How red lipstick symbolises power and liberation beyond beauty

Arshia Pal Roy, a psychologist, has to meet clients often. She has long hesitated from wearing bold lipsticks because her supervisors cautioned that darker lipsticks can be distracting and even provocative. “A male client might get the wrong idea, they said. Which doesn’t make sense and is not really true. People coming to a therapy setting shouldn’t be made to feel like I am a higher being or someone different,” she said.

Despite the advice, however, Roy, 23, finds that deeper shades of red and maroon not only enhance her appearance but also boost her confidence. “They give off a vampy woman vibe which I love,” she said.

Roy isn’t the only woman going through this dilemma. Bollywood director Tahira Kashyap shared a post on Instagram with the caption, “Wearing a red lipper for the first time in my life. Took courage… I don’t know if you’ll understand… but yea… small win ❤️”

 

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Why are most women hesitant to wear bold colours?

Counseling psychologist Srishti Vatsa told indianexpress.com that red colour is often linked to attraction and attention, making red lipsticks sexualised and taboo.

“As women and girls, we’re always asked to ‘tone it down’ so that we don’t attract unnecessary gaze. Wearing red lipstick signals confidence and comfort with attracting attention, whether in the boardroom or social settings. It’s a power play,” said Vatsa, in her 30s.

She also said that in Indian media, red lipstick is often associated with villains and used to judge moral character, making women cautious of how they are perceived.

Counseling psychologist Priyamvada Tendulkar shared an anecdote about a client who was scolded by her mother for sitting with her legs spread at age nine, while watching television at her own home, sitting on the sofa. “Sit with your legs closed! Why are they spread like THAT?! Sit DECENTLY!” the mother had said, leading to feelings of shame about being a woman, growing up in that conservative household.

Tendulkar noted that bold colours are often linked to “bold” people making “bold choices”. “Here, “bold” is actually a euphemism for “promiscuous” or “morally questionable”, and I think this is a major reason why people are hesitant to wear bold colours,” she said.

 

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What drives women to wear red?

“When I first tried a bold red lipstick, I felt an electrifying thrill, a total bullseye zing! That’s when I realised I have an irrepressible dramatic side. It gives me a surge of energy. It might sound strange and mystical, but I feel a sense of poise and clarity,” said Tendulkar.

“Bold lipsticks became a symbol in the larger battle I waged—between being who I thought I was ‘supposed to be’ according to society, and who I really am. It came down to this – did I want approval, or was I going to give myself acceptance? I’m very pleased to say that I ultimately chose self-acceptance,” said Tendulkar, 35.

Are reds limited to special occasions?

Shilpika Sharma, 23, said she wears red lipstick on special occasions, especially with traditional outfits. “It depends on whether the red complements my outfit. It boosts my confidence, and I love how the bold red shade matches my undertone,” said the student.

In contrast, Rimsha Simran doesn’t wear red lipstick for confidence. “It’s just another colour that matches my outfit. I’ve never hesitated to wear it!” said the 22-year-old UPSC aspirant. She selects lipsticks, including red, based on her dress, occasion, and mood.

Singer and social worker Kakali Paria, in her mid-40s, believes “red needs no occasion”. She wears red lipsticks because she likes how she looks and feels good about herself when she does.

Debarati Neogi Majumder, 50, a BHMS doctor, finds that red lipsticks boost her confidence and happiness. “Red is my favorite colour, and as I age, I grow more fond of it. Despite judgments and opinions, I wear what makes me happy,” she said.

Prisha Sharma, 31, a French language interpreter, believes bold lip colours enhance features and complexion. “Bold lipsticks are attention-grabbing, which might make some uncomfortable, making them choose nudes. I wear bold colours to look bold and sexy, not based on occasion,” she said.

If you’ve been thinking of trying out a bold red, let this be your cue to pick up a tube and paint away!

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