During World War II, red lipstick wasn’t just a fashion statement—it became a powerful symbol of patriotism, strength, and even defiance. With slogans like "Beauty as Duty" and "Lipstick is Your War Paint," American women were encouraged to maintain their appearance as part of the war effort. The idea was simple: by looking glamorous, women could boost morale on the home front and show resilience in the face of adversity.

Cosmetic companies like Elizabeth Arden embraced this with patriotic makeup lines, including the iconic "Victory Red" lipstick. Women in the armed forces were even issued makeup kits to keep them feeling confident and ready for duty, both on and off the battlefield.

But there’s a rebellious twist to the story. Adolf Hitler reportedly hated red lipstick, viewing it as a symbol of the "decadent" Western culture he so despised. For many women, wearing red lipstick wasn’t just about looking good—it became a subtle act of defiance. By painting their lips red, women sent a message of resilience and freedom in direct opposition to Nazi oppression.