The Strange Lipstick Secret of Early TV News

Why Female Anchors Wore Dark Lipstick On Black And White Television:

When television first arrived in American homes during the 1940s and 1950s, viewers only saw the world in shades of gray. 

This black and white technology created unexpected challenges for everyone who appeared on screen, especially female news anchors and TV personalities. 

One of the most surprising solutions involved something you might never expect: green and black lipstick.

The Science Behind The Screen:

Black and white television cameras worked differently than modern color cameras. They captured light and converted it into electrical signals that created images on TV screens. 

However, these early cameras had trouble with certain colors. Red lipstick, which looked beautiful in person, appeared as a light gray or even white on television screens. 

This made female anchors' lips nearly invisible or gave them a washed-out appearance that looked unprofessional.

Television producers and makeup artists quickly discovered that darker colors translated better on camera. 

Green lipstick, which might look odd in real life, appeared as a natural-looking dark shade on black and white screens. 

Black lipstick also worked well, creating definition around the mouth area that viewers could clearly see.

The Daily Routine Of Early TV Stars:

Female television personalities had to completely change their beauty routines for their on-screen appearances. 

Before going on air, they would apply these unusual lipstick colors along with specially formulated makeup designed for television. 

The makeup was often much heavier and more dramatic than what they would wear in everyday life.

These women also had to consider their clothing choices carefully. Certain patterns and colors that looked fine in person could cause problems on camera. 

White clothing often appeared too bright and could cause a glare effect, while some patterns created a distracting visual effect called "strobing."

Behind The Scenes Challenges:

The transition between their on-camera appearance and real life could be shocking. 

Female anchors often had to remove their television makeup immediately after broadcasts to avoid strange looks from the public. 

Some kept regular lipstick in their purses to reapply before leaving the studio.

This period also highlighted the extra effort female broadcasters had to put into their appearance compared to their male colleagues. 

While men could often appear on camera with minimal makeup adjustments, women had to master an entirely different beauty routine just to look normal on television.

When Color Changed Everything:

The introduction of color television in the 1960s gradually eliminated the need for green and black lipstick. 

Female anchors could finally wear natural red and pink shades that looked appropriate both on camera and in person. 

This technological advancement freed them from one of the more unusual requirements of early television broadcasting.

The Legacy Lives On In Modern Broadcasting:

Today's television makeup artists still use some principles learned during the black and white era. 

They understand how different colors and makeup techniques translate on camera, though modern technology has made the process much more forgiving. 

The strange lipstick choices of early female anchors remind us how much television technology has evolved and how creative people had to be to make it work.