National Lipstick Day is here, and beauty lovers across the country are stocking up on their favorite shades. Falling every year on July 29, the day is one of the most anticipated dates on the beauty calendar, bringing exclusive discounts, free gifts, and a fun excuse to try a bold new color. This year, National Lipstick Day lands on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, and major retailers and brands are already rolling out their promotions.
When Is National Lipstick Day 2026?
National Lipstick Day is observed on July 29 every single year, regardless of which day of the week it falls on. In 2026, that date falls on a Wednesday. Because the date is fixed rather than tied to a specific weekday, it’s easy to mark on your calendar year after year. Some retailers, including Ulta Beauty, treat it as more of a week-long celebration, extending deals in the days leading up to and following July 29 rather than limiting them to a single day.
Who Started National Lipstick Day?
National Lipstick Day was founded in 2016 by Huda Kattan, the makeup artist, beauty blogger, and entrepreneur behind the global cosmetics brand Huda Beauty. Kattan created the day to celebrate the cultural power of lipstick and to encourage people to embrace self-expression through color. She was later officially recognized as the modern-day founder of the observance through a proclamation from National Day Calendar’s Registrar. Since its founding, the day has grown into one of the busiest shopping moments in the beauty industry, with brands large and small using it to launch new shades and offer limited-time deals.
The Surprisingly Long History of Lipstick
While the modern “National Lipstick Day” is a relatively recent invention, lipstick itself has a history that stretches back thousands of years:
- Ancient Sumerians are believed to be among the first to wear lip color, crushing gemstones to decorate their lips, eyes, and faces more than 5,000 years ago.
- Ancient Egypt and Greece also had early forms of lip color, including berry-derived dyes worn by courtesans in Greece.
- Ancient China saw lipstick made from beeswax.
- 16th-century England brought a dramatic look into fashion, with bright white faces and deep crimson lips popularized by Queen Elizabeth I.
- 1770: British Parliament reportedly attempted to ban lipstick, calling it a trick used to lure men into marriage.
- Lipstick was also historically linked to witchcraft accusations and, at times, contained poisonous ingredients.
- Famous wearers and moments include actress Sarah Bernhardt sparking scandal by applying lip rouge in public, and Winston Churchill reportedly believing lipstick boosted morale among women during World War II.
From ancient rituals to modern runways, lipstick has remained a lasting symbol of confidence, rebellion, and self-expression across cultures.
How to Celebrate National Lipstick Day 2026
There’s no wrong way to celebrate, but here are some popular ways beauty fans mark the day:
- Wear your favorite shade — bold, bright, sheer, or dark, all lipstick lovers are welcome to celebrate.
- Try a new color you’ve been eyeing but haven’t picked up yet.
- Shop the sales at your favorite beauty retailers and brands.
- Share your look on social media using hashtags like #NationalLipstickDay and #NationalLipstickDay2026.
- Support independent and clean beauty brands that make lip products with ethically sourced ingredients.
Where to Find National Lipstick Day Deals in 2026
Retailers and cosmetics brands typically go all out for this occasion, and 2026 is no exception. Expect to see:
- Sephora and Ulta Beauty offering discounts across popular lipstick, gloss, and liner brands, often timed close to other major sales like Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty and Sephora’s One-Day Deals.
- MAC Cosmetics known for free gift-with-purchase promotions around the holiday in past years.
- Fenty Beauty and NARS Cosmetics typically featuring special bundles or limited-edition shades on their bestselling lipsticks.
- Lancôme offering markdowns on lip makeup, including lipsticks, glosses, and liners.
- Clean and independent beauty brands, such as RMS Beauty, releasing curated lip collections built around skin-friendly, organic ingredients.
- Macy’s and other department stores also historically participating with lipstick discounts and freebies.
Because promotions can change year to year and store to store, beauty shoppers are encouraged to sign up for retailer emails, check store apps, and follow favorite brands on social media to catch deals as soon as they go live.
Why National Lipstick Day Matters
Beyond the sales, National Lipstick Day has become a moment to celebrate what lipstick represents for many people: confidence, individuality, and creative self-expression. For some, a great lipstick is the one non-negotiable makeup item in their routine. The day also shines a light on smaller and ethical beauty brands, encouraging shoppers to explore options beyond the big-name cosmetics giants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is National Lipstick Day 2026? National Lipstick Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Q: Who founded National Lipstick Day? It was founded in 2016 by Huda Kattan, the entrepreneur and makeup artist behind Huda Beauty.
Q: Is National Lipstick Day only in the United States? It is most widely observed in the United States, but it is increasingly celebrated by beauty fans and brands internationally.
Q: What deals can I expect on National Lipstick Day? Discounts and promotions typically come from retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Macy’s, and brands like MAC, Fenty Beauty, NARS, and Lancôme, though exact offers vary each year.
Whatever shade you reach for this year, don’t forget to share your look — drop a comment with your go-to lipstick, and stay tuned for more beauty updates all year round!