CTZN Cosmetics has launched an inclusive range of six Code Red lipsticks, offering "a perfect red shade for every citizen of the world." As part of the launch, the brand has partnered with Diipa Büller-Khosla and her NGO, Post For Change, to apply 8% of Code Red sales toward providing menstrual hygiene kits to those in need in India and Pakistan. In addition, health education seminars will be conducted for recipients to help them understand the importance of menstrual hygiene, how to use sanitary pads and how to fight the shame associated with periods.
The Code Red lipsticks ($28 MSRP) retail at ctzncosmetics.com and will be available at Nordstrom.com shortly.
The six lipstick shades provide a matte finish and are formulated with shea butter and raspberry extract. The formulations are vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and carmine-free. The six shades are:
- Ahmar (Arabic), a vibrant orange flame, warm red with a tangerine undertone
- Kirmizi (Turkish), a fiery red with orange undertones
- Laal (Urdu), a blue-toned true red with cool undertones
- Rooi (Afrikaans), a wine-colored deep red with cold blue undertones
- Pula (Tagalog), a crimson red with plum undertones
- Rosso (Italian), a blue-toned intense mahogany red with cool undertones
“After more than three years of perfecting these shades, we are so excited to finally introduce Code Red to the world,” said Naseeha Khan, CTZN Cosmetics co-founder and head of product curation.
“After more than three years of perfecting these shades, we are so excited to finally introduce Code Red to the world,” said Naseeha Khan, CTZN Cosmetics co-founder and head of product curation. “We understood the impact our Nudiversal Lip Duo collection had on our community–for everyone to be able to find their ‘perfect nude’ with ease–so we knew we had to bring that same inclusive experience for red lipstick.”
“Over 800 million women and young girls are faced with the harsh reality of period poverty each and every year," said Büller-Khosla. "As an activist for female equality, these circumstances have given me more and more reason to stand up for those who aren’t able to do so themselves. I'm excited that together Post for Change and CTZN Cosmetics will shed light on the importance of supporting women and promoting menstrual equity and emphasising fundamental rights and dignity for women everywhere.”
“As CTZNs of Pakistani descent, and Diipa being of Indian descent, this initiative addressing period poverty hits close to home,” said Aleezeh Khan, CTZN Cosmetics co-founder and head of operations. “Red is a bold lip color, so we wanted to make a bold statement with this release by supporting an important cause that has too often been written off as taboo.”
“In our research, we noted many beauty enthusiasts claimed they were 'too scared' to wear red lipstick," shared Aleena Khan, CTZN Cosmetics co-founder and head of marketing. "We learned that the intimidation of a red lip stems from an individual not finding the perfect shade that actually flatters them. The standard bright cherry red truly does not suit every complexion and begs to be challenged.”
