Let's Create a Lipstick Using Cochineal! 

So a little more history on geisha’s! Technically they were not prostitutes. It’s true that in the Edo period of Japan prostitution was legal however it required special licenses. Once a trainee (maiko) became a geisha she was strictly forbidden to hold such licenses. What you’re referring to was called an oiran, a very high ranking intelligent sexual courtesan. They were also trained in the art of dance, song, games and entertainment like a geish. But those two are mutually exclusive. Geisha actually derived their style of dress in part from orians due to being considered the crème of the creme in beauty. Eventually men started to dress in such a way that mimicked them but they were exclusively trained in song and dance and eventually the profession was taken over by women. A lot of people confuse the two because back after WWII many of the soldiers could obviously not speak Japanese. They called every single woman who had white face paint, or wore a red kimono a geisha. But to be a geisha, it is a far lengthier and more detailed process. Mizuage was practiced but it was not as common and could get an okiya shut down if it wasn’t hush hush. If a geisha did have sexual relations with a guest she did so knowing it was going to be her retirement and often married the one she had sex with. So technically geishas weren’t prostitutes, they were called orian if they engaged in sexual activity with clients.

"I couldn't find my strainer, so I used a wig cap" is the most iconic thing I've ever heard. 😂 Ma'am the legacy you are building, I love it so much!

I was watching a woman who actually harvests these parasites and she was talking about how her family had been doing it for decades but the rise in vegan products has significantly decreased the demand for get to do thus and it's made it difficult to continue the tradition so I appreciate the lesson in this resource and in happy to learn more

You’re so cool. You’re like a beauty science teacher 😭😍

I don't think I've ever been interested in the history of make up until I found your channel. Thanks for sharing so much history, love, and passion about make up!

If you started a cosmetic line selling products inspired by vintage makeup, or made using ancient recipes, i think it would be a hit!!

The fact it's a parasite is such an odd concept but not surprising. I think as long as the workers are being paid and treated well, I'd be okay with wearing a bug. I do wish makeup companies were more transparent about the ingredients and where they are sourced. Can't wait for more videos!

Erin:"Well I'm not a chemist but..." Also Erin: *does a bunch of cool chemistry shit* 😂❤

The amount of work and education it takes to make one of your videos does not go unnoticed!!! Really enjoyed it

I'm mexican, and i have seen the living parasite vibing in the prikling pears, we call it grana cochinilla in my state, it's so cool hearing you speak about it

I love the history behind all the makeup! Thank you for all you do for us!

Hi! Im from Mexico and i absolutely love your videos! Is so nice to see someone using cohinel without being disgusted by it! Fun fact im an entomologist as well

I’ve been watching RU-vid as my main form of entertainment for over 10 years and you have really been such a great new find for me. Every single video you post is so well done in every aspect

I don't really wear makeup, but one thing I LOVE is lipstick! I learned about this bug in a college biology class, and it doesn't bother me at all to eat, drink, or wear bugs especially since it is a parasite. It's probably one of the safest products used in foods, as I learned in my class. Your videos are fascinating, beauty and science and history all in one! Look forward to your next video.

For me it’s a no brainer, the carmine is stunning! Wouldn’t bother me to have bugs in my makeup. They fly into it all the time during summer nights anyways already! Lol

I'm Mexican so I knew a few things about cochineal, but I'm impressed how deep you get into the makeup history, thank you so much to make this video 💄💋

I don't usually wear makeup these days but I do enjoy watching videos about it occasionally. But your channel? How you mix history and even science with makeup, and how your videos always so well researched and incredibly educational, I LOVE IT. Thanks for your amazing content!

Holy hell that painting of the Duke of Essex is incredible - the red is practically glowing! You may already know this but there is fantastic book about the history of cochineal called "A Perfect Red" - really engaging reading!

I’m a grown male with no interest in makeup but I find your channel and yourself so engaging and interesting!

