The secret to not only garnering compliments but also asserting confidence lies in one simple item: lipstick. More specifically, red lipstick—a vibrant, unmistakable shade that coats the lips with the strength and fortitude akin to armour.
Consider the quintessential French girl aesthetic: tousled hair, natural makeup, understated yet chic fashion, and, of course, a bold red lip. This striking visual statement signifies more than just a pop of colour—it conveys flirtatious allure, a declaration of strength and individuality, and a clear indication of confidence for any woman who chooses to wear it.
Throughout history, women have repeatedly demonstrated that beauty and power are intricately linked. Red lipstick, in particular, encapsulates the duality of femininity—an emblem of both allure and resilience.
The origins of red lipstick can be traced back to ancient civilisations, including the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Greeks, where it was used not only for beautification but also as a symbol of status and power. Cleopatra, for example, is famously known for her love of deep red hues, which she used to enhance her beauty and project her royal presence. In these early times, the pigments were made from crushed beetles or other natural materials, showing how red lipstick was once a luxury that only the elite could afford.
However, as Western societies, predominantly controlled by men, took hold of the trend, red lipstick was condemned as “the devil’s work.” In 1770, the British government passed a law forbidding the use of lipstick, declaring that “women found guilty of seducing men into matrimony by cosmetic means could be tried for witchcraft.”
By 1912, during the American suffragette movement for women’s rights, red lipstick became a symbol of defiance, with suffragettes using the striking colour to armour themselves in their fight for the right to vote. Red, therefore, is not merely a colour; it is a symbol of strength, independence, and resistance.
For many, red lipstick has the power to make a bold statement. Whether expressing confidence, sensuality, or liberation, the addition of red to one’s lips is an unspoken declaration of self-assurance. Red lipstick is more than just a cosmetic; it signifies boldness and allure in equal measure.
The red lip has undoubtedly become synonymous with the French girl style, embodying the very essence of Parisian beauty. This bold yet effortlessly chic look continues to evoke a sense of empowerment, with a swipe of crimson perfectly complementing everything from vintage jeans and a well-worn white tee to an oversized blazer. While beauty trends may ebb and flow, the red lip has remained a timeless statement. French style icons, or “It girls,” continually demonstrate that this look is not only enduring but firmly established in modern fashion.
For those captivated by the allure of a scarlet pout and unsure where to begin their search for the perfect shade, here are some of The Gentry Journal’s, favourites:
CHANEL Rouge Allure No. 99 PIRATE
Coco Chanel introduced her first lipstick in 1924, driven by her frustration with the lack of suitable formulas available on the market. The result was a highly pigmented lipstick housed in an innovative ivory tube with a copper sliding mechanism—an extraordinary design for its time. A devoted admirer of a crimson pout, Chanel developed her own signature shade, featuring a cool blue base. Today, this iconic colour, known as 99 Pirate, remains one of the best-selling lipsticks globally.
Pirate is a vibrant, luminous hue that delivers a deep, radiant satin finish. For some, it may be more suited to evening wear. The lipstick can be applied directly to the lips or, for those preferring greater precision, with a lip brush after lining with a lip pencil.
This shade is consistently sold out, so when it becomes available, it is highly advisable to secure it without hesitation.
Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Lipstick in Goldie Red 25
In May 2019, Gucci Beauty was relaunched under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele. The collection made its debut with a line of lipsticks, which proved to be an overwhelming success, with reports suggesting that one million units were sold within the first month. Among the 58 shades, one in particular garnered attention. Goldie Red 25, Michele’s signature shade, draws inspiration from the legendary Hollywood character, Goldie. This vibrant hue is best appreciated in its matte formulation, which delivers a bold and velvety finish.
Goldie Red 25, also known as The Gucci Red, was specially selected by the Creative Director and is marked with the number 25 and a star—symbols that appear throughout the House’s collections. This matte finish lipstick is saturated with pigment, delivering intense, long-lasting colour. Its moisturising formula combines pigment and gelling waxes, offering a lightweight finish that enhances the true clarity of the shade. The lipstick is infused with a floral fragrance, featuring violet notes and a subtle, fruity scent. Additionally, it has been dermatologically tested to ensure safety and quality.
ROUJE Les Filles En Rouje Le Rouge Jeanne
Jeanne Damas, a designer widely regarded in fashion and beauty circles as one of the chicest figures of her time, has come to define the quintessential French-girl aesthetic. Through her fashion brand, Rouje, she recently introduced a new French beauty line, Les Filles En Rouje, and has since launched a collection of lipsticks, with one shade standing out as the perfect red—aptly named Jeanne, after the brand’s founder and her ‘signature’ hue.
What makes this lipstick so exceptional is its flawless application. The bullet’s shape allows it to glide effortlessly across the lips, while the soft-matte pigment provides a blurred finish that ensures a foolproof, seamless application. The formula is a perfect balance of velvety and buttery, offering a texture that is far from drying, and its staying power is just right—not too set to make it unworkable, yet not so liquid that it smudges.
As for the shade, it is a beautifully balanced pink-toned red—cool enough to make teeth appear whiter, yet warm enough to complement all skin tones. Bright and vibrant, it is versatile enough to suit both casual daywear, such as jeans and a white t-shirt, and more polished evening looks.
MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
No lipstick roundup would be complete without the inclusion of MAC Cosmetics’ iconic Ruby Woo. This long-wearing formula offers intense colour payoff with a perfectly matte finish. The blue-toned cherry hue has gained a reputation for being universally flattering. Additionally, a special edition of this beloved shade, known as Riri Woo, was created in collaboration with the renowned singer Rihanna.
DIOR Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999
Also known as Iconic, this classic rouge shade takes its name from the first two lipsticks ever launched by Christian Dior—shades 9 and 99. The product’s smooth yet stable consistency allows for the option to skip lip liner. Dior’s 999 is highly versatile, offering a striking pop of colour to complement both bold, edgy ensembles and the timeless elegance of old Hollywood glamour, thanks to its velvet texture.
Hermès, Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick in 85 Rouge H
Could this be the world’s most luxurious lipstick? French fashion house Hermès certainly leads the way. Designed as a coveted objet d’art, this lipstick is intended to be a treasure, something to be proudly retrieved from one’s handbag for reapplication. The formula is as luxurious as the elegantly crafted casing. The iconic shade, Rouge H, was originally created in 1925 for Hermès leather. This deep red, with subtle hints of burgundy, delivers long-lasting colour. To further elevate the experience, the formula is infused with a signature fragrance, developed by the house’s fragrance director, Christine Nagel.
