A Selfridges advert from 1919 reported that, ‘Fashionable young women are flocking to the store for delicate tea dresses and that most powerful symbol of female emancipation: red lipstick.’ The impact endured and, in 1941, Elizabeth Arden introduced the lipstick shade ‘Victory Red’ as an emblem of patriotism and strength.

The power of red lipstick prevailed throughout WWII. A time when austerity was everywhere, women used red lipstick to raise spirits and support their fellow women through tough times. A Finnegan’s brand lipstick was even named ‘Home Front Ammunition,’ which novelist Lucy Ribchester says lent women a sense of bravery and fearlessness.

Was there a hidden message in the beauty looks at the BAFTAs?