The red lipstick theory, explained

For decades, a crimson pout has had the power to turn heads with its classic essence that turns a look on fire. —Photo by Karolina Grabowska_Unsplash+

The culture of color in the beauty world shows us that few things are as iconic as a red lipstick.

Look back to the sultry cartoons of Jessica Rabbit and Betty Boop or remember blonde bombshells Madonna and Marilyn Monroe. Or how about the gothic glamour of the Addams Family matriarch, Morticia, or the eternal sex appeal of Uma Thurman in “Pulp Fiction?” Taylor Swift has practically built a pop persona around it, too.

Other real-life portraits of elegance include Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (known for her minimalist fashion and beauty choices), who reportedly wore MAC’s Russian Red or Bobbi Brown’s Ruby Stain lip. Paloma Picasso, daughter of Pablo Picasso, is a French jewelry designer who also made the red lip her signature.

Marilyn Monroe, photo taken for the 1953 film “How to Marry a Millionaire”

Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction, 1994

Red lipstick has been around for centuries, from crushed beetle pigments in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to Hollywood’s golden age, and even World War II. Fashion houses from Chanel and Dior to Hermès remain a gold standard in red lipstick, while many remember their teenage favorites like MAC’s Ruby Woo or Sunnies Face’s fluffmate in its bold red shade Major.

According to the London Image Institute, red “attracts the most attention and is associated with strong emotions, such as love, passion, and anger… A little can go a long way, however, and in large areas, red can cause visual strain.” So instead of going for a full red ensemble, wearing just a small scarlet dash on your lips is just enough.

For decades, a crimson pout has had the power to turn heads with its classic essence that can turn a look on fire. And now, with all its history, red lipstick is returning to relevance with this makeup step in full focus (sans all other makeup additions), thanks to TikTok’s “red lipstick theory.”

What is the red lipstick theory?

The theory went viral when Alexis Androulakis from The Lipstick Lesbians posted a video on TikTok with the sound, “If you are wearing nothing on your face, nothing but a red lipstick, your skin will look more even because you’ve drawn people’s attention to the red lip.”

Since the viral video, influencers around the world have been filming themselves to Androulakis’ recording, ending with the obvious brightening effects on their faces after applying a single swish of scarlet lip.

At its simplest, the theory says you can use red lipstick and no other makeup. Photo by Nada Gamal_Unsplash+

At its simplest, the theory says you can use red lipstick and no other makeup. The effects of a Ferrari-red lip can brighten your whole complexion without wearing any foundation or concealer. The red distracts from blemishes, dullness, and even dark circles. In a way, it’s also a skin theory, with less coverage and pressure on your skin but higher impact. I don’t understand why this isn’t used all the time.

Your teeth look whiter, and your eyes seem clearer, too. Like an optical illusion, the bold pigment pulls focus onto the lips, reflecting warmth back into the face. So on days when you don’t want to pile on layer after layer of skin maquillage, your one case of ruby lip can carry your entire look.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Photo from Jeff Kravitz_Getty Images

Why should you swipe that theory into action?

1. Not just a lip theory, but a skin theory

Bright red lips create contrast with the rest of your face. This tricks the eye into seeing brighter, smoother, and more even-toned skin, almost like turning on a face filter without any skin concealer.

In color psychology, people read the color red as bold and decisive | Photo by Karolina Grabowska_Unsplash+

2. An easy recipe for instant confidence

Whether or not you feel powerful, red lipstick signals it. In color psychology, people read the color red as bold and decisive. The red lip theory is an easy way to communicate strength non-verbally, whether at a meeting or on a date.

3. Your routine, simplified

One step, done. Unlike the clean girl aesthetic, which ironically takes 20 minutes of “minimal” makeup, red lipstick carries a look on its own. I love the red lipstick theory because it’s lazy girl-certified.

4. It’s both timeless and trendy

From the old world of Hollywood glamour, the red lip is resurfacing in today’s TikTok and Pinterest feeds, framed in ways that are both retro and avant-garde.

While the clean girl look demands constant upkeep, red lipstick works along with imperfection. This ease is what makes it so appealing.

Just one bold stroke of ruby red lipstick can flatter the skin, sharpen presence, and prove that sometimes, less really is more.