Lipstick lesbians, this day is really for us. Usually, it makes me crazy that there is a “Day” for everything. National Hot Dog Day. National Kiss Your Cat Day. National Striped Pants Day. But there is one day I simply cannot be mad about — National Lipstick Day. I get it. Deep down it’s a marketing ploy to get us to buy more. But I can’t help but feel a little attached to the day that honors something that plays such a big part in lesbian culture and language. I am talking, of course, about “lipstick lesbians,” something I am proud to be. The term “lipstick lesbian” is first documented in the early 80s. I can’t help but wonder if it appeared even earlier. It’s a pretty great expression after all. Although like everything, some people take issue with the term, I consider it a sweet way to refer to those of us who belong to the girly girl set of femmes who would sooner leave the house naked than without lipstick. In a larger sense, for me personally anyway, lipstick represents choice. It is an outward sign of my inward belief that lesbians have the right to express ourselves in any damn way we choose. It’s like a tiny rebellion. Don’t try to define us, it says. We can wear lipstick and/or choose flannel. We can sport long locks and/or short cuts. We can get our nails done and/or get the yard work done. We are everything. We are everywhere. And there’s no erasing us with your gender definitions. We are who we are, women who love women, with lipstick or without. So, in honor of this colorful day, here are a few faves to check out. TATCHA Cherry Blossom Silk Lipstick The designers of this cherry blossom delight were inspired by Kyoto, Japan’s beloved Cherry Blossoms. The delicate silk blossoms always seem to be aglow whether it is with the sun’s rays or the moon’s beams. The formula includes silk and Cherry Blossom extracts for a nourishing petal-soft finish. And, get this, it even contains 23-karat gold. Hard to imagine anything more glamorous than that. The result is a pink blush lip with a creamy sheen.
Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips 2 This collection is everything. Eleven shades of lipstick inspired by eleven incredible icons from rule breakers to record makers to history shakers. The colors truly are universally-flattering and come in five collectible and refillable cases, the inspiration for which comes from Charlotte’s own personal universe of fashion, Hollywood, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and magic. You can mix and match any case design with any Hot Lips 2 refill shade. The best part is that the creations are actually a collaboration with Women for Women International set to grant a million dollars to the inspirational charity. lilah b. Divine Duo Lip & Cheek This multi-purpose, creamy lip and cheek duo is really chic. It comes in a sleek little container that is super handbag friendly, even if the tiniest of clutches is your go-to. It has a lux matte finish, and, unlike other long-wearing make-ups, it’s creamy and moisturizing. It’s blendable and buildable color, which means you can use it day and night. Hint — you can even use it as a cream eyeshadow, which would make it the perfect triple threat.
The Lip Bar All of their products are all vegan and cruelty free, and they’re made with shea butter, coconut and avocado oil, and Vitamin E. Shark Tank rudely turned the founder away. But Target was smart enough to scoop up this line made by a woman of color who refuses to ignore the fact that women come in all colors. The line has become known for its color range which runs from matte blue to classic red to a collection of over 15 nudes that recognizes there’s no such thing as one nude fits all.
