# Why do women wear lipstick/ Why are men turned on by it? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 19, 2010, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745 "2010-06-19T02:45:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/21 "2010-06-19T03:58:01Z")
> [@njtt](#): > > Are female lips naturally more prominent, or redder, than male ones then? (If not, what dimorphism is being emphasized?) Yes. See the link I linked earlier. ---
**Author:** ![shijinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@shijinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shijinn)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/22 "2010-06-19T04:02:22Z")
the lips and nails are simply convenient places to paint. those who are inclined to decorate themselves do so, not just here but the entire face and elsewhere too. men get turned on because they get turned on by anything that suggest sex is on the cards. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/23 "2010-06-19T04:09:30Z")
> [@scamartistry](#): > > Great, of course things happen by accident. The reason why alchol got popular is that alcohol has a nice effect on the brain. If alcohol made you depressed and blind I dont think it would have caught on. However alcohol has some “positive” effects, therefore the continuation of its use. Im trying to establish the should be obvious thing that behaviour etc..survives if there is a benefit to it. > > To say that doing/wearing X is beneficial is totally missing the point. My question was WHY has this thing caught on? what are the reasons? why do people like this? > > To answer: “People wear this because it works for them” is not an answer but almost embarrasing. Not to comment of the value of the answer. > > In short : it doesnt answer anything. > > Example: why did they abolish slavery: " Because the liked to"…its not really an answer. The reason I’m stating these things is because no one knows the actual answer. We can measure the effect, but we don’t know the detailed mechanisms of biology that would give a specific answer. The answers about sexual dimorphism are theories that we don’t have the methodology to prove, but we do find consistent. Do you wear lipstick, or are you attracted to people who do? Do you really know why? I doubt it. I find it interesting that you used the word ‘rationale’ in your OP. This is often used in the sense of an explanation based on ‘natural law’, which usually means an appealing story that may or may not be based in fact. You sound like you are more interested in a satisfying story than an actual explanation. That may not be your intent though, but all I can offer you is the factual answer, nobody knows how it started, and it continues because the practise is percieved as achieving a subjective goal. ---
**Author:** ![scamartistry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@scamartistry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scamartistry)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/24 "2010-06-19T04:16:58Z")
A lot of these thesis would explain this assecory. We have to admit the fact that most colors in use are not random (i.e red,pink, shades of brown) You rarely see dark colors in mainstream use(disregarding of course goths and what not) Would it be fair to propose that these are ways to exaggerate signs of healthiness. Not unlike, being tan, white teeth, being thin, large breasts etc… Things that are rated high and some of them have probably BEEN rated high in past societies. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/25 "2010-06-19T04:40:58Z")
> [@scamartistry](#): > > A lot of these thesis would explain this assecory. > > We have to admit the fact that most colors in use are not random (i.e red,pink, shades of brown) > You rarely see dark colors in mainstream use(disregarding of course goths and what not) > > Would it be fair to propose that these are ways to exaggerate signs of healthiness. Not unlike, being tan, white teeth, being thin, large breasts etc… > > Things that are rated high and some of them have probably BEEN rated high in past societies. That is somewhat fair. Sexual dimorphism seems a more likely answer, and that would tie into evolutionary concepts that include the perception of health. But tanning isn’t a consistent indication of health, or sexual attraction. Many cultures have used white coloring for those purposes. Thinness and breast size vary in perception as well. Just being different is often helpful for sexual attraction. And if you look back at changing trends through time, and the many ways people decorate themselves in different cultures you might find some of them repulsive. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/26 "2010-06-19T04:44:12Z")
> [@simple\_homer](#): > > I find contrasts attractive. Many women with pale skin, black hair, and red lips are very attractive , IMHO. Ah, so you have met my girlfriend. ---
**Author:** ![yoyodyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a9a28c/32.png) [@yoyodyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yoyodyne)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/27 "2010-06-19T04:56:40Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > So why do lesbians wear lipstick? Why do women who are not trying to attract a mate wear lipstick? Why do women like how they themselves look wearing lipstick? > > I think my answer’s better, as it answers all these questions, as well. Lipstick emphasizes sexual dimorphism in facial contrast, making lipstick wearers appear more feminine. I believe the wiki [explanation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lip#Erogenous_zone). Lip and eye size increase with estrogen levels, which peak when young and at maximum fertility. Exaggeration of lip size with lipstick or lip augmentation make women appear more youthful and fertile, and thus more sexually attractive. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Owl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@Mister\_Owl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Owl)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/28 "2010-06-19T05:02:54Z")
I did not see where anyone else raised this point, but not all men find make up attractive. I for one much prefer a more natural look. I imagine I am in a minority though. That said, I understand why women use make up and after having had make up applied to myself for on camera appearances have often wondered why more men do not use it. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/29 "2010-06-19T05:04:06Z")
> [@yoyodyne](#): > > I believe the wiki [explanation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lip#Erogenous_zone). Lip and eye size increase with estrogen levels, which peak when young and at maximum fertility. Exaggeration of lip size with lipstick or lip augmentation make women appear more youthful and fertile, and thus more sexually attractive. I think what you’re positing is perhaps the biomechanism behind the sexual dimorphism. In other words, we’re saying the same thing! ---
