When I Wear Red Lipstick, It’s Not for Men
But that doesn’t stop men from criticizing it
As a feminist, I have a love-hate relationship with makeup.
On one hand, it’s expensive, time-consuming, sexist, and contradictory. Women are taught that their bare faces aren’t beautiful enough; they need to brighten their under-eyes and darken their over-eyes. Conceal the redness along their jaws so they can add it back two inches higher. Emphasize the hair on their brows and lashes — but God forbid it grows anywhere else.
On the other hand, makeup boosts my confidence and lets me express myself. It’s both an art form and an act of self-care that helps millions of people feel better about themselves.
Despite my ambivalence, I’ve been wearing makeup since I was 11 years old — but nothing invites more unsolicited comments than red lipstick.
Every time I wear red lipstick, a man tells me he doesn’t like it.
“That’s a bold look. I don’t know how I feel about it,” commented a stranger in the grocery store.
“It reminds me of my aunt who used to leave lipstick marks on my cheeks,” said a man I know personally.
