The History of Red Lipstick

Women have come a long way in their quest for the perfect crimson pout. Here, ELLE.com walks you through the history of how women (and their men) have made it so popular.

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Photo by: Getty Images

1900-1920s
In the early twentieth century, lipstick became popular again. In 1915, Maurice Levy invented the first metal lipstick tube (before this, lipstick came wrapped in silk paper). By 1923, the modern swivel lipstick tube was patented and soon, companies like Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubenstein, and Max Factor started to create lipsticks. Early film stars, such as Clara Bow, used to wear the darkest lipstick they could ... more
Photo by: Getty Images
1900-1920s
In the early twentieth century, lipstick became popular again. In 1915, Maurice Levy invented the first metal lipstick tube (before this, lipstick came wrapped in silk paper). By 1923, the modern swivel lipstick tube was patented and soon, companies like Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubenstein, and Max Factor started to create lipsticks. Early film stars, such as Clara Bow, used to wear the darkest lipstick they could find to mimic red (traditional red's didn't show up on black and white film).

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