Powerful Words and Powerful Lipstick

On a notable day, Aug. 19, 2024, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the trailblazing congresswoman from New York, captured the nation's attention. Amidst chants of "A-O-C" from an energized crowd, she tackled topics ranging from the situation in Gaza and her views on former President Trump to a fervent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, whom she lauded as a relentless champion for the working class.

The Red Lipstick Phenomenon

However, Ocasio-Cortez's speech also sparked an unexpected surge of interest in her choice of makeup—specifically, her striking red lipstick. For those curious about the exact shade, it's the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso, retailing at $24. This isn't the first time her signature lipstick has sent fans and followers on a retail run. Following her groundbreaking win in June 2018, the red shade became a symbol of power and defiance, mirroring her own political journey.

A Symbol of Unity and Strength

The choice of a bold red lipstick is not without historical significance. Echoing the suffragettes of the early 1900s, who donned the color as a badge of solidarity and strength during their protests for women's voting rights, Ocasio-Cortez's Beso shade connects her to a legacy of female empowerment. The connection to the past is made even more poignant by the fact that Elizabeth Arden once distributed red lipstick to marchers in NYC in 1912 as a symbol of unity.

More Than Just Makeup

While Ocasio-Cortez's lipstick choice has certainly captured the public's imagination, leading to a sell-out of the Beso shade at major retailers like Sephora, it's clear that her impact goes far beyond cosmetic trends. Her advocacy for comprehensive healthcare, affordable housing, the abolition of ICE, and criminal justice reform underscores a commitment to substantive policy changes. Yet, her choice to wear a symbolically charged lipstick color serves as a powerful reminder of the interplay between personal expression and political activism.

Will History Repeat with Another Sell-Out?

As the buzz from her DNC speech continues, many are left wondering if the Beso lipstick will see another surge in sales. Regardless, the conversation around Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's speech—and her makeup—underscores the multifaceted ways in which she continues to influence both politics and culture.