’s Bow." Red was the badge of the rebellious Flapper.
1930s Revlon "Cherries in the Snow" & Max Factor "Society"
Hollywood Glamour arrives. Red becomes cinematic and aspirationally "rich."
1940s Elizabeth Arden "Victory Red" & Besame
1946 Red Velvet
Red was a patriotic duty. "Victory Red" was literally issued to female marines.
1950s Revlon "Fire and Ice" & Dior Rouge Dior 999
The bombshell era. Fire and Ice had a 2-page viral ad campaign that changed marketing forever.
1960s Coty "24" & Elizabeth Arden Red Door Red
Mod meets classic. While pastels rose, the red lip remained the "power move" for the working woman.
1970s YSL "Rouge Pur Couture #1"& Biba Deep Red
Disco and Glam Rock. Red became glossier, deeper, and more hedonistic.
1980s MAC Russian Red & Chanel Dragon
The Power Suit lip. Madonna made Russian Red a global obsession during the Virgin Tour. This lipstick is one of my all-time favs. I’m definitely more of a Russian gal over Ruby Woo.
1990s Revlon Toast of New York & MAC Ruby Woo
The grunge-to-glam shift. Ruby Woo launched in '99 and became the most famous red in history.
2000s NARS "Dragon Girl" & MAC Lady Danger
The "Indie Sleaze" and Pop-Punk era. Vibrant, matte, and unapologetically loud.
2010s Kylie Cosmetics Mary Jo K & Fenty - Stunna Lip Paint
The "Instagram Face" era. Long-wear liquids and universal reds designed for every skin tone.
2020s Dior 999 Velvet & Haus Labs Atomic Shake
The "Clean Girl" contrast. High-tech formulas that provide maximum pigment with zero weight.
theyre definitely trying to make Lady Danger come back. It’s an orange red, currently sponsored by Doja Cat as of 02/26.