**Author:** ![scamartistry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@scamartistry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scamartistry)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/30 "2010-06-19T05:09:59Z")
> [@Mister\_Owl](#): > > I did not see where anyone else raised this point, but not all men find make up attractive. I for one much prefer a more natural look. I imagine I am in a minority though. > > That said, I understand why women use make up and after having had make up applied to myself for on camera appearances have often wondered why more men do not use it. Thanks, You just managed to say absolutely nothing at all! ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/31 "2010-06-19T12:45:52Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > Tradition to large degree I think. I understand it originated in Roman times, used by prostitutes to make their facial lips resemble labia, and to signal that they _were_ prostitutes. It’s been female custom in our culture so long that it has become symbolic of womanhood, and therefore it excites sexual interest in men and serves as a symbol of femininity to women. Like high heeled shoes. A couple of translated Chinese novels I’ve read suggest that it was also done in China. Shadow of a doubt, thrown on the hooker hypothesis? ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/32 "2010-06-19T12:47:15Z")
> [@Mister\_Owl](#): > > I did not see where anyone else raised this point, but not all men find make up attractive. I for one much prefer a more natural look. I imagine I am in a minority though. You don’t have to find just one look attractive. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/33 "2010-06-19T14:05:01Z")
> [@Mister\_Owl](#): > > I did not see where anyone else raised this point, but not all men find make up attractive. I for one much prefer a more natural look. I imagine I am in a minority though. I hear a lot of men say this, and by and large, it’s ignorance speaking. Most of them don’t prefer no makeup, they prefer subtle makeup in natural hues. They don’t know they prefer subtle makeup, because when they see it, they think, “Ah, now that’s lovely, why don’t more women not wear makeup?” [/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/34 "2010-06-19T14:06:49Z")
I have never understood lipstick, and personally find it revolting. Very unattractive on a woman, as is most makeup. I much prefer a natural appearance. Lipstick also feels gross when kissing. I have no hesitation in asking a woman to take it off first. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/35 "2010-06-19T14:18:39Z")
Men find big, plump lips attractive because they are occasionally wrapped around their penis, the same as a vagina. I have known women that used rouge on their labia. It served the same purpose as lipstick on the face. It makes them stand out. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/36 "2010-06-19T14:23:35Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > Moved GD –\> GQ. > > Welcome to the SDMB, **scamartistry**. > > Please take some time to review the [rules and guidelines](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=562482) for posting here, and the [descriptions of the various forums](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/index.php). It will make your time here much easier. > > **twickster** , moderator I probably shouldn’t start debating a mod, but I think it belongs in IMHO, IMHO. All the answers are speculative. Be that as it may, here is something that seems left out of most of the answers. My father didn’t like lipstick (I don’t know why) and I grew up not accustomed to seeing my mother wear lipstick. I made it clear to my wife that I didn’t much care for it and she rarely wears it, although she uses other makeup (lightly, lightly). So my sons never got used to it and now I see that neither daughter-in-law wears lipstick. What all these sexual explanations seem to miss is that we obviously have learned this from our mothers! ---
**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/37 "2010-06-19T15:14:58Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > Be that as it may, here is something that seems left out of most of the answers. My father didn’t like lipstick (I don’t know why) and I grew up not accustomed to seeing my mother wear lipstick. I made it clear to my wife that I didn’t much care for it and she rarely wears it, although she uses other makeup (lightly, lightly). So my sons never got used to it and now I see that neither daughter-in-law wears lipstick. What all these sexual explanations seem to miss is that we obviously have learned this from our mothers! Also being missed is the fact that lipstick isn’t currently all that popular. I doubt your daughter-in-laws’ makeup choices have anything to do with what your wife was wearing while your sons were growing up, it’s just that they’re of a different generation. In most settings women are no longer expected to wear lipstick to look presentable, and for those who care about wearing makeup lip _gloss_ is more the “in” thing. I don’t think I even know any women who wear lipstick on a regular basis, for everyday wear it’s either lip gloss or nothing. ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/38 "2010-06-19T15:49:37Z")
Lipstick, or lip coloring, will never go out of style. I look like a haggard, dead middle aged woman without some. WITH it, I look the same, only not dead, lol. I know scads of young 20 somethings who wear lip balm and that’s it. Maybe they don’t know how to make a choice of the thousands of colors. That’s too bad, it’s a fun little perk of being a female (don’t know what the men’s equivalent is). ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/39 "2010-06-19T20:45:57Z")
> [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > A couple of translated Chinese novels I’ve read suggest that it was also done in China. > > Shadow of a doubt, thrown on the hooker hypothesis? Maybe. But it could easily have been invented independently in China. And I was talking mostly about why it became popular in our, Western culture. ---
**Author:** ![NinetyWt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/cc9497/32.png) [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2010, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745/40 "2010-06-19T23:19:00Z")
> [@salinqmind](#): > > That’s too bad, it’s a fun little perk of being a female (don’t know what the men’s equivalent is). Maybe they don’t like the feel of it. I’m an old woman and I don’t wear lipstick (never have). It feels gross on my lips. I do use a bit of flavored balm so that my lips don’t dry out. I disagree that it’s a ‘fun little perk’. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-women-wear-lipstick-why-are-men-turned-on-by-it/543745.md?page=3)