There's no denying that makeup means power. You put it on and it lets you be whoever you want to be. But that red lipstick? Oh that red lipstick has a magic of its own! One that several women recognize, harness and endorse. In fact, it even gives you an inexplicable sense of belonging to a tribe or sisterhood, a feeling I experienced when I saw all those women who probably also woke up and thought, "Yep, today's a special day. So I'll do the red."

Red has always meant extraordinary. I remember being part of an all-women team, and when a day at work was looking particularly drab or difficult, we'd just whip out some lipstick from our vanity pouches and indulge ourselves a little. Compare shades, discuss undertones, and put them on. And voilà, our morale's were boosted!

The psyche behind how and why red lipsticks went from being considered immoral and symbols of loose character to being empowering is rather interesting. Even now, several conservatives frown upon women sporting bold red, luscious lips. And yet, women continue to put this war paint on, and taking over this world, one pout at a time!

By Jinal Bhatt