Why Hitler Hated Red Lipstick: This Reason Will Surprise You

In the 1940s, despite all the difficulties of living in the new historical realities, the popularity of decorative cosmetics especially increased. And not only after the victory over the Nazi army, but also directly during the war years.

“Cosmetics are as important to women as tobacco is to men,” the UK Food Department said. And they gave free tubes of lipstick to the women who worked in the factories. Similar sentiments prevailed in the United States. There, in 1941, military women were forced to appear on duty strictly with red lipstick on their lips.

Of course, such propaganda of beauty was due to attempts to cheer up the people. But an equally important reason for the popularization of cosmetics – and lipstick in particular – was an attempt to offend Hitler’s soldiers. And himself in particular.

The fact is that in 1933, Hitler, who came to power in Germany, banned German women from using cosmetics. After all, his party supporters are beautiful by nature! Also, among the rules for visiting the Chancellor’s residence was a ban on using lipstick and nail polish. Such visitors were categorically not allowed in the domain of the Führer.

By the way, during World War II, at the request of the US government, prominent cosmetic figures of that time created several special shades of lipstick, symbolizing victory over the regime. The trend of “military lipstick” quickly spread around the world, so women had the opportunity to choose the optimal shade of red: for example, “victory red”, “regimental red”, ” rocket red”, “patriotic red”, “grenadier red”.

Read also: ‘I’ll get there at all costs’: What Eva Braun did to start a relationship with Hitler