“It’s not just for style—red lipstick might save your life.” A former flight attendant revealed a surprising reason behind that iconic red lip 💄✈️ Curious what it’s really for? Find out in the article 👇📘
You might think red lipstick is just part of the polished, professional look of a flight attendant — but one former crew member says there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Heather Poole, who spent two decades working for a major U.S. airline, shared an unexpected insight in her memoir: red lipstick isn’t just about style — it may actually serve a practical purpose during in-flight emergencies.
According to Poole, the bright color helps passengers clearly see and understand lip movements when flight attendants are giving instructions, especially in high-stress situations like cabin depressurization, when verbal communication can be difficult. In loud or chaotic environments, well-defined lip movements can make a difference.
Some airlines, like Emirates, even make red lipstick part of their official grooming standards. New hires are trained not only in safety and service but also in how to apply makeup, including the perfect red lip.
However, not everyone in the industry agrees with this explanation. Sydney Anistin, a long-time flight attendant with over 20 years of experience, says she was never told lipstick had any safety function. “For me, it’s always just been a part of the look,” she says.
The divide likely comes down to differences in airline policies. Carriers like Emirates have very strict appearance guidelines, while many Western airlines give employees more freedom with their uniform and makeup choices.
Still, even if not all airlines enforce the red lipstick rule for safety, the idea that it could help in an emergency adds an interesting twist. So next time you board a plane and see a flight attendant’s perfectly painted red lips, remember — there might be more to that polished smile than simple style.