I remember the uproar over carmine in the Starbucks drink and being like … y’all never heard of carmine? Not sure how I knew because chemistry is so not my subject but I thought it was common knowledge. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I love how you presented this and I adored your episode on Beautiful and Bothered! You’re so accomplished yet so humble. 💖💖💖

I really would love to see that 1930s formula with the cochineal!! Your vids are always so full of such interesting stuff Erin! Thanks for doing all the research!!

i’m a person of many micro interests , n i didn’t know vintage makeup was one of them until i watched you. i’m obsessed with how obsessed you are and how knowledgeable you are and i feel like i’m learning without all the bore that comes with learning. plsss make more videos, i love it here.

Erin has extremely quicly became my fav makeup youtuber not only for the makeup itself but the history and her research is amazing and really cool to wach and learn

You make me actually want to wear make up. I just wish my skin wasn't so overly sensitive to everything. But my goodness, everything about you is amazing and the way you talk to the audience and educate them (us?) is so soothing. Completely 100% I love it.

You are quite possibly the most enjoyable person on the planet!! Your knowledge of makeup is just incredible!!! I could watch you forever!!!! ❤

If women in the past died for beauty -- looking at you lead based EVERYTHING -- I think I can bear wearing bugs on my lips. Wonderful video as always!

The titanium dioxide turning the lipstick lilac totally makes sense, it's a super strong white pigment! But not having it at all might be what caused the patchiness, since it probably cotributes a lot to the opaqueness of the lipstick... so interesting that that ammount barely dilluted the carmine pigment but def did it with your pigment.

I wrote a paper in High School on the history of makeup, so I’ve been in love with the subject for a long time. You are the patron saint of coolness Ms Parsons, truly enjoy your content!

Your style is quite beautiful, and you have this unique aura. I hope to have the confidence you have in your enjoyments 🖤

Every video (all your content, really) you release is a hit!! So refreshing to have a real professional in the online makeup space

Oh hell yes! Always love a longer video from you and always learn so much! Btw you look absolutely stunning with the blonde hair!

I heard of cochineal previously because of an article about its use in Campari. It was very interesting. The purple-ish powder looks like the Princess Pat blush you have from the 1920's.

Now THIS is the makeup/history content that we all need! Another amazing video 😘😘

Erin, I don't know how you do it. I'm not particularly interested in beauty, science OR history, but this video was SO MUCH FUN! The way you combine these three topics along with your delivery, passion and charisma makes your content so unique, educational, and truly a joy to watch. ♥

I'm always so very excited when I see a notification from you Erin. Your content fills my little heart with joy. I usually prefer cruelty free products, but I'm not opposed to the use of carmine, especially considering that it's in some of my favourite lipsticks. So excited for your upcoming content. To say I'm an Erin Parsons fan is an understatement. You are beautiful inside and out and I absolutely adore you. Lots of love, Anna (UK)

It's always a treat to watch your videos. So wonderfully made and spoken so well on top of the Information given? It's a no brainer to click and watch. Please continue making videos. They are such a treat, a luxury even, to watch and enjoy this content. Love the combo of beauty, science, and history!

I remember learing about cochineal when Hourglass created a red pigment that was supposed to be revolutionary for being a perfect carmine dupe without using insects

Wow Erin, this looks amazing! 😍 Now I need to try making my own carmine… I’m dreaming about using different amounts of base to get different final colours 🤔 Thank you so much for sharing my book ❤❤❤

I’d really rather use the cocoineal lipstick base bugs or not. . I’ve ALWAYS put on lipstick before I even answered the door! Thank you for encouraging us all to use these reds remembering the timeless love affair we’ve all had with the color. You’re amazing.

You are the perfect example of someone who has taken their career to a higher level. As an artist and creative myself - I truly appreciate all your hard work and the copious amounts of in depth research that makes your channel so fascinating. You are so natural in front of the camera, as well. (you have a soothing speaking voice - which is another bonus) - Love your channel!

How interesting! I love love love historical cosmetic stories. Thank you so much for bringing this to us. And, I couldn’t care less that there are bugs in the product. Lol

Beautiful Iconic Erin, you never cease to amaze us. Who needs History books when we have you? This is so cool!

As a kid in the 1970s (UK), I remember the little bottles of red food colouring for cakes and frosting, etc. actually being called Cochineal. Now whether that was the actual name on the label, or just what my mother referred to it as I cannot be sure.

