Red Lippy May activities for care homes: Simple dementia friendly ideas

There’s something quietly powerful about a swipe of red lipstick.

It’s not really about the lipstick…

it’s about how it makes someone feel.

That moment when someone looks in the mirror and smiles. The memory it might bring back. The confidence it can gently rebuild.

And that’s exactly why Red Lippy May is such a meaningful opportunity for care home activity coordinators across the UK.

What is Red Lippy May?

Red Lippy May is a UK campaign that encourages people to wear red lipstick to raise awareness of dementia and start conversations. This year, it also offers a fundraising opportunity for care homes, helping to create more opportunities for residents to take part in purposeful, meaningful and enjoyable activities.

In a care home setting, Red Lippy May becomes something more.

It becomes a simple way to support meaningful, dementia-friendly activities that help residents:

• feel like themselves

• share memories

• connect with others

  
  

Why Red Lippy May works so well in care homes

Many residents will remember a time when getting ready was part of everyday life.

Going out meant:

• choosing an outfit

• doing your hair

• applying lipstick

• having one last look in the mirror

  
  

For some, lipstick wasn’t just make-up.

It was:

• confidence

• routine

• part of who they were

  
  

For older people living with dementia, these familiar routines can feel comforting and reassuring.

That’s why Red Lippy May care home activities work so well.

Simple, familiar, and easy to adapt.

Red Lippy May activity ideas for care homes

Let’s keep this simple and doable.

You don’t need a big event - just small, thoughtful moments.

1. Getting ready together

Set up a calm space with:

• mirrors

• brushes

• gentle skincare

• a range of lipsticks (not just red)

  
  

Residents can:

• apply make-up

• watch

• chat

• or simply sit nearby

  
  

For some, just watching can be meaningful.

Some men, in particular, may remember sitting with their wives as they got ready to go out. Being part of that moment again, even quietly, can feel familiar and comforting.

Slow this down.

This is about the experience, not getting it right.

You might ask:

• “Did you have a favourite lipstick?”

• “Where did you like to go when you dressed up?”

• “Did you enjoy getting ready to go out?”

2. Lipstick and memories chat

Use lipstick as a starting point for conversation.

You might hear stories about:

• dances

• weddings

• first dates

• nights out

• work routines

  
  

Not everyone will relate to wearing lipstick, and that’s important to recognise.

Some residents may remember:

• partners getting ready

• waiting to go out

• special occasions they shared

  
  

You’re gently encouraging residents to share parts of their life, in whatever way feels natural to them.

3. Red Lippy photo opportunity

Create a simple photo space:

• a chair

• a mirror

• a soft background

• a few accessories

  
  

Residents can choose to:

• wear lipstick

• hold one

• or simply take part in their own way

Some may enjoy being part of a shared photo - sitting with others, chatting, or just being included in the moment.

Always check consent and keep things respectful.

Photos can be lovely to share with families.

4. Involving the team

Invite colleagues to take part too.

They might:

• wear red lipstick

• join in the activity or help run it.

• or simply spend time alongside residents

  
  

Some of the most meaningful moments come from these shared experiences - sitting together, chatting, remembering, or even just being present.

It helps create an atmosphere where everyone feels included.

5. Alternative Red Lippy care home activities

Not everyone will want to take part and that’s okay.

Offer other options:

• hand massage

• listening to familiar music

• sitting nearby and observing

Being included doesn’t always mean being active.

You don’t need to organise a big event. You don’t need everyone to join in.

You don’t need it to be perfect.

Focus on:

• how it feels

• giving people choice

• creating small moments of connection

  
  

Being included doesn’t always mean actively joining in.

Sometimes, just being there - watching, listening, or sharing a moment is enough.

Supporting wellbeing using the HELPS™ Framework

Red Lippy May fits naturally into this approach to meaningful activities in care homes:

• H – Histories: memories of getting ready and social life

• E – Experiences: sensory and emotional moments

• L – Lifestyles: daily routines from the past

• P – Preferences: personal style and choices

• S – Strengths: independence and self-expression

It’s a simple idea, but it supports a lot.

Small moments matter

It’s easy to overlook something like lipstick.

But small things can:

• lift someone’s mood

• start a conversation

• bring back a memory

• help someone feel more like themselves

  
  

And that’s what meaningful care home activities are all about.

If you include Red Lippy May in your May activity planning, please share your ideas in the comments below - I’d love to hear what you’re doing.