Lipstick & Nail Polish

Montezuma Red

LIPSTICK & NAIL POLISH

In December 1942, before the public knew the Marines were to enlist women into the Corps, a civilian clothing expert, Anna A. Lentz was asked to design uniforms for the future "Women Reserves". The WRs were activated February 13, 1943; Mrs. Lentz was so impressed she joined and became the very first female sworn-in. The serge forest green uniforms were made out of the same material used for the men and was styled with a man-tailored jacket, a six gore skirt and matching visored bell-crowned hat trimmed with a bright red cord.

During this time the Elizabeth Arden Cosmetic Company was asked to research and develop a formula red lipstick and nail polish to match the red cord. Honoring the Marines-the "Halls of Montezuma" became the nucleus to name the new red color -"Montezuma Red" by coordinating with the hat cord and chevrons for the forest green uniforms.

Upon completion of the new WR area at Camp LeJeune, NC, Claire (Weis) Cummings was assigned as Steward of the WR Service Club that had one wing as a beauty salon using all Elizabeth Arden products. Miss Arden, founder and owner of the cosmetic company, came to tour the WR Service Club and salon during the 1943 opening.

Source: Book; “Women Marines Association - Volume III”; Turner Publishing Company, Nashville, TN; 2007

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