The Enduring Power of Red Lipstick

By Tesia Williams
EVP, Public Affairs & Communications

Red lipstick has long been a symbol of confidence and strength. It is widely considered feminine and bold, daring and assured. Red lipstick often declares, “I am ready to meet the world head-on, and the world should get ready for me.” And you don’t have to be a “Swiftie” to know that Taylor Swift has introduced a new generation of young women to the bold lip stain.

But the power of red lipstick is not new. Each generation has discovered or rediscovered the sense of authority, autonomy, and assurance from a perfect shade of red.

For example, Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, was among the first to embrace the power of red lipstick. In ancient Egypt, red was considered a symbol of social status and strength. The queen wore a red pigment on her lips that she allegedly created by crushing ants and beetles into an appliable paste.

Fast-forward to the 20th century, red lipstick became a symbol of suffragist women fighting for the right to vote. In 1912, as thousands of suffragists marched through the streets of New York City, makeup pioneer Elizabeth Arden passed out tubes of bright red lipstick to show her support for the cause.

During World War II, when luxuries were sacrificed for the war effort, women still found ways to inject a bit of femininity and resistance into their lives with a little red lipstick. Today, women all over the world are owning their confidence and strength through the power that red lipstick symbolizes.

July 29 is National Lipstick Day, a perfect moment to celebrate the rich history and lasting impact of this small but powerful accessory. It also marks my first day in an exciting new role as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications at the Personal Care Products Council.

The opportunity to represent the cosmetics and personal care products industry is a dream come true. I am proud to be part of this vibrant, essential, and inclusive industry, and I am ready to get to work on important issues that affect so many lives.

And you can be sure that I am wearing the perfect shade of red lipstick on my first day.

More from PCPC

Personal Care Products Council Appoints Tesia Williams as Head of Public Affairs & Communications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Stefanie Harrington, (202) 615-6558, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org
Jennifer Daniel, (202) 258-5285, danielj@personalcarecouncil.org

Personal Care Products Council Appoints Tesia Williams as Head of Public Affairs & Communications

WASHINGTON – The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) announced today Tesia Williams’ appointment as executive vice president, public affairs and communications. Williams most recently led global corporate media relations for Johnson & Johnson and brings a wealth of experience in crisis communications and reputation management. 

 “We are excited to welcome Tesia to lead our public affairs and communications team,” said PCPC President and CEO Tom Myers. “She is a strategy-first communications executive with more than 20 years of experience in protecting and elevating brands, building coalitions and leading large, multi-functional teams in a highly regulated industry. Her extensive expertise will be instrumental in navigating our industry’s complex issues and enhancing our support to member companies.”

Williams previously served as senior vice president of crisis and reputation management at Edelman. She began her career in communications and public affairs in the federal government where she held significant roles at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She led communications efforts on critical events, including the federal COVID-19 pandemic response, product safety issues, workforce diversity and inclusion challenges, critical supply shortages and the 9/11 Pentagon attack.

Williams graduated from Hampton University in Hampton, Va.

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Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day — from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance — PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to safety, quality and innovation. 

More from PCPC

Statement by Personal Care Products Council: Trust Science, Not Social Media—Sunscreen is Your Best Defense

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Stefanie Harrington, (202) 615-6558, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org
Jennifer Daniel, (540) 904-8978, danielj@personalcarecouncil.org

Statement by Personal Care Products Council: Trust Science, Not Social Media—Sunscreen is Your Best Defense

WASHINGTON—“In light of the increased need for sun protection in the summer, misinformation on social media about sunscreen use is not just misleading but dangerous. Some influencers falsely claim that sunscreen is unnecessary, harmful or ineffective. These assertions contradict decades of scientific research confirming that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a proven cause of skin cancers, including melanoma, the deadliest form.

“Failing to wear sunscreen exposes your skin to harmful UV rays, which may damage skin cells, lead to premature skin aging and can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Despite what some influencers say, a tan is not a sign of health but a visible indication of skin damage. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology says there is no such thing as a healthy tan.

“Sunscreens are safe and effective. All sunscreens provide crucial protection against UV radiation, reducing the risk of skin cancer and preventing sunburn. Consumers have many sunscreen options, including lotions, sprays, gels and sticks, catering to different preferences and skin types. The best sunscreen is the one you will use consistently.

“We urge everyone to protect their skin by using sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing and avoiding peak sun exposure. Don’t be misled by harmful myths. Prioritize your skin health and prevent skin cancer by embracing proper sun protection. Your health is worth it.

“For more information about sunscreens and their ingredients, please visit www.cosmeticsinfo.org.”

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Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As the manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

More from PCPC