If February had a colour, it would have to be red. In the midst of this cold and dreary weather, this bright and bold hue is just what a winter-weary soul needs.
Red is the colour of passion, pleasure and flavour. We’re “seeing red” when we’re angry, or eating red when we want something hot and spicy on our plates.
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Red is all about ruby red lips and rouged cheeks and daring red undergarments, worn for good-luck in the near year. A primary colour, red sets the mood for good things to come, be it in the clothes we don, the cosmetics we wear and the foods we serve.
Red is as old as history, according to writer Saksham Kumar on novacolorpaint.com, who says “humankind started with just one shade of red which our ancestors used to make cave paintings and to paint their skin.
“Now there are over 40 varieties of red with different tinges of yellows and blues as well as different shades.”
Historically, red has stood as a testament and a symbol to life (the colour of blood) – and continues to do so. It stands for courage, but danger, too. When one thinks of heat, the colour red immediately comes to mind. It’s also the colour of the planet Mars, named after the god of war, notes Kumar.
Artists worldwide appreciate the importance of understanding this fundamental colour, and the emotions it evokes – from love to lust to anger and back again.
And we just love our reds – “the colour red has always been a huge representation of strength and power. And red is not going anywhere – especially when it comes to beauty,” says Anna Vinitskaia, marketing director of L’Oreal Paris Cosmetics.
“Makeup is all about play and go, so don’t hesitate to go beyond a traditional red lip. Try a red hue blush for a flushed cheek or play up the eyes with red graphic liner to take your daily makeup look from classic to edgy, or from day to night,” adds Vinitskaia.
Post-pandemic saw a massive increase in the variety of bold red lipstick shades many continue to wear today – many see as a response to masks finally coming off. As well, industry types say red in colour cosmetics is “no longer just for lips and cheeks – but we are seeing lots of options now for red eyeshadows and even red eyeliners.”
“Red is bold and classic, making a red lip truly timeless when it comes to colour cosmetics,” says Kelly Jessop, senior v-p for merchandising at Shoppers Drug Mart. “Quo Beauty just launched a Lip Vinyl in a dramatic red shade called Cherry on Top that looks glam and gorgeous all year long.”
And of course red is a staple when it comes to nails – while there may be ’50 shades of grey,’ apparently Shoppers Drug Mart has more than that number when it comes to shades of red nail polishes, adding a certain sexiness to long, red nails.
“From everything we’ve seen from our sales, colour is definitely back,” said Susy Brown, marketing director of GTM Brands at the Estée Lauder Companies, including the Smashbox brand, in an earlier interview. Including the fact that red lips continue to rule.
Red is not just cosmetics, but clothing, too, especially around Valentine’s Day, when comfy PJs are being tucked away for daring undergarments. One of the most sought after pieces of lingerie according to new data released by lingerie retailer Pour Moi is the red bra: “Red is synonymous with love, passion and sexuality, so it’s obvious that customers would be looking towards this colour choice as a means to bring some vibrancy into the bedroom this Valentine’s Day,” said Pour Moi officials in a recent release, noting crotchless panties (in red, what else?) are coming in as the “top search” for the lead-up to the official day of romance.
And let’s not forget red hair – a number of celebrities started embracing bold, fiery tresses back in 2021-22 and beauty industry sources are saying the trend will continue to strengthen in 2023. “It felt like almost every major celebrity had their own dalliance with the trend,” noted Laura Pitcher in nylon.com/beauty/red-hair-color-ideas. “Call it the Ice Spice effect, but this year we saw the likes of Kendall Jenner, Zendaya, and Sydney Sweeney, (amongst many others), dip their toe into the red or orange dye pool.” Word is red hair will continue to hold its popularity throughout 2023.
Eating red for health
Red may stand for pleasure and passion, but it also stands for health – and February’s the perfect month to get into healthy eating habit, and incorporating “red” foods into your diet.
According to producemadesimple.ca, red foods contain “an abundance of antioxidants that support the immune system and prevent inflammation,” plus they’re rich in vitamins, good sources of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium plus many contain antioxidants.
So don’t forget the tomatoes, and, cranberries, red peppers and raspberries, pomegranates and, of course, the humble little beet that just brims with goodness.