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Embodied Podcast

Painted: The Politics Behind Every Red Lip

By Kaia Findlay,

Audrey Smith, Anita Rao

Published January 28, 2022 at 9:54 AM EST

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A Black woman wearing a bright orange shirt and red pants applies makeup in a mirror. Below text reads: Painted. — The act of painting our faces is far from trivial. The history and culture of products like red lipstick and blue eyeshadow tell us a lot about power and politics.

Anita applies herself to learning the fascinating history of her favorite item of makeup: bold red lipstick. Experts and aficionados tell her about influencers who have shaped makeup throughout history, from Rosie the Riveter to Rihanna, and how the cosmetics industry has evolved over time.

Meet the Guests:

Rae Nudson, the author of "All Made Up: The Power and Pitfalls of Beauty Culture from Cleopatra to Kim Kardashian," takes us through the history of products like bold red lipstick and blue eyeshadow
Dawn Mitchell, a licensed cosmetologist, talks about the history of inclusivity in the makeup industry and why she founded her own beauty and skincare line Pretty Till Dawn
Natasha Noir Nightly, an activist and the winner of the Miss Blue Ridge Pride 2018, shares her makeup philosophy and the technique behind her signature look as a bearded drag queen

Read the transcript | Review the podcast

Tags

Embodied Podcast Embodied Podcast Makeup Cosmetics Diversity Inclusion

Kaia Findlay

Kaia Findlay is a producer for Embodied, WUNC's weekly, live talk show on health, sex and relationships. Kaia first joined the WUNC team in 2020 as a producer for The State of Things.

See stories by Kaia Findlay

Audrey Smith

Audrey Smith is a writer, educator, and temporary producer of "Embodied" based in Greensboro, NC. She holds a Master's degree in Secondary English Language Arts Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2018) and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Nonfiction Writing from Oregon State University (2021).

See stories by Audrey Smith

Anita Rao

Anita Rao is an award-winning journalist and the host and creator of "Embodied," a weekly radio show and podcast about sex, relationships & health. She's also the managing editor of WUNC's on-demand content.

See stories by Anita Rao

Sponsored by Weaver Street Market

Embodied Transcripts

Read episode transcripts for the Embodied podcast.

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ABOUT ANITA RAO

Anita Rao is an award-winning journalist and the host and creator of "Embodied," a live, weekly radio show and seasonal podcast about sex, relationships & health. She's also the managing editor of WUNC's on-demand content.

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MEET THE TEAM

Amanda Magnus

Editor, "Embodied" / Lead Producer, On Demand Content
Kaia Findlay

Producer, "Embodied"
Audrey Smith

Producer, "Embodied"

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Embodied Radio Show

Sex and relationships are intimate — and sometimes intimidating to talk about. Host Anita Rao guides us on an exploration of our brains and our bodies that touches down in taboo territory. Tune in on your radio dials Fridays at noon.

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