International Lipstick Day: A small cosmetic with a 5,000-year legacy

Beauty enthusiasts across the globe are marking International Lipstick Day on Wednesday (July 29), celebrating one of the world's most iconic cosmetic products whose history stretches back more than 5,000 years.

Although not an official public holiday, International Lipstick Day has become a major occasion for the global beauty and fashion industries. Leading cosmetics brands typically mark the day with exclusive product launches, promotional campaigns and significant discounts.

A Small Product, A Multi-Billion-Dollar Industry

Despite its compact size, lipstick has evolved into a global beauty essential. The worldwide lipstick market is estimated to be worth more than $8 billion in 2026, with millions of people using lipstick every day as part of their personal grooming routine.

Beauty trends this year show strong demand for classic bullet lipsticks with matte and satin finishes, valued for their long-lasting wear and versatility.

A History Dating Back Millennia

The origins of lipstick can be traced to ancient Mesopotamia, where people are believed to have crushed precious stones to color their lips. Ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra is also said to have worn lip color made from crushed insects.

Lipstick has not always enjoyed universal acceptance. In 1770, the British Parliament reportedly denounced lipstick as a tool of deception and attempted to restrict its use, while in some societies it was even associated with witchcraft.

Its popularity surged during the reign of England's Queen Elizabeth I, whose signature red lips became a defining beauty trend. During World War II, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill reportedly supported lipstick production, believing it boosted morale during difficult times.

How International Lipstick Day Began

The modern observance of International Lipstick Day is relatively recent. It was officially launched in 2016 by beauty entrepreneur and Huda Beauty founder Huda Kattan to celebrate confidence, creativity and self-expression through makeup.

Since then, the day has become one of the busiest events on the global beauty calendar.

Brands Roll Out Special Offers

Major cosmetics companies are marking the occasion with promotional campaigns. Sephora is offering discounts of up to 50% on selected lipstick products, while MAC Cosmetics has announced discounts of up to 40% on various lip products, including lipsticks, lip glosses and lip liners. Fenty Beauty is also offering discounts on selected lip products alongside promotional gifts with qualifying purchases.

More Than Just Makeup

Beauty experts say lipstick has evolved beyond being a cosmetic product to become a symbol of confidence, personality and individual style.

They advise consumers to consider product quality and ingredients alongside color selection, choose shades suited to their skin tone, avoid expired products and refrain from sharing used lipsticks for hygiene reasons. Properly removing lipstick at the end of the day is also recommended to maintain healthy lips.

More than five millennia after its origins, lipstick continues to represent not only beauty and fashion but also culture, history and personal identity.