You're my new favorite channel ❤! I've watched all your videos over and over, especially to sleep (You have a peaceful ambiance if that makes sense. 😅) Thanks for taking us down these rabbit holes with you.

This was fascinating! Perfectly researched and executed once again! I would definitely love to see that dark purple color with a different base. Honestly, the light purple was also kind of fun too! You can pull off any color it seems. You're a gorgeous canvas for makeup science! ❤

Thank you for the history,so many people are quick to judge and jump on the bandwagon, you're bueatiful and your love and passion really shows❤

Love your channel! Love the science and history you tell and use in your episodes! ❤🥰💋

I loved this. After watching your video, I went on a rabbit hole of research and found out how the bugs were harvested, produced, etc. This was fascinating.

Omg I love this. I'm Mexican and my color is a nice tan and I've never been able to find a red that fits me. I usually go for the darker one you created!! That's one..... OMGGG!!! LOVEEEE!!❤❤

I hope you start your own makeup brand and make a lipstick line with lanolin as an ingredient and all of these gorgeous colors! I’m a lipstick junkie but my dry lips keep my options limited. 💜❤

Girllll you really just be doing anything and i'm so here for it!! Like you're such a slayy. I also love that you explained the colonial history behind it and credited indigenous people 🪶🧡

Absolutely love how you get into the topic immediately caught my attention immediately and not all the unnecessary fluff at the beginning of the video. It helps my adhd brain

This was so fuuuun! Felt like I was at a class I would pay to go to at my cultural center 😄 such rich history and hands on amazingness ❤

i swear you deserve sm more viewers!! these vids are so entertaining and educating! and i LOVE the lipstick!!

I hit this video's like button because the amount of work, money, time, energy, and thinking this woman gave to this video is jaw-dropping

You’re the best professor! I love taking make-up 101 with you! ❣️

Is it weird that I am beginning to feel like these makeup history videos are giving me a Tasting History vibe? I love it!

I bought my jar of cochineal from a company in Vancouver BC, and I have 2 of the carmine powders from TKB. They've been sitting with all my soap and candle supplies, now I know how to use it. I also have Marie's book, the formulations and descriptions she has are fanatstic. I really enjoy watching your videos, they are educational and fun.

Erin! This was absolutely fascinating and thanks for introducing me to Humblebee's youtube too! ♥

The two colors mixed were perfect on any skin tone ❤

I want to rewatch this video a thousand times!!! I love it so so much ❤❤❤ I personally do not mind cochineal in any of my products, I don’t need a lipstick to be vegan, I need it to work, to last, to be stunning ✨✨✨ Erin you are the best🙌🏼

I love your channel! I have always been fascinated by history and interested in making my own cosmetics. You have insppired me in many ways, including making my own compact inspired by vintage design. I think that using a renewable resource that has obviously not been harmed by the trade over all this time sounds like a wonderful idea. I am going to have to give this a try at home myself!!

This was definitely, by far, the most glamorous and interesting science class that I've ever sat through. I enjoyed learning about the history and seeing the different shades of red that you created. Edit: If you do make other lipstick formulas I hope that you film it and share it with us.

I love that it’s a bug!!! That means it comes from the earth and will go straight back to the earth!!!

Woww, it was so interesting

I really love the way you put music in the background of your videos that match the vibe, and the way you explain everything clearly is so amazing!!!

Neat!! The variation in shades is amazing. The history of pigment is fascinating stuff

you are genuinely my favorite person on youtube i get so excited for any content you put out. i talk about you to everyone i know to the point its probably annoying. thanks for being you ! you inspire me so much and i appreciate you more than you could know. wishing you the best ~

That is the bloodiest blood red I've ever seen...like, this should be the fake blood in horror flicks. It's SO believable 😍 also I just realized you're so close to 1M followers!! ❤

I bloody love you and your videos. They are such a treat, Erin! And also I love that you used a wig cap as a filter. Because it's always about the glamour, darling 💜

She rocks every look

I just love learning the history behind these things 🥰 I've gained so much knowledge watching your channel, thank you so much for all you do ❤️

Erin- FABULOUS! Keep em coming. This is the content I live for! Please look into the arsenic green of the 1800s - DON'T RECREATE IT 😂I'm sure you know all about it. It's my favorite color and the history of it is frightening but still absolutely fascinating. talk about an eyeshadow color to die for.

