The red lipstick that's actually a feminist icon

Which gives us the perfect excuse to stock-up...

Inspiring businesswoman Elizabeth Arden, along with her old rival Ms Estee Lauder, are both credited with revolutionising the beauty industry as we know it and bringing colour, creams, lotions and fabulous makeup to the masses. It’s no surprise to learn then that not only was the inimitable Arden a savvy, global entrepreneur but she was also an early champion of women’s rights too.

Now we all appreciate the power of a red lipstick – to boost your mood, your confidence or distract from tired eyes. But none more than Arden herself who famously provided it to the suffragettes marching past her Fifth Avenue Salon in New York back in 1912. Fast-forward to the present day and the topic remains as relevant as ever with a resurgence in Women’s marches both in 2017 and back at the beginning of this year. In January 2018 the Time’s Up rally in support of the #MeToo social media movement was championed by celebrities including Reese Witherspoon, encouraging women to speak out about harassment, discrimination and sexual assault.

To continue Arden’s feminist legacy the brand are launching the March On campaign in partnership with UN Women and their new Storyteller-In-Chief, Reese Witherspoon. As part of the March On movement, the iconic Red Door Red lipstick has been redesigned with a limited edition fiery red packaging and signed by Reese herself. The benefit of this partnership includes a $1 million pledge to UN Women and that 100% of proceeds from the special lipstick will go toward supporting their work in the battle for gender equality and female empowerment.

Shop now: March On Beautiful Colour Lipstick in Red Door Red for £22 from Elizabeth Arden

If you’re an original Red Door Red fan rest assured, the formula for this limited edition version is still the same as the original. Hydrating and buttery in texture but still with a powerful pigment so you only need a slick to make a daring statement.

If you needed another excuse to start stock piling the cult shade – this is it.