Lipstick is a cosmetic product used to apply coloration and texture to lips, often made of wax and oil. Different pigments are used to produce color, and minerals such as silica may be used to provide texture. The use of lipstick dates back to early civilizations such as Sumer and the Indus Valley Civilisation, and was popularized in the Western world in the 16th century. Lipstick has been prominent in several womens fashion trends, often associated with women's sexuality. The color of lipstick has aesthetic and cultural significance as different colors carry different connotations. For example, red lipstick has historically been associated with sensuality or women's independence while black lipstick is worn by both men and women in alternative subcultures, especially punk and goth.
Lipstick is usually made in the form of a cylindrical stick of waxy material encased in a metal or plastic tube. The ingredients of lipstick may vary depending on the brand, but most lipsticks are a waxy, slightly creamy substance in a stick that's tinted with red pigment that colors your lips. Some lipsticks contain traces of toxic materials, such as lead and PFAS, which prompted health concerns and regulation. However, natural lipstick formulas are also available, which use natural pigments, natural moisturizers, and natural long-lasting color without sacrificing a truly natural formula.