The way you teach us the history of makeup is amazing!!!

Yes, I have no issues using carmine. Jane Airedale uses it in her makeup line.

Thank you for embracing long form content. I’ve really been enjoying it ❤️

As long as I look amazing, it doesn't matter if my lipstick has bugs in it or not. I am still alive 😂! I am really happy that I found your videos 😊!

LOVE how those pigments and lipsticks turned out!

My God - you are the makeup queen!! The knowledge you have blows my mind. I love the colors you made! I can honestly say bugs don’t bother me. Its not like they just crush them & add them in the end- you wont be eating crunchy bugs. I am not bothered by the bugs. I’d rather have natural over chemicals every day.

More knowledge has been sent to me, knowing how these lipsticks are made. Love to know! ❤️

I'm just now watching a short film from Warner bros in 1937. A musical, about 15 minutes, technicolor, but the great thing is that they show an actress being made up in the studio makeup dept. The techniques are just as you say. Tons of Rouge, brushed on lipstick, and they show them putting on false eyelashes. Must see

i discovered your channel through shorts but i’ve become obsessed with your long form videos!! something about the way you present your videos is totally captivating but also relaxing. anyways, i think i’ve found a new passion in vintage makeup🫶

Historically most everything has not been “vegan” or “cruelty free”, that whole thing is a relatively new phenomenon, perhaps from the 1960’s and influenced by artsy fartsy eastern philosophy. The truth is that in nature everything consumes something else to exist, there’s no shame in that, the shame would be in wasting or taking more than you need.

I'm so entranced every time i watch your videos. I dont know if its the way you speak, the subject matter, or how you edit the video in such a concise and organized way, I love every second and always look forward to the next one!

I don't care if my makeup, or even food, contains cochineal. It's a much better alternative to toxic dyes.The dark purple lipstick looks stunning! Hope the 1930s recipe has a better consistency because the color is great.

Your homemade red with the carmine is the most beautiful red/burgundy color I’ve ever seen in a lipstick. That is truly a red that anyone can wear. I love, love, love your channel. Thank you for sharing your passion for makeup, science, and history with us. Those three things are my favorite things to learn about.❤

WE LOVE WOMEN IN STEM BABY!!!

This is channel what all true makeup enthusiast needed for so many years. No bs about new Natasha Denona boring pallets, being painted by boyfriends dog or irrelevant blabbering why ABH is in declaim. You are true makeup guru!

@2:00 geishas are not prostitutes

Can't believe how fast your channel is growing! Been here since the Marilyn Monroe lipstick video, so thankful to youtube for recommending your channel to me 😍

I find the history of cochineal really fascinating. I actually think we should be more open to have it in makeup because it would support farmers' incomes (especially farmers that live in climates with prickly pear). I'm on board! Also, you're absolutely incredible and I adore your videos!

I get so excited every time you post new content!!! You are such a brilliant, creative and talented human! Thank you for sharing your love of not only makeup itself but the origins and history of where it started. So fascinating!!

I’ve mainly thought of animal cruelty associated with cosmetics as bunnies and rodents being tested on in labs with hair dye and lipstick but I never really considered. I’d definitely prefer to use cruelty free and vegan makeup because there are plenty of cosmetics that don’t involve animals that can look the same as ones that do. Kinda funny that ships would be robbed if they had red pigments.

I love how that red makes your eyes POP! gorgeous colours all round mate

considering cochineal is natural and has been used for thousands of years i'd much prefer it in my products over something synthetic and potentially harmful. awsome video! would love to see an update with a 1930s formula!!

such a amazing video! I loved it! I would like to see how both carmine would look in a lipstick together, I really love those wine reds and its such a fun to mix up colors!

As soon as you said "It's a parasite" I was like "nope get rid of them make them into lipstick. Parasites must go....period" and all that work was not put to waste also after you mentioned it creates more jobs I just became more supportive

This is amazing!!!! I am a history teacher and love this history of make up. Congratulation!!!! I love it

i love how you give the history of this pigment. Its so facinating

FASCINATING! I love your history of different makeup and how it was used.